Sorry, skinny fans: A study has linked tight pants to vulvodynia, a condition that causes chronic pain in a woman’s external genital area.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
But preventing vulvodynia probably isn’t as simple as swapping your jeggings for boyfriend jeans, says Ob/Gyn Jessica Strasburg, MD. She discusses how to prevent and treat this painful condition.
Vulvodynia is chronic pain that affects the vulva for more than three months. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes this condition. Vulvodynia pain:
The study looked at women between ages 18 and 40, with and without vulvodynia. The researchers asked about wardrobe and grooming habits and found:
The reasons for the findings aren’t clear, says Dr. Strasburg. Painted-on pants might increase the risk of infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections. Hair removal, meanwhile, might cause irritation. Both infections and irritation can spark the onset of vulvodynia, she explains. “Anything that causes inflammation can trigger it.”
Still, vulvodynia often goes hand-in-hand with other problems, such as problems with the pelvic floor muscles or certain genetic disorders, she points out. For most women with vulvodynia, it’s unlikely that fashion or waxing habits are solely to blame, she adds. “Tight clothing and hair removal are more likely to trigger symptoms in someone who has vulvodynia rather than to cause it.”
If you have signs of vulvodynia, an accurate diagnosis is your first priority, Dr. Strasburg says. “Your gynecologist can screen for it, but it can be helpful to see a urogynecologist or a gynecologist who specializes in problems of the vulva,” she says.
A variety of treatments can relieve vulvodynia pain, including:
Different treatments work for different women, so it may take some time and patience to hit on a solution. And if none of those options take the pain away, talk to your doctor about surgery to remove the vestibule, a thin strip of tissue in the vulva where the painful nerves are often located.
To relieve symptoms of vulvodynia — or potentially reduce the risk of developing it in the first place — adopt these healthy downtown habits:
Ultimately, Dr. Strasburg says, the best thing you can do for your nether region is … very little. “The less we do down there, the better.” And your beloved skinnies? Fret not — unless they’re causing you pain, you can keep ‘em.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Sea lice aren’t really lice, but these tiny creatures can trigger an unpleasant allergic reaction
While social media content doesn’t create eating disorders, it can easily exacerbate them
Stay hydrated, opt for fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean protein — and try to eat snacks and smaller meals throughout your day instead of larger portions
Thunder, waterfalls and heavy rain — these low-frequency sounds might help cancel out disruptive noises and thoughts
Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help
Pain meds, toenail protectors and petrolatum jelly may spare you a trip to a podiatrist
On their own, honey can help soothe a sore throat and garlic has immunity-boosting properties, but you don’t need to go the fermented route
A pro-level laugh can release good-for-you oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins
Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity
A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses
Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey