Vulvar and Vaginal Health

New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300

UT Southwestern dermatologists and gynecologists provide exceptional care for those living with vulvovaginal conditions, including vulvar skin issues and vaginal symptoms from menopause and perimenopause.

In a comfortable office setting, we develop personalized treatment plans to address the whole patient.

Personalized Care for Women of All Ages

Many common conditions can affect the vagina (the canal that connects the internal and external female reproductive organs) and vulva (the external female genital area), causing irritation and discomfort. Many vulvovaginal issues can lead to problems with sexual desire and enjoyment as well as overall well-being.

At UT Southwestern, we have regional, national, and international leaders focused on vulvovaginal health. Our multidisciplinary team includes dermatologists, gynecologists, and other specialists who are members of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), which helps us offer experienced care using the latest treatment options.

Vulvar Skin Conditions

Many women experience vulval discomfort and irritation. At UT Southwestern, we treat a variety of conditions that affect the vulva including:

Lichen sclerosus, a chronic skin disorder that causes itchy white patches of skin in the genital area, often in postmenopausal women
Lichen planus, an autoimmune disorder that causes itching on the body, as well as erosions and painful swelling in mucous membranes (such as the vulva or mouth)
Genital warts, a sexually transmitted infection caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, characterized by small bumps on the vulva, vagina, or anus
Psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflamed, scaly skin
Vulvodynia, chronic pain in the vulva that has no known cause
Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis (types of eczema), conditions that cause the vulva to become itchy, red, and painful after it’s exposed to an irritant
Hidradenitis suppurativa, a condition that causes painful lumps under the skin

Menopause and Sexual Health

We also have experts treating patients in perimenopause and menopause. Often these conditions can cause vaginal symptoms such as:

Atrophic vaginitis, thinning of the vaginal walls caused by low levels of estrogen
Incontinence
Sexual desire and changes in libido
Pelvic floor dysfunction

A group photo of three members of the Vulva Team in white lab coats.

Diagnosing Vulva and Vaginal Conditions

At UT Southwestern, we have both dermatologists and gynecologists who treat patients with vulvar conditions.

We begin each visit with a thorough evaluation, which includes a discussion of a patient’s medical history as well as symptoms.

During the first visit to UT Southwestern, patients will see a physician or physician assistant for diagnosis and treatment plan development. We work together to make sure patients see the provider who is best suited to help their condition. If additional diagnostic tests are necessary, we may refer a patient to another specialist.

Clinical Trials for Vulva and Vaginal Conditions

As an academic medical center, UT Southwestern seeks to improve understanding of vulvovaginal conditions and develop new treatments. We participate in clinical trials as part of this mission.

For example, Dr. Melissa Mauskar is involved in a study of a new treatment for lichen sclerosus, while Dr. Meredith McClure is researching the loss of hormones to the vulva and vagina that happens during perimenopause and menopause.

For more information, ask one of our providers about current vulvovaginal clinic trials.