Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain condition lasting at least 3 months without an identifiable cause such as infection, dermatological condition, or malignancy. The pain is thought to result from an increase in nerve fiber density and sensitivity in the vulvar tissue, combined with heightened inflammatory responses. Nerve fibers in the affected tissue become hypersensitive, causing pain signals from stimuli that would not normally be painful (allodynia) or exaggerated pain from mildly painful stimuli (hyperalgesia). The condition may be provoked (triggered by touch or pressure, such as tampon insertion or intercourse) or unprovoked (constant burning pain without a trigger). Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction often coexists, with chronic muscle tension contributing to pain.