In this Article

• What is vulvodynia?
• What are the types of vulvodynia?
• What are the possible causes of vulvodynia?
• How many women are affected by vulvodynia?
• What are the physical and emotional impacts of vulvodynia?
• What are the signs and symptoms of vulvodynia?
• What are the common symptoms of vulvodynia?
• Do the symptoms of vulvodynia vary from woman to woman?
• What is the impact of vulvodynia symptoms on a woman?
• Who is vulvodynia treated?
• What are the self-care treatments for vulvodynia?
• What are the medical treatments for vulvodynia?
• Ten questions to ask your doctor about vulvodynia
• Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia) Glossary
• Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia) Index

Women with Vulvodynia: Who Has It?

A woman of any age, beginning in her teen years, may have vulvodynia. There is no consensus on how many women have vulvodynia. Estimates of women with vulvodynia range from 200,000 to 6 million. Once thought to mainly affect whites, African-American and Hispanic women are now known to be equally affected.

The Physical and Emotional Impact of Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia can have a huge impact on a woman's life. It can impair her ability to have sex, exercise, socialize, or work. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study showed that most women with vulvodynia feel "out of control," unable to have sexual intercourse, and unable to fully enjoy life. If this is true for you, seek the support you need.

Signs and Symptoms of Vulvodynia

Lasting months to years, symptoms of vulvodynia usually begin suddenly.

Common Symptoms of Vulvodynia

• These are the most common symptoms of vulvodynia:
  
  
• Burning, stinging, or rawness
  
  
• Aching, soreness, or throbbing
  
  
• Itching

A burning pain is the single most common symptom of vulvodynia. Some women describe it as a knife-like pain or like an acid poured on the skin.

Although the vulva usually appears normal, it may look a bit inflamed or swollen.

How Symptoms of Vulvodynia Vary

Symptoms can vary a great deal in women with vulvodynia. For example, burning is common but not always present. And the severity of symptoms also varies. The pressure of bicycling, inserting tampons, or even sitting sometimes prompts symptoms of vulvodynia or makes symptoms worse.

You may feel symptoms of vulvodynia:

• All the time or just once in a while
  
  
• During activities such as exercise, intercourse, or walking -- or even while at rest
  
  
• In one specific area or throughout your entire vulva

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Yeast Infection - Learn about vaginal yeast infection symptoms like vaginal burning, itching, soreness discharge, and pain during sex and urination. Treatment information is included in the information.
• Bacterial Vaginosis - Learn about bacterial vaginosis, an infection which symptoms include an odorous vaginal discharge. The vaginal odor may be fish like, and grey in color. Treatment is necessary with antibiotics.
• Menopause - Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal itching, dryness, and pain, urinary symptoms, weight gain, acne, skin texture changes, and mood changes.

Read more Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia) related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.