Vulvodynia is characterized by chronic pain in the vulva. Symptoms range from mild to incapacitating pain and the descriptions vary by woman. Some indicate a feeling of burning, stinging, itching, or irritation. The symptoms may be exacerbated by sexual intercourse, walking, or sitting.
What You Need To Know
There are two subtypes of vulvodynia, localized and generalized. Localized vulvodynia refers to pain that is concentrated around the vaginal opening (vestibule), whereas generalized vulvodynia refers to pain around the entire vulvar area. The cause for vulvodynia remains unknown. Contributing factors may include injury or irritation to the nerves surrounding the vulvar region, past vaginal infections, allergies, hormonal changes, muscle spasms, or weakness in the pelvic floor.
Most Common Symptoms:
- Burning
- Soreness
- Stinging
- Rawness
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Throbbing
- Itching