Who is at Risk?

Vulvodynia can begin as early as adolescence. However, your risk for developing chronic vulvar pain is greatest between the ages of 18 and 25 and drops significantly after age 35, although it is known to also occur in older women. Hispanic women are much more likely to experience chronic vulvar pain compared to white and African American women.

Early difficulty or pain using tampons may also predict future risk of vulvodynia. Research shows women with chronic vulvar pain are seven to eight times more likely to report difficulty and discomfort with first tampon use. Women with vulvar pain also have higher levels of inflammatory markers (e.g., interleukin-1 and TNF alpha) and lower pain thresholds.

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