Vulvodynia

“‘Vulvodynia’ is the medical term for chronic pain
or discomfort in the vulva
that lasts for at least 3 months”.1

Umbrella

What may the Vulvodynia Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Burning Vulva Syndrome
  • Dysaesthetic/Dysesthetic Vulvodynia
  • Essential Vulvodynia
  • Generalized Unprovoked Vulvodynia
  • Generalized Vulvodynia
  • Localised Provoked Vulvar Pain
  • Localised Vulvodynia
  • Neuroproliferative Vestibulodynia
  • Pudendal Neuralgia
  • Provoked Vulvodynia
  • Superficial Dyspareunia
  • Unprovoked Vulvodynia
  • Vestibulitis
  • Vestibulodynia
  • Vulval Pain
  • Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVS)
  • Vulvodynia

Vulva

What is the vulva?

DotS the definition of the vulva may vary. In Vulval Irritation the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Your vulva is the external part of your female genitals that you can see. Your vagina is inside your body”.2

Vulval Pain

What is vulval pain?

DotS the definition of vulval pain may vary. In Medical Advice: Vulval Pain – What Is Vulvodynia? Caredownthere.com.au explain:

“If you have been searching the internet looking for answers about vulval pain you will have come across the term “vulvodynia” and have probably been confused about what it means. Basically, it is a term that simply means vulval pain. Vulvodynia is a very vague term and you will find that different doctors have different ideas about what it means. It is a bit like the term “headache”. We all know what that means, but we also know that there are many causes: anything from stress to a brain tumour!

Vulvodynia is also known as the “burning vulva syndrome””.3

Vulvodynia

What is vulvodynia?

DotS the definition of the vulvodynia may vary. In Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain) the (United Kingdom) NHS’s definition is:

“Vulvodynia is pain in the vulva (area around the outside of the vagina) that lasts at least 3 months and does not have a specific cause. It can have a big effect on your life, but there are treatments that can help”.4

In Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia the JH’s definition is:

“‘Vulvodynia’ is the medical term for chronic pain or discomfort in the vulva that lasts for at least 3 months. Any pressure applied to your vulva, such as having sex, inserting a tampon, using toilet paper or sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause severe pain”.5

In What Is Vulvodynia? [+ Diagrams] the (United States) National Vulvodynia Association’s (NVA) definition is:


Vulvodynia “Vulvodynia, simply put, is chronic vulvar pain without an identifiable cause. The location, constancy and severity of the pain vary among sufferers. Some women experience pain in only one area of the vulva, while others experience pain in multiple areas. The most commonly reported symptom is burning, but women’s descriptions of the pain vary. One woman reported her pain felt like “acid being poured on my skin,” while another described it as “constant knife-like pain””.6

Localised Vulvodynia

What is localised vulvodynia?

DotS the definition of localised vulvodynia may vary. In What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Localised Vulvodynia? [+ Diagrams] the NVA’s definition is:

“Most women have pain at only one vulvar site. If the pain is in the vestibule, the tissue surrounding the vaginal opening, the diagnosis is vestibulodynia (formerly known as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS))”.7

Provoked Vulvodynia (Vestibulodynia)

What is provoked vulvodynia?

DotS the definition of provoked vulvodynia may vary. In What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Localized Vulvodynia? [+ Diagrams]  the NVA explain:

“The majority of women with localized vulvodynia have Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD), in which pain occurs during or after pressure is applied to the vestibule, e.g., with:

  • Sexual intercourse
  • Tampon insertion
  • A gynecologic examination
  • Prolonged sitting and/or
  • Wearing fitted pants”.8

Generalized Vulvodynia

What is generalized vulvodynia?

DotS the definition of generalized vulvodynia may vary. In What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Generalized Vulvodynia? [+ Diagrams] the NVA’s definition is:

“For women with generalized vulvodynia (GV), pain occurs spontaneously and is relatively constant, but there can be some periods of symptom relief.

Activities that apply pressure to the vulva, such as prolonged sitting or sexual intercourse, typically exacerbate symptoms”.9

Duration

How long may vulvodynia symptoms last?

In Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“The pain, burning or irritation linked with vulvodynia can make you so uncomfortable that sitting for a long time or having sex becomes unthinkable. The condition can last for months to years”.10

Cause

What causes vulvodynia?

In Vulvodynia: Symptoms and Causes – What Causes Vulvodynia? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic also note:

“Researchers aren’t sure what causes vulvodynia, but there are many potential causes, including:

  • Inflammation
  • Hormonal factors
  • Genetic (inherited) factors
  • Injury to your nerves (neuropathic problems)
  • Long-term reactions to past vaginal infections
  • Weakened pelvic floor muscles or muscle spasms
  • Irritation from harsh products that touch your skin”.11

Common or Not

How common is vulvodynia?

In Vulval Pain: Vulvodynia the JH note:

“Vulvodynia can affect women of all ages, but it usually affects women from their mid-20s to 60s. It’s estimated about 16% of women will experience vulvodynia in their lifetime”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have vulvodynia?

