Vulvodynia

Nancy Phillips, Lauren D. Arnold, Gloria A. Bachmann

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain disorder of unclear, likely multifactorial etiology, most often characterized by symptoms of vulvar burning in the absence of an identifiable cause. “Vulvar dysesthesia” remained the preferred term, and two major categories, “provoked” and “spontaneous, " were recognized based upon the nature of the pain stimulus; each of these was subdivided based upon the location of the pain. The potential factors associated with vulvodynia-the newest addition to the terminology-add a dimension to the definition that allows clinicians to understand the multidimensional aspect of vulvodynia and should help guide individualized treatment. Vulvodynia presents most often as chronic vulvar burning, but may also be characterized by soreness, rawness, stinging, itching, irritation, and/or stabbing pain. A menopausal woman with vulvar pain, hypertension, and a new relationship after years of no sexual contact should be assessed and prescribed vaginal estrogen, unless contraindicated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Vulva
Subtitle of host publicationPhysiology and Clinical Management, Second Edition
PublisherCRC Press
Pages189-195
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781498752442
ISBN (Print)9781498752435
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)

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