[21F] Experiencing vulvar pain and burning upon urination

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Vulvodynia: This is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva, the external female genital organs. This includes the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. It's characterized by burning, stinging, irritation, or rawness of the female genitalia. It can occur without an identifiable cause and often occurs during or after pressure is applied to the area, such as during sex or when sitting for long periods of time.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, biofeedback therapy, physical therapy, dietary changes, and, in some cases, surgery.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.

  • Treatment for UTIs typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

• Interstitial Cystitis: This is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe. Your bladder is a muscular, hollow organ that stores urine. The bladder expands until it's full and then signals your brain that it's time to urinate, communicating through the pelvic nerves. This creates the urge to urinate for most people. With interstitial cystitis, these signals get mixed up — you feel the need to urinate more often and with smaller volumes of urine than most people.

  • Treatment for interstitial cystitis is aimed at relieving symptoms and could involve a combination of physical therapy, medications, and possibly surgery.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.
2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This can help your healthcare provider diagnose your condition.
3. Avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. If sitting for long periods of time exacerbates your pain, try to take frequent breaks to stand or walk around.
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as the naproxen you're already taking, can help manage pain. However, it's important to use these medications only as directed by your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your pain becomes severe or unbearable.
• You develop a high fever.
• You notice blood in your urine.
• You have difficulty urinating or emptying your bladder.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.