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Vulvodynia Basics
Vulvodynia ("vul-vo-din-ee-a") is chronic pain of the vulva (the area surrounding the outside of the vagina) that lasts for three months or longer without evidence of other possible causes, such as infection or skin problems. Women with vulvodynia report burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the area. The most common complaint is a burning sensation.
Pain sensations vary for each woman and can range from somewhat bothersome to severe and unrelenting pain that prevents or seriously interferes with daily activities. While some women experience discomfort of the entire vulvar area (generalized pain), others have localized pain, which affects a specific part of the vulva, such as the opening of the vagina or the clitoris. Symptoms may be constant or come and go. The pain may be:
- provoked by sexual and/or nonsexual contact, such as inserting a tampon, getting a pelvic exam or wearing tight-fitting pants;
- unprovoked (spontaneous); or
- mixed (provoked and unprovoked).
We don't know exactly what causes vulvodynia, although a number of factors are thought to play a role. These may include, but are not limited to:
- injury to or irritation of the nerves surrounding your vulvar region
- recurrent vaginal infections
- allergies to soaps, detergents and other environmental irritants
- pelvic muscle spasms
This content was produced with support from the Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, as part of the Vulvodynia Awareness Campaign.
Create Date: 10/24/07
Date Last Updated: 10/24/07
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