For all women, the choice of absorbent solutions to adopt during the cycle is a matter that is not as simple and not as straightforward as it might seem. “And it becomes even more so in the case of suffering from vulvodinia, a complex and disabling condition, unfortunately still often poorly considered and diagnosed with great delay, when in fact it is precisely early diagnosis and an integrated approach that guarantee an improvement in patients’ quality of life,” comments Dr. Laura Mazzotta, a specialist in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, and Aesthetic Medicine in Ferrara.
“For women experiencing a problem of vulvodinia, the choice of absorbent methods is not a detail, but a real form of prevention: the tissues of the vulva, already sensitized, can in fact react badly to synthetic materials, fragrances and chemical glues, thus ending up aggravating the pain condition, which is often present constantly and even more intensely during the menstrual cycle phase.”
Tampons? Only natural
“For women who choose to use tampons during their cycle, the guideline to always strictly adhere to is to wear only 100% organic cotton tampons that are hypoallergenic and free of perfumes or chemical bleaches,” comments the expert. “Also important is to change them frequently so as to avoid as much as possible that the vulva remains in contact with moisture.”
Absorbent pads and panties
Tampons have the great advantage of being invisible and practical in many situations. Choosing to use them when suffering from vulvodinia is an entirely personal matter: indeed, there are women for whom pain prevents the insertion of the tampon and others who find benefit in not having tampons in contact with the vulva. “In any case, it is good to always choose cotton tampons, avoiding those made of synthetic materials,” comments Dr. Mazzotta. “Identical is the discourse for menstrual panties, briefs capable of acting as an external absorbent, which should always be chosen in models made of natural materials such as cotton or bamboo, breathable and with antibacterial and odor-resistant characteristics.” Menstrual panties have the virtue of always being cool and dry, but they also have the limitation of being very tight-fitting, which in some cases can be uncomfortable for those suffering from vulvodinia
The cup and the menstrual disc
The cup can be a good choice because it avoids contact between the vulva and the pad. “In any case, its use, which is not recommended when going through an acute phase, should be modulated on personal perception: for some women the cup can be a good absorbent solution during the cycle, for others it can cause discomfort and worsen the pain,” comments the expert. The same applies to tampons and the disc, which differs from the cup in that it has a wider shape that makes it particularly suitable for those who perceive a feeling of pressure on the bladder with the use of the cup
No to panty liners
“They are imperatively to be banned because they prevent perspiration of the area, create a warm moist environment that promotes bacterial proliferation, alter the pH of the vulvar area, and accentuate irritation, eventually worsening situations of pain and discomfort present in cases of vulvodinia,” Dr. Mazzotta continues. “For the same reason it is good, always and not only during the period phase, to prefer cotton underwear that helps keep the area dry and reduces friction that accentuates painful sensations.”
Hygiene on those days
It is natural during the cycle to feel a greater need for cleanliness and freshness. Beware in any case that suffering from vulvodinia it is never appropriate to overdo the washing. With menstruation, therefore, when you feel the need, you can proceed with a rinse with only lukewarm water, limiting yourself to one wash per day with a very mild cleanser. Cleansing should always be followed by very gentle thorough drying with a soft cotton washcloth, patting the part, without rubbing.