If you think you have vulvodynia, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The Mayo Clinic explain:

“If you have pain in your vulva, talk with your gynecologist or another member of your healthcare team. If you don’t have a gynecologist, you might be referred to one. A healthcare professional needs to find out if your pain has a treatable cause that’s different from vulvodynia, such as:

  • An active infection from yeast or bacteria
  • A sexually transmitted disease such as herpes
  • An inflammatory skin condition
  • Vulvar growths
  • Genitourinary syndrome of menopause”.13

In Vulvodynia: Frequently Asked Questions – A Note From Cleveland Clinic the Cleveland Clinic also encourage us to seek help:

“Contact your provider if you’re experiencing pain in your vulva. Your pain may be related to a specific condition, or it may be vulvodynia. Either way, there are likely treatments that can help. At first, it may take time for your provider to find the treatments that provide you relief. The treatments that work best for someone else may not work for you. Still, the sooner you begin exploring treatment options, the better off you’ll be. Don’t live with pain — or compromise your well-being — when you don’t have to”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to the Vulvodynia?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Vulvodynia?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. A Guide To Vulval Self-Checks [+ Video]
    Vulvodynia
  2. About the Vulva and Vagina
  3. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
  4. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information – Vulval Anatomy
  5. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information – Vulvovaginal Pain
  6. Caredownthere.com.au
  7. Checking Your Vulva: What To Look Out For
    Vulvodynia
  8. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 20223 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  10. Definition and Types of Vulvodynia
  11. Diagnosis
  12. Diagnosis and Management of Vulvodynia In Postmenopausal Women
  13. Differentiating Overlapping Symptoms of Vulvodynia and Pudendal Neuralgia
  14. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  15. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  16. Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva
  17. FAQs: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  18. FAQs: Vulvodynia
  19. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  20. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  21. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  22. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  23. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  24. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  25. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
  26. Let’s Talk About Vulvas
  27. Medical Advice: Medical Exams
  28. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  29. National Vulvodynia Association
  30. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients – How NVA Can Help You
  31. National Vulvodynia Association: Other Resources
  32. National Vulvodynia Association: Patient Booklets
  33. Neuroproliferative Vestibulodynia
  34. Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  35. Pelvic Exam
  36. Pelvicpain.org.uk [Pelvic Pain Support Network, United Kingdom]
  37. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  38. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  39. Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
  40. Pudendal Neuralgia
  41. Self-Help Tips
  42. Sex and Sexual Health
  43. The Vulva & Vagina Explained: Sex Ed #2
  44. They are not bad words! (Campaign Theme Song)
  45. Vaginal and Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  46. Vaginismus
  47. Vaginismus
  48. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Vulvar Diseases, Overview for Aging Women
  49. Vulva and Vagina
  50. VulvodyniaVulval Irritation
  51. Vulval Pain
  52. Vulval Pain, Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVVS)
  53. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  54. Vulval and Vaginal Health
  55. Vulval and Vaginal Pain
  56. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia
  57. Vulvar Anatomy
  58. Vulvar Awareness Campaign Season 2024 – 2025
  59. Vulvodynia
  60. Vulvodynia
  61. Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain)
  62. Vulvodynia Treatments
  63. Vulvodynia: Diagnosis & Treatment
  64. Vulvodynia: Diagnosis and Tests
  65. Vulvodynia: Management and Treatment
  66. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes
  67. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Alternative Medicine
  68. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Lifestyle and Home Remedies
  69. Vulvodynia: Symptoms and Causes
  70. Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  71. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  72. What Causes Vulvodynia?
  73. What Is Vulvodynia? [+ Diagrams]
  74. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  75. When Sex Hurts – Podcast [Vaginismus and Vulvodynia]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted:

Sources

  1. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia. Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vaginal-pain Accessed: 29 August 2025
  2. Vulval Irritation. Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulval-irritation Accessed: 29 August 2025
  3. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain – What Is Vulvodynia? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/advice.html Accessed: 29 August 2025
  4. Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain). Page Last Reviewed: 16 January 2024. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/ Accessed: 29 August 2025
  5. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia. Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vaginal-pain Accessed: 29 August 2025
  6. What Is Vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association https://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed: 29 August 2025
  7. What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Localized Vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association https://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed: 29 August 2025
  8. What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Localized Vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association https://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed: 29 August 2025
  9. What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Generalized Vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association https://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed: 29 August 2025
  10. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 01 September 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353423 Accessed: 29 August 2025
  11. Vulvodynia: Symptoms and Causes – What Causes Vulvodynia? Last Reviewed: 27 December 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17878-vulvodynia Accessed: 29 August 2025
  12. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia. Last Updated: 17 June 2025 | Last Reviewed: 02 June 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vaginal-pain Accessed: 29 August 2025
  13. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 01 September 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353423 Accessed: 29 August 2025
  14. Vulvodynia: Frequently Asked Questions – A Note From Cleveland Clinic. Last Reviewed: 27 December 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17878-vulvodynia Accessed: 29 August 2025
Topic Last Updated: 29 August 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 29 August 2025

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