Perth Voice Interactive

VULVODYNIA is a chronic pain, burning or discomfort involving the vulva which the sufferer can feel although there may be no visible symptoms.

The condition can be generalised and affect the whole vulvar area or localised to a specific area.

Provoked vestibulodynia, which used to be known as  vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is a specific form of localised vulvodynia. In VVS, the pain is felt only in the vestibule (the area around the opening of the vagina), usually in response to touch or pressure.

The precise cause of vulvodynia is not known, but researchers believe factors might include:

• damage or irritation of the nerves of the vulva after childbirth;

• Increased number of nerve endings in the vestibule;

• Increased production of chemicals by cells in the vulva that lead to inflammation;

• Long-term reactions to certain infections;

• Changes in responses to hormones; or,

• A history of sexual abuse

Dr Angamuthu Arun from the Waikiki Specialist Centre says vulvodynia is not hereditary and affects women of all ethnic groups.

It’s likely to affect up to 8 per cent of all women and is constant across all decades up to the age of 70.

“Vulval vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is the most common presentation,” says Dr Arun

“Your specialist will try to rule out other known causes of pain first.

“You may be asked questions about your symptoms and medical history, such as when symptoms occur, what treatments you have tried, and whether you have any chronic infections or skin problems.

“Your specialist will examine the vulva and vagina carefully. The specialist uses a cotton swab to touch areas of the vulva and vestibule to find out whether the pain is generalized or localized. The goal is to find where the pain is and whether it is mild, moderate, or severe. Taking swabs to look for infection or a biopsy (removal of a small sample of skin under a local anaesthetic to examine under the microscope) may occasionally be needed to rule out other causes.“

Various treatments

There are various treatments for vulvodynia, while avoidance is one of the best measures.

That can be done by avoiding soaps, bubble baths, shower gels, shampoos, special wipes and deodorants around the vulvar area, says Dr Arun.

Washing with a soap substitute will keep skin soft and provide a barrier against irritation.  He says greasy ointments are a good soap substitute, and can be bought over the counter from chemists and at supermarkets.

“Use petroleum jelly to protect the area from chlorine when you are swimming.

“Local anaesthetic ointment can be used to numb the area, reducing discomfort.

“Lignocaine cream and ointment can be bought without a prescription.

“These medications are applied to the skin for short-term pain relief, or they can be used for extended periods.

Oral medication may be needed in extreme cases. Three types are commonly used:

• Amitriptyline, an anti-depressant now used for many pain problems. It is available as cream or in tablet form;

• Gabapentin or Pregabalin, an anti-epileptic drug, which is also used for pain; or,

• Vaginal diazepam pessary can be obtained from a compounding pharmacy.

Patients with vulvodynia who have sex-related pain frequently have pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and can benefit from pelvic physiotherapy.

Trigger point therapy, a form of massage therapy, can also be helpful. A trigger point is a small area of tightly contracted muscle. Trigger point therapy involves soft tissue massage to break up the trigger point and relax muscles. An anesthetic drug also can be injected into the trigger point to provide relief.

Vulvodynia is not life threatening or contagious. Wear cotton underwear and switch to cotton menstrual products if regular ones are irritating. Pay close attention to what makes your symptoms worse, and avoid the things that aggravate your pain. While you are experiencing pain, applying cool gel packs may bring relief.

RESEARCHERS at the Telethon Kids Institute have found children with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop asthma.

In the world first study, researchers tracked vitamin D levels from birth to age 10 in Perth children at high risk for asthma and allergy.

The findings, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, showed repeated bouts of vitamin D deficiency in early childhood were linked to higher rates of asthma at aged 10, as well as allergy and eczema.

Lead author Dr Elysia Hollams from the Telethon Kids Institute said the findings shed new light on a controversial area of research.

“We know vitamin D plays an important role in regulating the immune system and promoting healthy lung development,” said Dr Hollams.

“But while it has been suggested that inadequate vitamin D may be a factor contributing to the surge in asthma rates over recent decades, previous studies investigating the relationship have yielded conflicting results. There has been a lack of research looking at whether vitamin D deficiency is more detrimental at certain periods in childhood.

“Our study is the first to track vitamin D levels from birth to asthma onset, and it has shown a clear link between prolonged vitamin D deficiency in early childhood and the development of asthma”

“We’ve also shown for the first time that babies deficient in vitamin D have higher levels of potentially harmful bacteria in their upper airways, and are more susceptible to severe respiratory infections.”

“Earlier research by our team and others around the world has identified the first two years of childhood as a critical period during which allergies and chest infections can combine to drive asthma development in susceptible children. Our new findings identify vitamin D deficiency as a co-factor that may promote this process.”

But Dr Hollams said there were still many unknowns in the field of vitamin D research and cautioned against rushing out and purchasing vitamin D supplements.

Co-Author on the study Professor Prue Hart said the findings were a significant endorsement that vitamin D levels may be important throughout childhood.

