Vulvodynia: new concepts and review of the literature

Abstract

Vulvodynia is a multifactorial chronic pain disorder that is distressing to the patient and exigent to the physician. Although the condition is common, it remains little understood, so patients remain undiagnosed and untreated or undertreated for many years. Although multiple therapies exist in the treatment of vulvodynia, few randomized controlled clinical trials have been performed. Thus, treatment should be individualized and tailored to a patient's diagnosis, symptoms, and psychosexual functioning. Patient education is also important and is facilitated by patient brochures providing assurance that vulvodynia is a real disease.