Sep 04 2008
Electrical Stimulation As Vaginal Pain Treatment
Italian researchers report that TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is considered an effective and safe treatment for the condition vestibulodynia.
Vestibulodynia is a chronic condition that causes burning pain at the opening of the vagina. Things like sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, and wearing tight clothing can cause this condition to flare. While this condition is not fully understood, it is believed that vestibulodynia occurs when there is nerve damage which alters pain perception. TENS involves nerve stimulation through the patient’s skin with low, mild levels of electricity. TENS has helped people with different chronic pain conditions so researchers believe it can help those with vaginal pain as well.
As reported in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Murina’s team randomly assigned 40 women with vestibulodynia to undergo real or “sham” TENS treatments delivered with a vaginal probe twice weekly for a total of 20 sessions. Pain levels were assessed before and immediately after treatment and at 3 months.
Using standard pain scales and questionnaires, the investigators found that the TENS group experienced significant improvements in their pain, whereas the sham group did not. Pain during intercourse and sexual function also improved with TENS.
The investigators warn however that TENS is probably not a one-time cure for vestibulodynia. The effects of using TENS may decrease over time.