“UV radiation, from sunlight, is the best natural source of vitamin D,” Professor Hart said. “However, one should know their skin type and should not ignore sun safe guidelines.”

“In a country like Australia where too much sun exposure can prove harmful, it’s all about finding a safe and sensible balance between exposure and need.”

THE University of Melbourne’s Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine is currently conducting a new research study for knee osteoarthritis and needs Perth people to take part.

The centre is seeking volunteers over 45 years old who’ve been suffering knee pain for a telephone-delivered research study to investigate whether support and advice delivered over the telephone is effective for reducing pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Volunteers must have had knee pain for at least the past three months.

To register your interest for the study, visit http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2554211/knee-pain-study-screening-questionnaire or email the trial coordinator, Penny Campbell on penelope.campbell@unimelb.edu.au

 

Living the Dream!
Almost 40% of first home buyers who purchased within the last two years have admitted they couldn’t buy where they wanted. Furthermore, nearly 30% have had to save for a number of years to accumulate enough of a deposit to be able to buy their first home.
According to data from CoreLogic, property prices have risen substantially over the last few years, with dwelling values climbing 7.1% across the combined capital cities over the last 12 months alone. This has added even more pressure on buyers keen to buy their first home and get into the property market.
“Not only are property prices rising across most capital cities, but all of the states have now removed the first home buyer grant for those wishing to purchase an established dwelling. From our data, we understand that more than 80% of first home buyers will look to purchase an established dwelling, meaning the vast majority of first-timers will not receive any type of government financial incentive,” said Ruth Hatherley, from Mortgage Choice Perth.
Ms Hatherley suggested that first home buyers need to explore the option of including a guarantor in a first home buyer application.
“While guarantor loans have been around for a while, they’ve recently undergone a surge in popularity, as the property market becomes more difficult for first home buyers to break into.  As such, many first home buyers may not even be aware that guarantor loans exist. A guarantor is a third party, usually a parent, who provides additional security to assist the applicant obtain the loan. Guarantors can also help first home buyers avoid paying potentially costly lenders mortgage insurance.”
While there many advantages to this type of arrangement, Ms Hatherley said there are also some risks that both first home buyers and guarantors need to be aware of, so it’s important to speak to a mortgage professional to ensure both parties are comfortable with their obligations and responsibilities.
“It’s understandable that some first home buyers might find it uncomfortable to ask a parent to go guarantor on their loan, but given the benefits associated with this type of loan structure, it could very well get them into the property market much sooner,”  Ms Hatherley said.
Contact Mortgage Choice in Perth on 9485  0090 to discuss your finance today.

Expand Your Horizons
Travel expands your horizons and gives you the opportunity to experience unique cultures. It enriches your life, while contributing to the financial prosperity of the local communities you visit. Orbit World Travel’s expert team has a passion for travel like no other. They have experienced the extraordinary, the amazing and the remarkable, and would love to give you the opportunity to do so too!
Orbit’s trusted travel advisers specialise in high end travel, maximising the value of your trip with customised itineraries, exclusive pricing and additional perks. Gain valuable inside knowledge, such as which café or restaurant to dine at when in Rome, or which chateau in the South of France to visit. Orbit’s specialists will send you on a journey of discovery!
It’s this expertise that sets Orbit apart – you just can’t get this from a website! From the moment you engage in conversation you’ll become aware that they will listen and advise to create the perfect itinerary for you. From your very first booking, it’s Orbit’s aim to keep you as a lifelong client.
Here’s what one of our clients had to say: “Hi Teresa, We had a fabulous trip – thank you! You got us great seats on the flight and we loved the Langham in Hong Kong! The staff at the Langham are exceptional – so warm, welcoming, professional, accommodating. The pool is wonderful! We are looking forward to Colombo – another great trip you have planned for us!” Rachel Tham, Melbourne
Plan your next dream holiday with Orbit Travel. Call Teresa Mason on 9221 2133

Our Focus is on You
Beaufort Realty is a progressive, independent real estate company led by Pam Herron, Christine Kirkness, Jon Adams and Donna Buckovska, who share almost 100 years of real estate experience.
“At Beaufort Realty, we believe the process of selling, investing, renting or buying a property should always be a positive experience. And that’s what we aim to achieve for every client,” says Pam Herron.
“Our services are similar to those of other real estate companies, but it’s the way we deliver these services that sets us apart. We have deliberately shifted away from the ‘large multi-office’ mentality in favour of a more personal, hands-on approach. Instead of following a mould, we do things the way we believe they should be done and strive to set new standards of excellence.”
“Whether it’s selling, leasing, or providing general advice, our primary focus is always on our client.  Just like our clients, we value professionalism, ethics and quality service. Everything we do, including our marketing materials, our house inspections and our interactions with people reflect these values and our vision of being the best at what we do.”
“We’re proud of our commitment to achieving the best results for our clients and will continuously monitor our performance to ensure that we exceed expectations for service and results.”
Beaufort Realty
580 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Phone 9227 0887