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Vulvodynia is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by chronic vulvar pain without an identifiable cause. It can manifest as either provoked pain, which occurs upon touch or pressure, or unprovoked pain, which arises spontaneously. This condition significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals, leading to physical, psychological, and social challenges. The prevalence of vulvodynia is notable, with estimates suggesting that it affects approximately 8-12% of women, indicating a substantial public health concern that primary care clinicians must address (Cox & Neville, 2012; Kim et al., 2019).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Chronic vulvar pain lasting at least 3 months without an identifiable cause, potentially linked to multiple associated factors. |
| Prevalence | Affects up to 16% of women across diverse age groups and ethnicities, highlighting its significant impact as a public health concern. |
| Symptoms | - Burning sensation (🔥) - Sharp, knife-like pain (🔪) - Stinging (🦂) - Rawness or soreness (🧠) - Aching or throbbing (🔄) |
| Classification | - Localized Vulvodynia (e.g., Vestibulodynia) - Generalized Vulvodynia |
| Etiology | - Genetic Susceptibility (🧬) - Inflammatory Processes (🦠) - Neurological Sensitization (🧠) - Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction (💪) |
| Diagnosis | Diagnosis of Exclusion - Rule out: - Infections (e.g., candidiasis, herpes) - Inflammatory conditions... |
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