UPMC Magee Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health

Most women have had vaginal infections or vulvar irritation that have gotten better with treatment. Sometimes, though, symptoms can persist or come back even after many treatments.

At the UPMC Magee Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health (CVVH), we care for women of all ages who have chronic and complex vulvovaginal disorders.

Our experts provide you with the complete, personal, and compassionate care you deserve. We can partner with your gynecologist, women's health provider, or PCP to help with your treatment.

Virtual Care Center

Are you a new patient interested in a video visit with one of our vulvar and vaginal health experts? Easily book your video visit through UPMC Magee-Womens Virtual Care Center.

Schedule a new patient video visit.

Vulvar (External) and Vaginal (Internal) Conditions We Treat

Some conditions we treat at CVVH include:

Chronic or frequent bacterial vaginosis.
Frequent yeast infections.
Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis.
Vaginal itching, soreness, or discharge not caused by an infection.
Rare or uncommon infections.
Trichomonas.
Vulvar skin changes such as lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, and other forms of dermatitis.
Vulvar burning, pain, and lesions.
Vulvodynia.
Precancer conditions of the vulva or vagina.

Our Services at the UPMC Magee Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health

Among the many services we offer:

Working with pelvic floor physical therapists and dilator therapy for women with vaginal scarring.
Corrective surgery for vulvar diseases including vestibulectomy and lesion removal.
Medical management of vulvar conditions and vaginal infections.
Specialized vulvar testing.
Opportunities to participate in innovative research trials geared to better service women with vaginal infections or vulvar conditions.
Virtual care services.

Before Your First Visit to the UPMC Magee Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health

One week before your appointment, please do not use:

Vaginal creams.
Vaginal suppositories.
Vaginal washes or douches.

This will help us complete a proper evaluation.

Also, please send us or bring to your first appointment:

Any records of treatments, tests, or biopsies you've had.
A list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter and other non-prescribed drugs.

What to Expect at Your First Visit to the UPMC Magee Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health

At your first visit, we will:

Listen to your story.
Review records of prior treatments.
Do a focused exam.
Order any needed tests such as a study of vaginal discharge, cultures, biopsies, or other special testing.

It may take more than one visit to diagnose your concerns.

We'll work with you on a tailored treatment plan and adjust as needed based on your responses.

Some of the treatments we use include:

Oral drugs.
Ointments or creams.
Specially compounded ointments.
Pelvic floor muscle physical therapy
Surgery.

Vulvar care tips to ease symptoms

Sensitive vulvar skin can easily become inflamed and sore.

Some things you can do to care for yourself include:

Cleanse the vulva gently. Use soap without fragrance or additives, such as Dove®, Neutrogena®, or other clear soap.
Avoid washes, wipes, douches, or feminine hygiene sprays.
Soak in a sitz bath or tub of lukewarm water to help remove irritants.
Make sure the skin is dry before you get dressed. Either pat (not rub) dry or use a hairdryer on a cool setting. Do not apply any medications or moisturizers until the skin is dry.
Try a bland moisturizing cream to help keep the vulvar tissue moist. Cetaphil®, petroleum jelly, and Eucerin® cream can be soothing. Avoid lotions, gels, and products with additives such as enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids.
Wash underwear with a detergent that doesn't have fragrance.

Contact the UPMC Magee Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health

To make an appointment or learn more, call 412-641-6412.

Our center is located at Magee. While an in-person visit is ideal, we also offer telemedicine visits for your convenience.