User:Mr. Ibrahem/Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a long term pain syndrome that affects the vulvar area and occurs without an identifiable cause. Symptoms typically include a feeling of burning, stinging, or irritation. Bladder and bowel issues may also be present. For the diagnosis to be made symptoms must last at least 3 months. Associated disorders include fibromyalgia and temporomandibular joint disorder. The condition often results in a poor quality of life.

The exact cause is unknown but it is believed to involve a number of factors. These may include genetics, immunology, hormonal changes, inflammation, and possibly diet. Diagnosis is based on symptoms after ruling out other potential causes of vulvar pain. If abnormal skin is present a biopsy may be useful.

Treatment may involve counselling, physiotherapy, and medications. While high quality evidence is lacking tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or gabapentin maybe tried. Lidocaine or capsaicin cream may also be useful. If other measures are not effective surgical removal of the vulval vestibule known as a vestibulectomy may useful in certain cases. Vulvodynia is estimated to affect up to 16% of women. It was first described in 1880 by Thomas.