Laser Therapy for Vulvodynia (chronic vulva pain)

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain in the vulva, often experienced during sex, and considered to be the result of nerve damage from past sexual or emotional trauma, previous vaginal infections. The condition often related to hormone changes during perimenopause. It is estimated that 1:4 women will experience vulvodynia in their lifetime. The condition may be managed effectively with the use of Low Level Laser Therapy for Vulvodynia.

Low Level Laser Therapy is highly effective for both pain relief and tissue/nerve repair. Often, patients who have been in constant pain for many years, experience instant pain relief, which traditional medication has been unable to address. In our opinion and our experience of working with patients who experience pain, pain relief is probably the greatest single benefit of Photobiomodulation Therapy therapy. Unlike pharmaceutical methods, Low Level Laser rarely has any side effects.

How does Photobiomodulation Therapy work?

Laser Therapy for Vulvoldynia works at three fundamental levels. As we balance the lymphatic system and encourage the distribution of white blood cells to the necessary areas of the body for healing, endorphins are released into the blood stream. Furthermore, Laser Therapy for Vulvodynia stimulates production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and collagen, promotes nerve repair and fresh tissue growth, and raises Nitric Oxide levels to address pain.

Vulvodynia, along with many other painful conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuralgia, arthritis, chronic injuries, ulcers, post-operative wounds, are inflammatory conditions. Many patients report pain relief after Therapeutic Laser treatments, and often experience long term relief from pain thereafter.

Our approach to Therapeutic Laser for Vulvodynia

In our clinical work we recgnise two distinct types of vulvodynia.

Nerve related vuvoldynia, which appears to come from trauma to the pudendal nerve and/or irritation to the complex and highly sensitive network of nerves in the genital area, often seen in perimenopause as hormone levels change.
Skin related vulvodynia, which appears to happen after an infection such as candida. Biopsy of tissue can reveal a higher number of cytokines, indicating chronic inflammation long after the infection has resolved.

We choose Laser Therapy for Vulvodynia protocols dependent on the condition and the patient, placing the sensitivity of the patient as a priority. We often find that we can address the area without applying LLLT directly to where the pain is. Instead we work at strategic points, using wavelengths that optimise health in the entire area, to reduce inflammation and improve tissue integrity.

Who can receive Therapeutic Laser treatments

LLLT is effective for all skin shades as the light wavelengths are low power and do not create a thermal response. We treat people of all ages, and have worked with many different manifestations of vulvodynia.

Please note that all patients may bring a chaperone if they prefer to have someone with them during the session.

Courses of treatments for Vulvodynia

We recommend the following laser therapy for vulvodynia protocol:

First session to assess the condition and apply a low dosage of light wavelengths
Follow up of 5 further treatments at weekly intervals, during which we vary dosage depending on the individual.