National Vulvodynia Association What is Vulvodynia? The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) defines vulvodynia as chronic vulvar discomfort or pain, especially that characterized by complaints of burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia. Burning sensations are the most common, but vulvodynia pain is highly individualized. The condition varies in persistence and location. Pain may be constant or intermittent, localized or diffuse. In many cases of vulvodynia, pain occurs spontaneously. Vulvar vestibulitis, a type of vulvodynia refers to pain experienced only when pressure is applied to the vestibule, the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina. Vulvodynia has also occasionally been referred to as pudendal neuralgia. Vulvodynia, as with most chronic pain conditions, has a profound impact on quality of life. It often affects one's ability to engage in sexual activity and can interfere with daily functioning. It can impair one's ability to work, engage in physical activity, and participate in a social life. These limitations can negatively affect self-image and may sometimes lead to depression. What Causes Vulvodynia? The cause of vulvodynia is unknown. It may be the result of multiple factors. Doctors speculate that it may be caused by: an injury to, or irritation of, the nerves that innervate the vulva; a localized hypersensitivity to candida; an allergic response to environmental irritants; high levels of oxalate crystals in the urine; or spasms of the muscles that support the pelvic organs. There is no evidence that vulvodynia is caused by infection or that it is a sexually transmitted disease. Diagnosis and Treatment Vulvodynia is diagnosed when other causes of vulvar pain, such as active yeast infection, herpes, skin disorders, and other bacterial infections are ruled out. Upon examination, the vulvar tissue may appear inflamed and swollen or it may look perfectly normal. It is common for a woman to consult several doctors before obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Currently there is no cure for vulvodynia. Treatments directed toward symptom relief include drug therapies such as tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants, nerve blocks, interferon, biofeedback, and diet modification. Surgical intervention is an option for some women when more conservative treatments do not produce acceptable relief. How Can the NVA Help? The National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) is a section 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by vulvodynia. Our medical advisory board consists of experts in vulvodynia, gynecology, dermatology, neurology, urology, human sexuality, psychology, and chronic pain management. Because there is an urgent need for increased awareness of the existence of vulvodynia, the NVA provides information to both patients and doctors. The NVA encourages research and exchange of ideas to facilitate understanding of this complicated condition. It is hoped that these efforts will lead to better treatments and eventually a cure. Until then, health care providers need to offer, and patients need to develop, improved coping techniques. To this end, the NVA is committed to an open and continuing dialogue with its contributors. To Learn More For an annual, tax deductible contribution of $40 or more, you will receive: our quarterly newsletter containing up-to-date medical information, individual perspectives on managing vulvodynia, and selected readers' questions answered by our medical board members; and a vulvodynia bibliography and the names of other organization that offer support for related disorders. Contributing to the NVA will also give you the opportunity to speak with other NVA supporters in your area. If you do not choose this option, your name will be kept confidential. If a $30 contribution presents a hardship, please contact the NVA in writing.Your contribution will help us coordinate a centralized source of information and encourage research on this disorder. Whether you are a patient of a health care professional, we need your support. NVA Mission The National Vulvodynia Association(NVA) is a nonprofit organization created in 1994 to improve the lives of individuals affected by vulvodynia, a spectrum of chronic vulvar pain disorders. In accomplishing this goal, the NVA will: educate affected women about vulvodynia to enable them to make informed choices about their treatment; encourage patients to develop self-help strategies to deal with the physical and emotional components of this disorder; provide a support network for interested members; involve and educate loved ones to promote a more supportive family environment; coordinate a centralized source of information on suspected causes, current treatments, and ongoing research for health care practitioners and patients; emphasize a coordinated interdisciplinary approach to patients' medical care; work cooperatively with other health organizations to improve our understanding of vulvodynia's relationship to other disorders; educate the public to bring attention to vulvodynia as a serious women's health concern; encourage further research to find more effective treatments and eventual cures for vulvodynia. Medical Advisory Board Libby Edwards, M.D. David Foster, M.D. Howard Glazer, Ph.D. Stanley Marinoff, M.D. Paul Nyirjesy, M.D. Elizabeth Stewart, M.D. Justin Wasserman, M.D. F.A.A.P.M.R. Ursula Wesselmann, M.D. Jerome M. Weiss The National Vulvodynia Association P.O. Box 4491 Silver Spring, MD 20914-4491 Phone: 301-299-0775 Fax: 301-299-3999 WWW.NVA.ORG The NVA does not engage in the practice of medicine. It is not a medical authority, nor does it claim to have medical knowledge. In all cases, the NVA recommends that you consult your own health care practitioner regarding any course of treatment or medication. Return to the IVF Homepage This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 2005 by IVF.com, Atlanta, GA, USA.