VULVODYNIA

Chronic pain of at least 3 month’s duration in a woman’s vulva without a clearly identifiable cause. The pain can include a chronic burning or knife-like pain, although women’s descriptions of the pain can differ. According to the National Vulvodynia Association, one woman reported her pain felt like “acid being poured on my skin,” while another described it as “constant knife-like pain.” The location and severity of the pain can vary. Some women experience pain in only one part of the vulva, while others experience pain in multiple areas. This disorder is very complex and can be challenging to treat. Most healthcare providers throw their hands up, which means the woman will need to do a great deal of research and find a specialist who works with female pelvic pain.