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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffVulvodynia (vul-vo-DIN-ee-uh) — or chronic vulvar pain — is characterized by pain in the area around the opening of your vagina (vulva). The pain, burning or irritation associated with vulvodynia may make you so uncomfortable that sitting still for long periods or even having sex becomes unthinkable. The condition can go on for months or years.
Experts believe vulvodynia is underreported. There are several reasons why. It may be partly due to the absence of visible signs in vulvodynia. Or it could be the reluctance of many women to talk about their symptoms.
If you or someone you know is living with vulvodynia, don't hesitate to get help. Treatment options are available to lessen the pain and discomfort of vulvodynia.
- Boardman LA, et al. Benign vulvovaginal disorders. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:625.
- Stewart EG. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of generalized vulvodynia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2009.
- Vulvodynia. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp127.cfm. Accessed April 1, 2009.
- Haefner HK, et al. The vulvodynia guideline. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. 2005;9:40.
- Harlow BL, et al. A population-based assessment of chronic unexplained vulvar pain: Have we underestimated the prevalence of vulvodynia? Journal of the American Medical Women's Association. 2003;58:82.
- Stewart EG. Treatment of vulvar pain syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2009.
- Self-help tips for vulvar skin care. National Vulvodynia Association. http://www.nva.org/patient_services/Self_Help_Tips.html. Accessed May 18, 2009.
