Most people with painful sex & vulvar pain may not know where the vestibule is unless they have seen vulvar expert who explain vulvar anatomy. Importantly, the vestibule is anatomically different from the rest of the vulva and vagina.
Topical estradiol and testosterone hormone gel can be made at a specialty pharmacy to help treat hormonally mediated vestibulodynia. The gel should be applied to the vestibule twice daily for at least 12 weeks. Other options include prasterone inserted in the vagina nightly.
Treatments for Vestibulodynia options include removing the culprit, applying a topical hormone cream to the vestibule, and treating associated symptoms like pelvic muscle pain.
A q-tip test (also called a cotton swab test) is done to diagnose vulvodynia. No speculum is required!
Your health care provider may feel that other tests are necessary; these could include swabs to rule out infections or a biopsy to exclude skin conditions.
Learn More About the Q-Tip/ Cotton Swab Test
