Vulvodynia (persistent vulval pain)
When to get medical advice
See your GP or visit your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic if you have persistent vulval pain.
Vulvodynia is unlikely to get better on its own and some of the treatments are only available on prescription. There are also a number of other causes ofvulval pain that need to be ruled out.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may touch your vulva lightly with the tip of a cotton bud to see if this causes pain. A swab may also be taken to check for conditions such as infections.
Many people with vulval pain can have the condition for many years before a diagnosis is made and proper management started.
The British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease has a map of vulval clinics and services in the UK that you can use to search for services near you. You can't self-refer to these services, but you could discuss a referral with your GP.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about the symptoms of vulvodynia, what the treatments are and what else can cause vulval pain.
Symptoms of vulvodynia
The main symptom of vulvodynia is persistent pain in and around the vulva.The vulva usually looks normal. The pain may be: a burning, stinging or sore sensation triggered by touch, such as during
When to get medical advice
See your GP or visit your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic if you have persistent vulval pain. Vulvodynia is unlikely to get better on its own and some of the treatments are only available
Treatments for vulvodynia
A combination of some of the following treatments can often help relieve symptoms of vulvodynia and reduce its impact on your life: Self-care Gels and lubricants Medication Physiotherapy
Possible causes of vulvodynia
The exact cause of vulvodynia is unknown. It's thought it may be the result of a problem with the nerves supplying the vulva, although it's not clear what causes this. Possible triggers that havebee
Other causes of vulval pain
Pain in the vulva isn't always vulvodynia. It can have a number of other causes, such as: persistent vaginal thrush or other vaginal infections sensitivity to something touching the vulva, such as
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