Understanding Vulvodynia

Understanding Vulvodynia

Understanding Vulvodynia

Have you ever thought that you were the only woman in the world suffering from chronic vulvar pain? Since the public isn’t aware of the condition and vulvodynia isn’t openly discussed, many sufferers have felt that way. The truth is, millions of women suffer from the condition. Data from a Harvard study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, indicates that 16 percent, or about 13 million American women of all ages and ethnicities, suffer from vulvodynia at some point in their lives. The Harvard study also found that 60 percent of vulvodynia sufferers consulted at least three doctors in seeking a diagnosis. Astoundingly, 40 percent of those who sought professional help remained undiagnosed after three medical consultations. The results of this study highlight how critical it is to be persistent in seeking medical care for vulvodynia. In order to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, first you need to learn all you can about the condition.

In this section, we will cover:

Definition and Types of Vulvodynia

What Causes Vulvodynia

Diagnosis and Co-existing Conditions

Medical Management

Self-Help Strategies

Understanding Vulvodynia