The term vulvodynia means pain or discomfort at the entranceway to the vagina.
The vulva is the external genitalia in women. The skin of the vulva can be quite sensitive. Because it is moist and frequently subjected to friction while sitting and moving, this area can be easily irritated.
Characteristics of Vulvodynia may vary from one woman to the next, what is very certain is that there is usually pain and possible burning of the vulva. The level of pain can change from mild to severe.
What causes vulvodynia?
Western medicine is still uncertain as to the cause of vulvodynia. One theory is that vulvodynia can be caused by oxalates.
Oxalate is an organic chemical that is found in many foods, especially those of plant origin. It is also a by-product of some metabolic processes in the body.
Oxalates (in the blood in the form of free oxalic acid) are ordinarily filtered by the kidneys into the urine, and eliminated from the body. If the kidneys do not filter fast enough, oxalates can form crystals that develop into painful kidney stones.
If the concentration of oxalates in the urine is too high, microscopic crystals can form in the bladder. Some cases of vulvodynia have been linked to microscopic oxalate crystals that irritate the nerves in the urethra.
Which foods are high in Oxalate?
The most problematic foods are nuts; citrus fruits; wheat products; tea; cocoa products; spices such as ginger, pepper, and cinnamon; soy and peanut products; and tomatoes. For a complete and detailed list on foods that are low, moderate or high in oxalates, please follow this link.
How can Chinese Medicine help?
From the Eastern point of view, the root cause behind this condition may vary from one woman to the next, so differential diagnosis is essential for each woman. Two women with the same diagnosis may have completely different dis-harmonies, so treatment is very unique to the patient’s personal body care.
Once we come up with a diagnosis we will recommend a series of acupuncture treatments and more than likely a course of herbal remedies to help your body come back to a healthy balance.
Do I have to live with this pain forever?
Definitely not!!! Here are some tips and resources:
* Take “moon baths” and allow the Yin energy of the moon to nourish your whole body!
* Explore Acupuncture and Herbal formulas to restore balance.
* Follow a low oxalate diet for at least one month. Click here for low oxalate foods recipes!.
Would you like to search for specific foods on a pdf chart?. Please, click here* Explore with Calcium Citrate supplements, which work by increasing the solubility of oxalates in the urine. This article may help you asses whether this approach is the right one for you.
* Follow these Self- Care practices recommendations which may help you reduce pain and inflammation.
* ALWAYS follow your own inner guidance to make the healthiest choices for your Body and Soul!
References:
– The Vulvar Pain Foundation
– Vulvodynia, Oxalates, and Diet by J. Byron for med-owl.com
– The low Oxalate Diet. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
– Seek Wellness.
– The home of the Oxalate Diet: http://www.lowoxalate.info/
Healing Cycles 
Thanks for publishing this resource. I hope you have helped many women on their healing journey.Thanks to the Vulvar Pain Foundation, I have been following a low oxalate diet for almost twenty years and although not pain-free, am greatly improved.
Thank you for your comment and for inspiring others to try and possibly follow the low oxalate diet approach. Wish you health and joy!
Yamin
I was diagnosed with vulvodynia when I was 20 and suffered for two years with little help from doctors. I recently developed a bartholin cyst and now my symptoms of vulvodynia have returned over the last two months. I am hoping to use this website and the low oxalate diet to put this at bay once again. I removed all the dairy from my diet and substituted with soy while nursing my son (who has a terrible intolerance to dairy). I think I may have just figured out one major key to my symptoms. Wish me luck and thank you for all the helpful information.
Dear Megan,
I am happy to hear that you are willing to explore the oxalate-free diet. I would also try and keep your body as alkaline as possible so as to reduce inflammation. Send me an e mail if you’d like me to share with you some recipes.
Good luck!
Yamin
I have been failed by the medical professionals. My fist biopsy 3 years ago showed rare Eocinophilic lesions. I was in horrendous pain. These were on my bladder. Now I am finding out I am struggling with oxidates, working on balance so trimg foods and Bragg Apple Cider vinegar. Now I am told I have vulvovidia. My immune system is shot. Had surgery 3 weeks ago burned lesions, but two, to dangerous so injected wit steroid and flooded my bladder with steroids.
Please I need help. This has stolen my quality of life 5 years befor in knowing.
Thank you so much….
Hello Anita,
I am sorry to hear that you are in pain. Do you live in Los Angeles? If you do, I suggest that we make an appointment so I can asses the condition. If you live in other City or State, I will look for a referral for you.
Wish you a beautiful day
Yamin
http://www.healingcycles.net
I live in Lexington KY…recently had surgery to remove Eosinophilic lesions from my bladder in hopes of relief. Received some do far “thank God”..Horrendous pain got years. I do believe what I still experience is Vulvar pain. I have researched Oxilates and this I believe to be a huge and major wake up call. The crystals discussed are right on target. Working on Oxilate diet but it is truly a work in progress. Just to learn of these informations is so important.
Can you help with further information?
Thank you
Anita Hill
does anyone have a throbbing feeling along with the pain? i have non stop pulsating 😦
This is great! If anyone is experiencing vulvodynia and would like to share their stories or learn even more about other treatment options check out my story and blog – http://apaininmypelvis.blogspot.ca/