Vulvodynia - meaning and definition
Alsovulval painvestibulodyniavulvar painvulvar vestibulitisvulva pain
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Vulvodynia is long-lasting pain, burning or stinging in the vulva, lasting at least three months, without an obvious cause such as an infection or skin condition.
At a glance
- Vulvodynia is long-lasting vulval pain, burning or stinging without an obvious cause.
- It lasts at least three months and may be constant or triggered by touch.
- Pain limited to the area around the vaginal opening is sometimes called vestibulodynia.
- The cause is not fully understood and may involve nerve sensitivity and pelvic floor muscles.
- Treatment often combines skin care, local anaesthetic gels, nerve pain medicines, physiotherapy and psychological support.
In detail
The pain may be constant or only triggered by touch, for example when sitting, wearing tight clothes, inserting a tampon or during sex. When it is limited to the area around the vaginal opening, it is sometimes called vestibulodynia. The cause is not fully understood and may involve nerve sensitivity and pelvic floor muscles.
Vulvodynia can take time to diagnose, since other causes need to be ruled out first. Treatment is often a combination of gentle skin care, local anaesthetic gels, medicines for nerve pain, pelvic floor physiotherapy and psychological support.
In a sentence
- It took several appointments before she was diagnosed with vulvodynia.
- The support group shares experiences of living with vulvodynia.
Where the word comes from
From vulva and the Greek suffix -odynia, meaning pain.
Not to be confused with
- Vaginismus
Vaginismus is an involuntary muscle reaction to attempted penetration.
Common questions
How is vulvodynia diagnosed?
It is usually diagnosed after other causes of vulval pain, such as infections and skin conditions, have been ruled out. This can take time. A doctor or sexual health clinic is a good place to start.
Can vulvodynia be treated?
Yes, although finding the right combination can take time. Treatments include gentle skin care, local anaesthetic gels, medicines for nerve pain, pelvic floor physiotherapy and psychological support. A specialist can help put a plan together.