eISSN: 2299-0038
ISSN: 1643-8876
Menopause Review/Przegląd Menopauzalny
Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Special Issues Editorial board Abstracting and indexing Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures
Editorial System
Submit your Manuscript
SCImago Journal & Country Rank


1/2020
vol. 19
 
Share:
Share:
abstract:
Review paper

Aetiology, diagnosis, and clinical management of vulvodynia

Polina Vasileva
1
,
Strahil A. Strashilov
2
,
Angel D. Yordanov
3

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Pleven, Bulgaria
  2. Department of Plastic Restorative, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Pleven, Bulgaria
  3. Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Medical University of Pleven, Bulgaria
Menopause Rev 2020; 19(1): 44-48
Online publish date: 2020/04/27
View full text Get citation
 
PlumX metrics:
Chronic vulvar pain or discomfort for which no obvious aetiology can be found, i.e. vulvodynia, can affect up to 16% of women, and it may be found in girls and women across all age groups and ethnicities. Most patients describe it as burning, stinging, irritation, or rawness. The symptoms may spread to the whole vulva (generalised vulvodynia) or only to part of it, such as the clitoris (clitorodynia) or the vestibule of the vagina (vestibulodynia). This condition is often underreported and underrecognised by health care providers. Vulvodynia is a significant burden to society, the health care system, the affected women, and their intimate partners. It has a negative impact on quality of life. Vulvodynia is a diagnosis of exclusion with unknown aetiology. The gynaecologist plays a key role in excluding other causes of vulvar pain, and collaborating with other health care providers to manage the patient’s pain. Although many therapeutic options are available, such as vulvar care measures, psychological approaches, local treatment, oral medications, surgical procedures, electrical nerve stimulation, and laser therapy, there is no single treatment effective for all patients. That is why individualised management is needed. An individualised, holistic, and often multidisciplinary approach is needed to effectively manage the patient’s pain and pain-related distress.
keywords:

vulvodynia, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment

Quick links
© 2024 Termedia Sp. z o.o.
Developed by Bentus.