What is Vulvodynia?
Have you ever heard of vulvodynia? Unfortunately, even many women who suffer
from it have not heard this word because it is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar discomfort or pain, often characterized by complaints
of burning, stinging, irritation or rawness in the vulvar area, or external
female genitalia. Burning sensations are the most common, but vulvodynia pain
varies highly in location and persistence. The pain may be constant or intermittent,
localized or diffuse. In many cases of vulvodynia, the pain occurs spontaneously.
As with most chronic pain conditions, vulvodynia can have a profound impact
on quality of life. It often affects sexual activity and can interfere with
other activities. In many cases, it can also lead to depression.
The cause of vulvodynia is unknown. It may be the result of multiple factors
such as injury or irritation of the vulvar nerves; a localized reaction to candida
or yeast; an allergic response to environmental irritants; high levels of oxalate
crystals in the urine; or spasms of the muscles that support the pelvic organs.
There is no evidence that vulvodynia is caused by an infection or a sexually
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Created: 9/17/2001  - Donnica Moore, M.D.