Premium
Assessment and Management Options for Women with Vulvodynia
Author(s) -
Cox Kim J.,
Neville Cynthia E.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of midwifery and womens health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1111/j.1542-2011.2012.00162.x
Subject(s) - vulvodynia , etiology , distress , medicine , modalities , treatment modality , psychology , intensive care medicine , clinical psychology , psychiatry , pelvic pain , surgery , social science , sociology
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain disorder that affects sexual function in adult women. The etiology of vulvodynia is poorly understood, making the condition difficult to diagnose and treat. Women with vulvodynia often suffer significant psychological distress and have difficulty finding a compassionate and supportive health care provider. This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis, educational strategies, and treatment options for vulvodynia with the aim of increasing primary care providers’ knowledge and assessment skills. Physical therapy and other nonsurgical treatment modalities are explored in depth.