title: Vulvodynia.
abstract: Vulvodynia, a chronic pain disorder, affects women throughout the lifespan. Appropriate evaluation and diagnosis is necessary to enable effective management. The etiology is considered multifactorial. Therapies include self-management, nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, and surgical. Vulvodynia can have a significant impact upon a patient's quality of life. Emotional and psychological support is invaluable. This article serves to give the primary gynecologist and practitioner a basic framework with which to identify, diagnose, and begin treatment for such patients as well as understanding for referral if necessary. The initial evaluation and physical examination will be discussed in detail.
authors.affiliation: Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hoffstetter
authors.forename: Mitul
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shah
mesh_terms: D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D058869:Gynecological Examination; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D056650:Vulvodynia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy