Vulvodynia (pronounced vuhl-voe-DIN-ee-yuh) is chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva. Researchers and health care providers currently know very little about why and how vulvodynia occurs-the condition and the pain have no known cause or cure. Although therapies can help relieve symptoms of vulvodynia, the condition can have potentially serious consequences for women's reproductive health and day-to-day life. Understanding vulvodynia is an important part of the NICHD's mission to improve women's quality of life.
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Common Names
- Vulvodynia
- Vulvar pain (chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva)
Medical or Scientific Names
- Vulvodynia
- Vulvar vestibulitis