Just learned about a new online learning program from the National Vulvodynia Association about vulvodynia.

What is vulvodynia, anyway, you may be asking yourself.  Vulvodynia is chronic pain that occurs in the vulvar area of a woman’s genitals that doesn’t have an identifiable cause.  That is, when a woman complains about having pain, say, around the entrance of her vagina, and a doctor who examines her cannot see anything, she is diagnosed with vulvodynia.

Because the doctor and patient both see nothing, it is difficult to diagnose and treat.  The fact that it is pain in the genitals just makes things more complicated.  At one time, vulvodynia was thought to be mostly in a woman’s head.

Now it is understood as a chronic medical condition, but as with all chronic conditions and illnesses, there is a psychological component to it.  Why psychological?  Because women with vulvodynia experience anger, shame, and frustration.  Vulvodynia also affects a woman’s sexuality and her relationships.

A sex therapist can be a very helpful part of a woman’s treatment team.  A sex therapist can help a woman cope with the condition, talk about how to have satisfying sex, and improve communication and empathy between the woman and her partner.  Single women can also benefit from learning how to communicate about vulvodynia to a potential sexual  partner.

Dr. Stephanie Buehler

Director, The Buehler Institute

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