Vulvar Vaginal Disease

Vulvar and vaginal conditions can be hard to talk about—and even harder to live with. Our compassionate team of experts can help.

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For Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) related requests:

1-319-356-2294

For all other requests:: 1-800-777-8442

Vulvar pain (vulvodynia), lichen planus, and symptoms like itching, burning, sores, and discharge can have a big impact on your quality of life.

UI Health Care's vulvar vaginal disease team is the only one in Iowa and one of only a few in the country.

When your primary care provider, gynecologist, or other specialist refers you to us, we work closely with you on a treatment plan.

Sometimes, these issues can be hard to bring up, but our team's experience and expertise will put you at ease.

Our goal is to relieve your discomfort so you can quickly get back to the activities you love.

The only specialized vulvar vaginal disease care team in Iowa

Vulvar vaginal diseases are those that affect:

The vulva (the outer parts of women's genitals that are visible)
The vagina (the part of women's genitals that's inside the body)

UI Health Care's vulvar vaginal disease team is one of fewer than two dozen such teams across the country.

It can be hard to diagnose and treat these diseases correctly. Many women's health care providers aren't trained to treat conditions like lichen planus.

Our providers have years of experience helping women who thought they just had to live with pain and infections.

Expertise and evidence-based treatment

UI Health Care’s vulvar vaginal disease care providers are active in the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD).

ISSVD is the leading organization for medical professionals who treat these conditions.

As leaders and members of ISSVD, UI Health Care providers help set worldwide standards of care. They're involved in identifying and refining treatments that are proven to get results.

We've also developed a set of vulvar skin care guidelines that may supplement your treatment. These practical tips are extremely effective in relieving pain, itching, and burning.

What to expect

To see the UI Health Care VVD team, you'll need a referral from your primary care physician or gynecologist.

At your first visit, you'll have an in-depth conversation with one of our specialists. They'll ask you about:

How and when your symptoms started, how they have changed, and treatments you've tried
Previous infections or other problems
Your overall physical health
Your mental health and stressors

You'll have a vulvar exam, during which your provider may take cultures of any discharge or small samples of skin (biopsy). You might also have blood and urine tests.

As soon as your test results are back, your provider will explain what they show. Together, you'll make a treatment plan that reflects your needs and goals.

A team approach to treatment

With your permission, the provider you see at our clinic will send a report to your referring provider after your visit.

They'll explain the results of your exam and share your customized care plan.

They may also refer you to other UI Health Care experts.

For example, if you have pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, they may connect you with a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist.

Your emotional well-being is as important as your physical health. If you need it, our team may also refer you to our Women's Wellness and Counseling center or a pain specialist.

All the members of your care team work together closely, with the full range of UI Health Care specialists and services available to help.