When a woman experiences pain in the vulvar region, the condition is described as vulvodynia. The condition affects the vulva, the external female genital organs including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. Pain can affect either one particular area or can spread to multiple points, causing vaginal pain.
The exact cause of the condition is still unknown, and researchers are working hard to try and identify the reason for vulvodynia pain. However, there have been suggestions that vulvodynia causes may be linked to genetics, immunology and even diet.
The main symptoms of vulvodynia are vulvar pain, although the pain can present itself in various ways. Some women can have pain on a single part of the vulva, while others will experience pain around the entire vulvar region. The pain can also have varying intensities from one woman to the other. The type of pain, too, can vary, with some women experiencing a sharp pain while others having a burning sensation.
Regardless of how the vaginal pain presents itself, it can be a very clear sign of vulvodynia. In some cases, the pain can be constant, while in others it can be intermittent and experienced in intervals. Still, some may only experience pain when the vulvar region is touched or pressed, which makes certain activities painful such as sitting or riding a bike.
