Vulvar pain: Anatomic and recent pathophysiologic considerations

Abstract

Vulvar pain syndrome or vulvodynia is a common multifactorial, heterogeneous, and chronic gynecological disorder with an estimated prevalence of up to 16%. This disorder seriously impacts the quality of life of women in several ways. The etiology of this condition is complex and remains elusive and requires an extensive differential diagnosis. A standard therapeutic approach for the management of vulvar pain is still under investigation and must be multidisciplinary. This review outlines the anatomic and pathophysiologic aspects of vulvar pain.