Vulvodynia refers to a disorder of vulvar pain, burning, and discomfort that interferes with the quality of life. No discernible physical lesion other than perhaps some redness of the skin is present. The cause is unknown. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) is a detailed description of known diseases and injuries. ... The following codes are used with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) is a detailed description of known diseases and injuries. ... The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... Labeled picture of external human female reproductive anatomy. ...

Localized vulvodynia/ vulvar vestibulitis

The condition is one of exclusion and the diseases listed in the differential diagnosis need to be considered. The pain may be generalized or localized in the vulvar region. Localized vulvodynia in the vestibular region is referred to as vulvar vestibulitis and also vestibulodynia. It is unclear if these conditions are manifestations of the same disease process as the differential diagnosis is the same and the cause unkown.

Possible causes

A wide variety of possible causes and treatments for vulvodynia are currently being explored. Some possible causes include: allergy or other sensitivity to chemicals or organisms normally found in the environment, autoimmune disorder similar to lupus erythematosus, chronic tension or spasm of the muscles of the vulvar area, infection, and neuropathy. Autoimmune diseases arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. ...

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on the typical complaints of the patient, essentially normal physical findings, and the absence of identifiable causes per the differential diagnosis. A cotton “swab test” is used to delineate the areas of pain and categorize their severity.

Differential diagnosis

1. Infections: candidiasis, herpes, HPV
2. Inflammation: lichen planus
3. Neoplasm: Paget's disease, vulvar carcinoma
4. Neurologic disorder: neuralgia secondary to herpes virus, spinal nerve injury

Genera Subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae    Simplexvirus    Varicellovirus    Mardivirus    Iltovirus Subfamily Betaherpesvirinae    Cytomegalovirus    Muromegalovirus    Roseolovirus Subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae    Lymphocryptovirus    Rhadinovirus Unassigned    Ictalurivirus The Herpesviridae are a family of DNA viruses that cause diseases in humans and animals. ... HPV is an initialism that can mean : Human Powered Vehicle Human papillomavirus a type of STD High Production Volume Chemicals Health Purchasing Victoria Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction This page concerning a three-letter acronym or abbreviation is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share... Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that usually affects the skin, the mouth, or sometimes both. ... Neuralgia is a painful disorder of the cranial nerves. ...

Treatment

There is no uniform treatment approach and numerous proposed treatments are based primarily on empirical experience and opinion. Treatments include:

1. Vulvar care measures: cotton underwear, no synthetics; avoidance of vulvar irritants (douching, shampoos, perfumes, detergents); water cleaning only (no soaps); cotton menstrual pads; lubrication for intercourse; rinsing and patting dry the vulva after micturation.
2. Medications: topicals, oral, and injectable medication that include anesthetics, estrogens, tricyclic antidepressants compounded into a topical form or systemic, local steroids.
3. Biofeedback and physical therapy.
4. Surgery: vestibulectomy.

The guidelines in Vulvovaginal health may be of some help. Cotton ready for harvest. ... Biofeedback mechanism. ... This article concerns itself with the health profession. ... Vulvovaginal health is the health and sanitation of the human female vulva and vagina. ...

References

ACOG Committee on Gynecologic Practice. Committee Opinion # 345: Vulvodynia. Obstet Gynecol (2006)108;1049-52. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is a professional association of over 46,000 members providing health care for women. ...

External links

• National Vulvodynia Association
• Clinical Management of Vulvodynia
• Interstitial Cystitis Support Group of Manhattan
• Vulvar Pain Foundation
• Vulvodynia Treatment