Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia)

Vulvodynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
(Vaginal, Genital Pain)

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• What is vulvodynia?
• What are the types of vulvodynia?
• What are the possible causes of vulvodynia?
• How many women are affected by vulvodynia?
• What are the physical and emotional impacts of vulvodynia?
• What are the signs and symptoms of vulvodynia?
• What are the common symptoms of vulvodynia?
• Do the symptoms of vulvodynia vary from woman to woman?
• What is the impact of vulvodynia symptoms on a woman?
• Who is vulvodynia treated?
• What are the self-care treatments for vulvodynia?
• What are the medical treatments for vulvodynia?
• Ten questions to ask your doctor about vulvodynia

What is vulvodynia?

Women with vulvodynia have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. Until recently, doctors didn't recognize this as a real pain syndrome. Even today, many women do not receive a diagnosis. They may also remain isolated by a condition that is not easy to discuss. Researchers are working hard to uncover the causes of vulvodynia and to find better ways to treat it.

Types of Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia affects the vulva, the external female genital organs. This includes the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.

There are two main subtypes of vulvodynia:

• Generalized vulvodynia is pain in different areas of the vulva at different times. Vulvar pain may be constant or occur every once in a while. Touch or pressure may or may not prompt it. But this may make the pain worse.
  
  
• Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is pain in the vestibule. This is the entrance to the vagina. Often a burning sensation, this type of vulvar pain comes on only after touch or pressure, such as during intercourse.

Possible Causes of Vulvodynia

Doctors don't know the causes of vulvodynia. And there is no evidence that infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases, cause vulvodynia.

Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia. They may include:

• Nerve injury or irritation
  
  
• Abnormal response in vulvar cells to an infection or trauma
  
  
• Genetic factors that make the vulva respond poorly to chronic inflammation
  
  
• Hypersensitivity to yeast infections
  
  
• Muscle spasms
  
  
• Allergies or irritation to chemicals or other substances
  
  
• Hormonal changes
  
  
• History of sexual abuse
  
  
• Frequent antibiotic use