Vulvodynia

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 and Treatment 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 can cause severe pain. For example:

  • Having sex
  • Inserting a tampon
  • Using toilet paper
  • Sitting for prolonged periods of time”.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 and Vaginal 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?

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Links

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New or Updated

  1. 3D Mapping of Female Anatomy
  2. A Man’s Guide To Menopause
  3. Anatomy of the Vagina
  4. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
  5. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information – Vulval Anatomy
  6. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information – Vulvovaginal Pain
  7. Bleeding After Sex: What It Means and When To See A Doctor
  8. Caredownthere.com.au
  9. Checking Your Vulva: What To Look Out For
    Vulvodynia
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  12. Definition and Types of Vulvodynia
  13. Diagnosis
  14. Differentiating Overlapping Symptoms of Vulvodynia and Pudendal Neuralgia
  15. “Doctor, is it normal?” [Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
  16. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management
  17. How Vaginal Hormones Can Transform the Health of Women [25 November 2025]
  18. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Vulval Changes
  19. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  20. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  21. Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva
  22. FAQs: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  23. FAQs: Vulvodynia
  24. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  25. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  26. How Vaginal Hormones Can Transform the Health of Women
  27. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  28. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  29. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  30. 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]
  31. Medical Advice: Medical Exams
  32. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  33. National Vulvodynia Association
  34. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients – How NVA Can Help You
  35. National Vulvodynia Association: Other Resources
  36. National Vulvodynia Association: Patient Booklets
  37. Neuroproliferative Vestibulodynia
  38. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series: Dyspareunia – Vaginal Atrophy and Beyond [Sign In To Confirm Your Age
  39. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars 2023 – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  40. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars 2025 – The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  41. Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  42. Pelvic Exam
  43. Pelvicpain.org.uk [Pelvic Pain Support Network, United Kingdom]
  44. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  45. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  46. Pudendal Neuralgia
  47. SHE+ Explains: Vulva vs Vagina (By Parents, for Parents)
  48. Sheplusfoundation.com [SHE+ Foundation formerly known as The Patty Brisben Foundation]
  49. Self-Help Tips
  50. Sex and Sexual Health
  51. Shocking Facts About the Clitoris
  52. Talk About Painful Sex
  53. The Vulva & Vagina Explained: Sex Ed #2
  54. They are not bad words! (Campaign Theme Song)
  55. Tips for Checking Your VulvaVulvodynia
  56. Vaginismus
  57. Vulva
  58. Vulval Irritation and Treatment
  59. Vulval Lumps, Bumps and What To Do
  60. Vulval Pain, Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVVS)
  61. Vulval Self-Checks: Learn How To Get To Know Your Vulva
  62. Vulva and Vagina [Multiply Languages]
  63. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  64. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions: Vaginismus
  65. Vulval and Vaginal Pain
  66. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Pudendal Neuralgia
  67. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia
  68. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia – Symptoms of Vulvodynia
  69. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia – Types of Vulvodynia
  70. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia – What Causes Vulvodynia
  71. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia – When To See A Doctor About Vulvodynia
  72. Vulvar Anatomy
  73. Vulvar Awareness Campaign Season 2024 – 2025
  74. Vulvodynia
  75. Vulvodynia
  76. Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain)
  77. Vulvodynia Treatments
  78. Vulvodynia: Diagnosis & Treatment
  79. Vulvodynia: Diagnosis and Tests
  80. Vulvodynia: Management and Treatment
  81. Vulvodynia Q&A Session With Dr John Connell and the Vulval Pain Society [January 2026]
  82. Vulvodynia Q&A | Causes, Flare-Ups, and Pain Relief Tips – Prof. Marc Possover
  83. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes
  84. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Alternative Medicine
  85. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Lifestyle and Home Remedies
  86. Vulvodynia: Symptoms and Causes
  87. What Causes Vulvodynia?
  88. What Is Vulvodynia? [+ Diagrams]
  89. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted:

Sources

  1. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/vulval-and-vaginal-pain/ Accessed: 15 May 2026
  2. Vulval Irritation and Treatment. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/vulval-irritation-and-treatment/ Accessed: 15 May 2026
  3. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain – What Is Vulvodynia? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/advice.html Accessed: 15 May 2026
  4. Vulvodynia (Vulval Pain). Page Last Reviewed: 16 January 2024. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/ Accessed: 15 May 2026
  5. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/vulval-and-vaginal-pain/ Accessed: 15 May 2026
  6. What Is Vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association https://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed: 15 May 2026
  7. What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Localized Vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association https://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed: 15 May 2026
  8. What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Localized Vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association https://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed: 15 May 2026
  9. What Is Vulvodynia? What Is Generalized Vulvodynia? National Vulvodynia Association https://www.nva.org/whatIsVulvodynia.html Accessed: 15 May 2026
  10. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 01 September 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353423 Accessed: 15 May 2026
  11. Vulvodynia: Symptoms and Causes – What Causes Vulvodynia? Last Reviewed: 27 December 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17878-vulvodynia Accessed: 15 May 2026
  12. Vulval and Vaginal Pain: Vulvodynia. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/vulval-and-vaginal-pain/ Accessed: 15 May 2026
  13. Vulvodynia: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 01 September 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353423 Accessed: 15 May 2026
  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: 15 May 2026
Topic Last Updated: 19 May 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 15 May 2026

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