title: Vulvodynia.
abstract: Vulvar pain and discomfort (vulvodynia) are common conditions that can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Vulvodynia is a difficult condition to evaluate and treat. This article gives the primary gynecologist a basic framework with which to identify, diagnose, and begin treatment for these patients and refer if necessary. Initial evaluation and physical examination are discussed in detail. Treatments ranging from self-management strategies to nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies will be explored. Because vulvodynia is a chronic pain disorder, diagnosis is the key to beginning treatment and support for this patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics Gynecology & Women's Health, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 6420 Clayton Road, St Louis, MO 63117, USA.
authors.forename: Mitul
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics Gynecology & Women's Health, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 6420 Clayton Road, St Louis, MO 63117, USA. Electronic address: hoffstes@slu.edu.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hoffstetter
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D052065:Vaginismus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D014844:Vulva / Q000503:physiopathology*; D056650:Vulvodynia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: Vaginismus; Vulvar pain; Vulvodynia