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Created: February 25, 1999
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Revised: September 22, 1999
By: Diane Manhattan
An Introduction to Vulvodynia
What is vulvodynia?Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar discomfort or pain, characterized by complaints of burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia. Burning sensations are the most common, but vulvodynia pain is highly individualized. The condition varies in persistence and location. Pain may be constant or intermittent, localized or diffuse. Vulvar vestibulitis, a type of vulvodynia refers to pain experienced only when pressure is applied to the vestibule, the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina. Vulvodynia has also occasionally been referred to as pudendal neuralgia.
How is vulvodynia diagnosed?
Vulvodynia is diagnosed when other causes of vulvar pain, such as active
yeast infection, herpes, skin disorders, and other bacterial infections
are ruled out. Upon examination, the vulvar tissue may appear inflamed
and swollen or it may look perfectly normal. It is common for a woman
to consult several doctors before obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
How is vulvodynia treated?
Currently there is no cure for vulvodynia. Treatments directed toward
symptom relief include drug therapies such as tricyclic antidepressants
or anticonvulsants, nerve blocks, interferon, biofeedback, and diet modification.
Surgical intervention is an option for some women when more conservative
treatments do not produce acceptable relief.
Special Note: Joanne Yount, Executive Director of the Vulvar Pain Foundation, was a guest speaker on the ICN in August 1999. Read the transcript of her presentation here
Related Resources:
Vulvar Pain FoundationP.O. Drawer 177
Graham, NC 27253
336-226-0704
URL: http://www.vulvarpainfoundation.org
National Vulvodynia Association
P.O. Box 4491
Silver Spring, MD. 20914-4491
301-299-0775
URL: http://www.nva.org
Dr. Glazers Vulvodynia.Com
URL: http://www.vulvodynia.com