Provoked vulvodynia: A peripheral neurological pain syndrome

Abstract

Provoked vulvodynia (PV), also called “vestibulodynia” and formerly termed “vulvar vestibulitis”, is the primary cause of vulvar pain and dyspareunia. It affects 8-10% of women of all ages and significantly impairs their quality of life. Its most recognizable symptom is dyspareunia, and it is characterized by extreme symmetric sensitivity at the vestibule, close to the hymenal base. This concealed location of sensitivity has made diagnosis difficult and has led to myths regarding the development of PV, involving hurtful statements like “it is all in your head.” Recent research has proven that the pain arises from local, organic, and vestibular sensitivity. Approximately 50% women with PV experience sensitivity only in the posterior half of the vestibule. The others have both anterior and posterior allodynia. The data provided in Table 1 indicate that idiopathic vulvar pain and vulvodynia have been recognized since the first century REVIEW