Understanding Vulvodynia: What Texans Need to Know
Pain should never be the price of intimacy, but for many vulva-owners across Texas, it is.
If you’re experiencing burning, stinging, or irritation around your vulva that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with vulvodynia a chronic pain condition that’s more common than you think, and far too often misdiagnosed or dismissed.
As a sex therapist practicing here in Texas, I want to shed light on this often misunderstood condition, and more importantly, let you know that you are not alone, and there is help available.
What Is Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of the vagina (the vulva), lasting at least three months, without an identifiable cause. The pain can feel:
Burning
Stinging
Raw
Throbbing
Itchy
Sore to the touch
The pain can be constant or intermittent. It may occur only during specific activities like sex, tampon use, riding a bike, or even just sitting for too long. For some, it seems to come out of nowhere. For others, it may start after childbirth, a yeast infection, or a stressful life event.
How Common Is Vulvodynia?
Research suggests that as many as 1 in 7 people with vulvas will experience vulvodynia at some point in their lives—but many never receive a proper diagnosis. Here in Texas, I regularly speak to AFAB (assigned female at birth) clients who have been told:
“It’s all in your head.”
“Just relax and have a glass of wine.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
“There’s nothing wrong.”
Let me be clear: your pain is real, and you deserve to be heard and treated with respect.
What Causes Vulvodynia?
There’s no single cause of vulvodynia, which is part of what makes it so tricky to diagnose. It may involve:
Nerve hypersensitivity or inflammation
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
Hormonal changes
Previous infections (like yeast or bacterial vaginosis)
Stress or trauma (physical, emotional, or sexual)
In some cases, it overlaps with conditions like vaginismus, interstitial cystitis, or fibromyalgia.
Getting Diagnosed: What to Expect
If you suspect you have vulvodynia, your first step should be visiting a gynecologist who specializes in vulvar pain or a pelvic floor physical therapist. Here in Texas, you may need to be your own advocate.
You may receive:
A pelvic exam (possibly with a Q-tip test to identify pain locations)
Testing to rule out infections or skin conditions
A referral to a specialist in pelvic pain or sexual health
Pro tip: Bring a journal of your symptoms, questions, and even photos (if needed) to your appointment. Be clear and assertive, you are your best advocate.
Treatment Options
The good news? Vulvodynia is treatable. Treatment plans are usually multi-faceted and personalized, often including a combination of:
1. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
A physical therapist trained in pelvic health can help retrain tight or overactive muscles, release tension, and reduce pain during sex or everyday activities.
2. Topical Medications
This may include lidocaine ointments, estrogen creams (especially for post-menopausal clients), or compounded medications to calm irritated nerves.
3. Sex Therapy
That’s where I come in. As a sex therapist, I help clients navigate the emotional toll of chronic pain, improve communication with partners, and rebuild a positive, pressure-free relationship with their body and sexuality.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Trauma-Informed Therapy
Pain and anxiety are closely linked. Working through past traumas, stress, or negative beliefs about your body can significantly reduce pain levels.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments
Wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding scented soaps or detergents, and reducing friction can make a big difference.
Living with Vulvodynia in Texas: You’re Not Alone
Whether you’re in Austin, Houston, Dallas, Lubbock, or a small town in the Hill Country, you deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based care.
The silence around vulvodynia often leaves people feeling isolated, ashamed, or broken. I want you to know: you are not broken. You are resilient. And you are not alone.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're in Texas and struggling with vulvar pain or sexual distress, I offer virtual and in-person sessions to help you navigate your healing journey. My approach is gentle, collaborative, and rooted in empowerment. There’s no pressure, no shame—just a safe space to rediscover comfort, confidence, and connection.
📞 Contact Dara at (469) 269-5324
📧 Email: info@embodywellnesstherapy.com
🌐 Website: www.embodywellnesstherapy.com
