Understanding and treating vulvodynia (chronic vaginal pain)

When chronic vulvar pain affects your quality of life, specialist care can help you find relief

Vulvodynia is chronic, unexplained pain in the vulva that can significantly impact your daily life, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

If you’ve been experiencing burning, stinging, or rawness in the vulvar area for three months or longer, you may have vulvodynia. This condition is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leaving many women suffering in silence without proper treatment.

At The Women’s Health Vulvo-Vaginal & Genitourinary Clinic, we specialise in diagnosing and treating vulvodynia. Our team understands the complex nature of this condition and provides comprehensive, compassionate care to help you find lasting relief.

Vulvodynia is real, it's not in your head, and it is treatable. Let us help you find answers.

Do you have vulvodynia?

You may have vulvodynia if you experience:

Burning, stinging, or rawness in the vulvar area lasting 3+ months
Pain that is constant or triggered by touch or pressure
Discomfort during sexual intercourse or when inserting tampons
Pain that worsens when sitting or wearing tight clothing
Symptoms without visible signs of infection or skin changes
Pain that hasn’t responded to standard treatments
Impact on your relationships, intimacy, and quality of life

If this sounds familiar, it’s time for a specialist assessment.

Common causes and types of vulvodynia

1. Generalised Vulvodynia

Pain that affects the entire vulvar area and may be constant or occur spontaneously. The pain can vary in intensity and may worsen with certain activities or at specific times.

2. Localised Vulvodynia (Vestibulodynia)

Pain localised to the vestibule (the entrance to the vagina). This type is typically triggered by touch or pressure, such as during intercourse, tampon insertion, or gynaecological examinations.

3. Nerve Sensitisation

Overactive or hypersensitive nerves in the pelvic region can cause chronic pain signals even without tissue damage or inflammation.

4. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Tight, overactive pelvic floor muscles can contribute to vulvar pain and make symptoms worse. Many women with vulvodynia have concurrent pelvic floor dysfunction.

5. Previous Infections or Trauma

Recurrent yeast infections, trauma, or surgery can sometimes trigger the development of vulvodynia, even after the initial cause has resolved.

6. Hormonal Factors

Low oestrogen levels, particularly after menopause or whilst breastfeeding, can contribute to vulvar pain and sensitivity.

7. Inflammatory Conditions

Some women with vulvodynia have underlying inflammatory or autoimmune conditions that contribute to their symptoms.

How we diagnose and treat vulvodynia

Comprehensive history

We’ll discuss:

When symptoms started and how they’ve progressed
The nature and location of your pain
What triggers or worsens your symptoms
Previous treatments and their effectiveness
Impact on your sexual function, relationships, and daily life
Medical history, including infections or trauma

Thorough examination

A gentle, careful examination can help:

Rule out other conditions with similar symptoms
Identify areas of tenderness or pain
Assess pelvic floor muscle tension
Perform a cotton swab test to map areas of sensitivity

Appropriate testing

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Personalised treatment plan

Treatment for vulvodynia is multi-faceted and may include:

Topical treatments
Oral medications
Pelvic floor physiotherapy
Lifestyle modifications

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is vulvodynia caused by an infection?

A: No, vulvodynia is not caused by an infection, though some women develop it after recurrent infections. Tests for infection will typically be negative.

Q: Will vulvodynia go away on its own?

A: Whilst some cases may improve over time, most women benefit from treatment. The sooner you seek specialist care, the better your chances of significant improvement.

Q: Can I still have sex with vulvodynia?

A: Many women with vulvodynia find intercourse painful, but with proper treatment, most can return to comfortable intimacy. We’ll work with you to develop strategies to reduce pain during sex.

Q: How long does treatment take?

A: This varies depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms. Some women experience improvement within weeks, whilst others may need several months of treatment. We’ll work with you to find the most effective approach.

Q: Is vulvodynia a psychological condition?

A: No, vulvodynia is a real, physical condition involving nerve sensitisation and often pelvic floor dysfunction. Whilst stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms, they are not the cause.

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Take the first step towards relief

Vulvodynia doesn't have to control your life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most women experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.