Chronic vulvar pain that comes on without warning is something many women suffer from, but few receive proper treatment for. The culprit is often vulvodynia, a painful condition that is frequently misdiagnosed and misunderstood, which also makes it difficult to treat through conventional methods. Omega fatty acids, especially omega-3 DHA, have been shown to be an effective approach for finding relief from the pain associated with vulvodynia.
At Sibu, we believe that while modern medicine has an important place at the table, we also have nature as a bountiful resource of ways to support, nurture, and heal the body. Our signature ingredient, sea buckthorn, is one of the most powerful allies for women’s health.
The Silent Struggle of Vulvodynia
Many women experience random vulvar pain at some point in their lives. When this pain becomes chronic, whether it comes and goes or is persistent, vulvodynia is a likely cause.
It’s estimated that between 8% and 10% of women of all ages are affected by vulvodynia. However, so many women experience the symptoms of vulvodynia without ever seeking a diagnosis or treatment, making it difficult to know exactly how prevalent vulvodynia really is.
Vulvodynia is characterized by symptoms that include:
Burning
Rawness
Irritation
Pain
Sensitivity to pressure or touch
These symptoms can be widespread over the entire area of the vulva, or they may be more localized, affecting only a singular area. For some, the pain of vulvodynia occurs with specific stimuli or triggers, such as sitting, intercourse, or touching affected areas. For others, the condition is random and spontaneous, occurring without any known cause.
Vulvodynia symptoms generally last at least three months. Keep in mind that symptoms may be persistent or intermittent. It’s also not necessary to wait three months before contacting your doctor. If you notice any new pain in the vulvar area, it’s always worth a trip to the doctor to assess and rule out other causes.
Why Vulvodynia Is So Often Misdiagnosed
Vulvodynia remains largely underdiagnosed, which means many are suffering silently with the condition. This is due to combined factors, including both a lack of awareness on the part of health care providers and the fact that many never seek the medical care they need.
It’s frequently the case that many general practitioners lack the type of specialized gynecological knowledge required to recognize and properly diagnose the condition. Many of the symptoms of vulvodynia overlap with other, more common gynecological conditions.
This combines with a general lack of awareness, which stresses the importance of not only knowledge but also self-advocacy for those who are experiencing the symptoms of vulvodynia. Any time you are experiencing vulvar pain, it’s important to consult a gynecologist who has the knowledge to diagnose, treat, and answer your questions about this painful condition.
Solving the Mystery: What Causes Vulvodynia
Knowing what causes any medical condition is the first step in hopefully avoiding it, but in the case of vulvodynia, this isn’t so straightforward. Vulvodynia is considered to be a complex, or multifactorial, health issue. This means that there isn’t a single cause that has been identified. Instead, the cause may vary from woman to woman, or it may be caused by a number of different factors combined.
Currently, research suggests that the cause of vulvodynia could be one or more of the following:
Chronic inflammation
Autoimmune conditions
Nerve injury
Nerve hypersensitivity
Previous infections, including yeast infections
Trauma or injury to the vulvar region
Hormonal fluctuations
Genetics
While this list may seem somewhat random, there is one common thread among the majority of potential causes – inflammation.
Conventional Vs Complementary and Natural Approaches
Treatment for vulvodynia can take a couple of different approaches. If the cause is known, then the root cause can be appropriately treated. Otherwise, treatment is largely centered on providing pain relief, which can include topical anesthetics, over-the-counter pain medications, antispasmodics, and, in some cases, antidepressants to treat associated depression and anxiety.
In addition to this, pelvic floor therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are also sometimes prescribed to relieve the symptoms.
While these types of conventional treatments can help, they also often come with side effects. This is why so many people are turning to natural, holistic approaches that nourish and support the body in healing.
Natural approaches that work to reduce inflammation are important for easing the pain of vulvodynia. From autoimmune conditions and nerve hypersensitivity to vulvar trauma, inflammation plays a critical role.
Among the most important nutrients for calming inflammation is DHA omega-3.
Omega-3 DHA to the Rescue
Let’s talk about DHA. Known more formally as docosahexaenoic acid, DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that has become popular for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, DHA is more than just a trendy buzzword. Its ability to suppress inflammation is backed by science, making it important for calming chronic inflammation anywhere in the body – including vulvodynia.
Inflammation is often the silent culprit behind the scenes with vulvodynia. DHA omega-3 works in several ways to provide relief from the painful symptoms of vulvodynia.
Calms overactive nerve responses: Nerves are protected by membranes, which serve as a barrier and help to regulate nerve transmissions. When these membranes become weakened or damaged, it can lead to hypersensitivity. DHA helps to build and support the surrounding membranes, reducing nerve inflammation and sensitivity, while improving nerve signaling.
Reduces inflammatory pain: DHA works to regulate the body’s natural inflammatory response. This can help alleviate symptoms of vulvodynia, like burning, stinging, and persistent pain.
Supports cellular and tissue repair: Chronic inflammation can take a toll on delicate vulvar and vaginal tissues. Omega-3 DHA promotes cellular regeneration, helping to restore and heal tissues that may be affected by vulvodynia.
Where to Find DHA
DHA can be found naturally in some food sources, like fatty fish (salmon, sardines, and mackerel). It’s also found in some plant-based foods, including walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
However, it can be difficult to source a therapeutic amount of DHA from food sources alone. This is where supplementation enters the picture, but there are some things to be aware of.
Not all DHA is created equal. At Sibu, we source our DHA with the highest standards of purity, potency, and sustainability. Quality matters when it comes to supplements, but it’s especially important for omega-3 DHA. Low-quality DHA supplements can oxidize quickly, leading to a loss of potency, along with becoming rancid or introducing unwanted toxins into the body.
With Sibu, you never have to worry about this. For example, our Omega-7 Plus is formulated with a full range of pure omegas, including omega-3, 7, and 9. This is combined with our purest, most potent sea buckthorn oil blend for the perfect inflammation-fighting formula.
For women who are dealing with the pain and complexities of vulvodynia, omega fatty acids, including DHA, offer a gentle yet powerful approach to healing and symptom relief. Omega-3 doesn’t mask the symptoms of vulvodynia, like some conventional approaches. Instead, it works to solve the cause at its root.
Sea buckthorn is also a powerful ally for women’s health. As one of the world’s richest sources of omega-7 fatty acids, sea buckthorn supports feminine health by maintaining vaginal moisture, reducing inflammation, enhancing skin barrier function, repairing tissues, and improving elasticity.
Omega-3, combined with the power of sea buckthorn, is a proactive approach to long-term feminine wellness.
Healing and Empowerment Through Wellness for Women
Anyone living with vulvodynia knows that the pain is real and that it can deeply affect your quality of life. Healing from vulvodynia is possible, and you can support your body naturally during the process. For many women, inflammation plays a key role in the root cause of vulvodynia. High-quality omega-3 DHA support, combined with Sibu sea buckthorn, may hold the key to long-lasting relief.