Excellent Shockwave Therapy for Vulvodynia in Chicago, IL
Vulvodynia is a condition characterized by chronic pain and discomfort in the vulva (the outside part that surrounds the opening of the vagina). It can be a debilitating condition, difficult to treat.
Shockwave therapy is a medical treatment that uses low-intensity shockwaves Li-ESWT, a type of acoustic wave) to penetrate tissue and promote healing and regeneration of blood vessels.
Shockwave therapy has been used in various medical conditions including musculoskeletal pain, chronic wounds, and erectile dysfunction. More recently, Low-intensity shockwave therapy has been shown in clinical studies to be a potential treatment option for vulvodynia!
Shockwave treatment may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing of damaged tissues in the vulva. During the procedure, a handheld device delivers low-intensity acoustic waves to the vulva, typically in a series of sessions over several weeks. Each session is done awake in the office and takes under 30 minutes to complete.
While the use of shockwave therapy for vulvodynia is still relatively new, initial studies have shown promising results. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that shockwave therapy was associated with significant reductions in pain and improved sexual function in women with provoked vestibulodynia, a type of vulvodynia characterized by pain with sexual activity or penetration.
Shockwave therapy is available at Down There Urology and may be recommended for individuals with vulvodynia who have not responded to other treatments.
- Stewart EG, Badger C, Seager S, et al. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for the Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med. 2020;17(3):542-553.
- Bade M, Keller T, Ernstberger A, et al. Treatment of vulvodynia with shock wave therapy: a feasibility study. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2018;297(1):139-146.
What to Expect During Your Treatment Session
When choosing shockwave therapy to address chronic vulvar discomfort, understanding the process can help ease any anxiety. At Down There Urology, we prioritize your comfort and privacy. Your sessions are conducted in a relaxed, private room at our Chicago, IL, clinic. No anesthesia or downtime is required, so you can return to your day immediately after the procedure.
During the session, a specialized handheld device is gently moved over the affected areas of the vulva. The device delivers low-intensity acoustic waves that penetrate deep into the tissue. This energy triggers your body’s natural healing cascade, improving local blood circulation and desensitizing hyperactive nerve fibers. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes. You may feel a mild tapping sensation, but the treatment is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated. For comprehensive support with intimate health challenges or perimenopausal transition, our specialist team is here to guide you.
Am I a Candidate for Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy?
If you suffer from provoked or unprovoked chronic vulvar pain and have found little relief from topical creams, medications, or physical therapy, shockwave therapy for vulvodynia may be an ideal solution for you. It is particularly beneficial for women seeking non-hormonal, drug-free, and non-surgical alternatives to reclaim pelvic comfort.
Intimate pain can often be compounded by hormonal shifts, such as those experienced during the transition to perimenopause, which can lead to tissue dryness and heightened sensitivity. Evaluating your symptoms holistically ensures we address all contributing factors. If you are ready to explore how innovative shockwave therapy can help you live pain-free, please contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation with our compassionate pelvic health experts.
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FAQ
What exactly is shockwave therapy for vulvodynia and how does it work?
This treatment uses low-intensity acoustic waves to target the hyperactive nerve fibers and tense pelvic floor muscles contributing to chronic vulvar pain. The sound waves stimulate cellular repair, encourage the growth of healthy new blood vessels, and reduce localized inflammation, ultimately desensitizing the painful area.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need before noticing a difference?
While some patients report a reduction in discomfort after just a couple of visits, a standard treatment protocol typically consists of 6 to 8 weekly sessions. Because the acoustic waves trigger a natural healing response, your results will continue to improve progressively over several weeks following your final session.
Is the procedure painful or uncomfortable?
The treatment is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated by most patients. You will feel a pulsing or tapping sensation against the skin, but it is not typically described as painful. Our team works closely with you throughout the session to ensure the settings remain at a comfortable level for your sensitivity.
Can this treatment be combined with other therapies?
Yes, it is often highly effective when integrated into a comprehensive pelvic health plan. It can safely complement pelvic floor physical therapy, topical treatments, and hormonal management, such as a specialized treatment for perimenopause, to address the multi-faceted nature of intimate pain.