Fact Sheet published by the National Vulvodynia Association

What is Vulvodynia?
The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) defines vulvodynia as chronic vulvar discomfort or pain, characterized by burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia when there is no infection or skin diseases of the vulva or vagina that could cause these symptoms. 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. In many cases of vulvodynia, pain occurs spontaneously. Vulvar vestibulitis, one type of vulvodynia, refers to pain experienced primarily when pressure is applied to the vestibule, the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina. 

Vulvodynia, as with most chronic pain conditions, has a profound impact on quality of life. It often affects one’s ability to engage in sexual activity and can interfere with daily functioning. It can impair one’s ability to work, engage in physical activity, and participate in a social life. These limitations can negatively affect self-image and may sometimes lead to depression.

Who Suffers?
-  Vulvodynia affects females of all age groups, from adolescence through menopause.
-  Preliminary data indicates that as many as 16% of women experience chronic vulvar symptoms over the course of their lives (Harlow, 2003).

What Causes Vulvodynia?
The causes of Vulvodynia are currently unknown, largely due to the lack of research on the disorder in the past years. Current research is looking into factors associated with the development of vulvodynia and potential causes. Medical professionals speculate that causes of the condition may be due to any of the following:
-   an injury to, or irritation of, the nerves that innervate the vulva
-  an abnormal response of different cells in the vulva to environmental factors (such as infection or trauma)
-  genetic factors associated with susceptibility to chronic vestibular inflammation
-  a localized hypersensitivity to candida (yeast)
-  spasms of the muscles that support the pelvic organs

There is no evidence that vulvodynia is caused by an active infection and it is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment
A woman with vulvodynia typically sees at least five doctors before she is given a correct diagnosis.

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.

Currently there is no cure for vulvodynia. Treatments directed toward symptom relief include drug therapies such as tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants, physical therapy, biofeedback, nerve blocks, and in some cases, diet modification. If the diagnosis is vulvar vestibulitis, interferon or vestibulectomy (vulvar surgery) may be recommended.