What is Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia refers to pain or discomfort involving the vulva (the genital area between the legs and outside of the vagina). Women complain of uncomfortable sensations such as burning, stinging, irritation, stabbing, or rawness. These symptoms may be due to vulvodynia when no other obvious causes (e.g., skin conditions, infections, or diseases) can be found.
Approximately 16% of women experience this type of vulvar discomfort and or vulvar pain at some time in their life.
Women who suffer from vulvodynia may find that the discomfort interferes with daily living activities (wearing clothes, sitting, or walking) and or sexual activities. Because sex hurts, many women avoid sexual intimacy and this may have a significant negative impact on their emotional well being and their personal relationships.
Need more information about Vulvodynia? Go to our “For Patients & Partners” or “Healthcare Professionals” sections.
Mission StatementThe Multidisciplinary Vulvodynia Program contributes to the health and well-being of women living with provoked vestibulodynia and their partners through consultation, assessment, and management of genital pain symptoms. Multidisciplinary collaboration is the cornerstone of our model and the reason for our success. Our commitment to education through public events, physician education, and media coverage is a key facet of our program and our mission to better equip community physicians with the necessary skills to manage PVD. We are also involved in knowledge creation and dissemination with our extensive program of research that will better the lives of women globally who are personally affected by provoked vestibulodynia. |
