General Information

Vulvodynia is one of the most common causes of female dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Terms such as vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis, vestibulodynia and vaginismus, are common medical terms that refer to conditions that share one common functional feature, that of painful sexual intercourse. Pain with sexual intercourse may vary in severity, onset and duration and may arise on account of a range of causal factors, not all of which are fully understood.

If sexual pleasure is indeed so fundamental to happiness and quality of life, it is not surprising to find that almost 90% of women, diagnosed with vulvodynia, attend therapy, motivated by the desire to increase the frequency of sexual activity in their relationships⁽¹⁾. Without diagnosis and assistance, vulvodynia patients and their partners experience higher levels of sadness, depression and frustration⁽²⁾. Research consistently highlights the fact that vulvodynia significantly undermines the quality of life of women and couples⁽³⁾. In comparison with other vulvar medical problems, the impact of chronic vulvar pain on general wellbeing and sexual function far exceeds that of other problems⁽⁴⁾ and is more disabling than other pelvic pain conditions⁽⁵⁾. The disorder diminishes a women’s sense of wellness, impacts on relationships and gives rise to isolation and loneliness⁽⁶⁾.

The first step in the management of chronic vulvar pain conditions must begin with comprehensive medical screening to eliminate the possibility of infections and dermatological conditions which may require medical treatment. Initial assessments should be carried out by a medical practitioner, advanced screening may need to be undertaken by a tertiary specialist. A network of gynaecologists, dermatologists and sexual health physicians specialise in addressing chronic vulvar pain issues.

• 1. Jantos & Burns, 2008
• 2. Jantos & White, 1997; Jantos & Burns, 2007; Desrosiers et al., 2008
• 3. Arnold et al., 2006, Sargent & O’Callaghan, 2007
• 4. Ponte et al., 2009
• 5. Meana et al., 1997; Reed et al., 2000
• 6. Sargeant & O’Callaghan, 2007; Desrosiers et al., 2008; Jantos & Burns, 2007