Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain without an identifiable cause.  Vulvodynia affects women of all ages, beginning as early as adolescence.  According to a Harvard study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), almost 16 percent of US women suffer from vulvodynia at some point during their lives, with most reporting ongoing pain for many years.  According to the study, symptoms are likely to begin between the ages of 18 and 25.  Once assumed to affect primarily Caucasian women, several recent studies have shown that African American and Hispanic women are equally likely to develop vulvodynia.

The most commonly reported symptom of vulvodynia is burning, but some women report stinging, stabbing, irritation and/or rawness.  The severity of the condition ranges from mild discomfort to excruciating, disabling pain.  The two subtypes of vulvodynia (which sometimes co-exist) are:

• Generalized vulvodynia: Women with generalized vulvodynia typically have pain in more than one vulvar area that sometimes radiates to the inner thighs and buttocks.  In generalized vulvodynia, the pain is spontaneous and relatively constant, although there may be occasional periods of relief.  Vulvar pressure, as with sitting, exacerbates symptoms.
• Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: Women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome experience pain primarily when pressure is applied to the vulvar vestibule (area surrounding the opening of the vagina), such as with tampon insertion, sexual intercourse, or a gynecological exam.

For the latest information about vulvodynia, visit the National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) website.  The NVA offers an online learning program for women with vulvodynia -- Everything You Need to Know About Vulvodynia.  This self-guided, comprehensive program aims to empower women to make educated decisions about their health care, build strong partnerships with their health care providers and improve their quality of life.  The tutorial covers gynecological/pelvic anatomy and physiology, diagnosis and treatment of vulvodynia, coping with chronic pain and practical advice on sexual/relationship issues.  To view this tutorial, please visit: http://learnpatient.nva.org  

Revised July 13, 2009