Help is at hand for sufferers of vulval pain

February 11^th, 2002

Although it is not often talked about, vulval pain is a common problem affecting the lives of many women.  To support people suffering from this painful condition, which is often under-recognised or misdiagnosed, a workshop will take place in Ipswich on Saturday 23rd February from 11am-3pm.

The workshop has been organised by the Vulval Pain Society, which helps women with the condition, shares ideas and discusses treatment.  The informal meeting will take place at the Novotel Hotel in Greyfriars Road, at a cost of £5 to non-members of the Vulval Pain Society, free for members. Partners are welcome.

Vulval pain affects women of all ages, races and backgrounds.  There are many causes, including skin infections, irritation from external agents such as antiseptics, and skin diseases specific to the vulva.  Doctors will often be able to provide treatment which swiftly resolves the problem, but some patients can be difficult to diagnose and fail to respond to treatment.

"Many women have experienced the soreness of thrush or a yeast infection, but what is less recognised is that some women experience severe pain in the absence of any other condition," said Dr Handfield-Jones, Consultant Dermatologist at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.  "This pain can make life a misery   walking and sitting can cause discomfort and sex can be out of the question.

"Women who suffer from vulval pain can feel isolated.  This workshop is aimed to help them by providing advice, support and the chance to speak to fellow sufferers."

For further details please contact 0116 274 5683.

West Suffolk Hospital    Hardwick Lane    Bury St Edmunds    Suffolk IP33 2Q