Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)
- Home
- Research
- NIH Strategic Plan for Women’s Health and Sex Differences Research
- Advancing Novel Science in Women's Health Research (ANSWHR)
- Funding Opportunities
- Trans-NIH Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Research Working Group
- Inclusion of Women and Minorities in Clinical Research
- Global Health Research
- Funded Research
- Career Development
- Interdisciplinary Initiatives
- News & Events
- Photo Gallery
- Resources
- About ORWH
-
Vulvodynia Information for Consumers
Vulvodynia is chronic (long-term) pain or discomfort of the vulva. The vulva is the area of the female genitals surrounding the vaginal opening.
Women with vulvodynia experience burning, stinging, irritation, rawness, or stabbing pain in their genitals. The pain or discomfort can be chronic, come and go, and involve the entire genital area or specific to one area of the vulva. For many women, vulvodynia symptoms make sexual intercourse, inserting tampons, or wearing certain types of clothing uncomfortable or painful.
Discuss your symptoms with a health care professional. If you have burning, stinging, irritation, rawness, or stabbing pain in the genital area, tell your health care provider. Your health care provider will likely perform a comprehensive examination, including a pelvic exam, and may also ask you questions about your health history to diagnose what is causing your pain and whether or not your symptoms may be caused by vulvodynia.
Resources
- Vulvar Disorders (from MedlinePlus)
U.S. National Library of Medicine, NIH. 2012. - Vulvodynia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ127) Gynecologic Problems
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2011. - Everything You Need to Know About Vulvodynia
National Vulvodynia Association
Social Media Links