Vestibulodynia is a general term used to describe pain in the vestibule. The vestibule is the tissue within the vulva that sits at the opening of the vagina. The vestibule is the transition between external and internal, just like a vestibule of a building is the entrance.
Vestibulodynia can be considered a subcategory of vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is an even broader term used to describe chronic pain in the vulva. The terms vulvodynia and vestibulodynia are really only a description of symptoms, though they are often given as a diagnosis. Vulvodynia is typically used to describe generalized pain in the vulva, where the patient has chronic vulvar pain in external regions of the vulva rather than just in the vestibule. Ongoing research has improved our understanding of the underlying biological causes of pain, so terminology has changed and gotten more specific. ISSWSH, alongside two other international societies, published updated terminology in 2015.(1) We now recognize a few subtypes of vestibulodynia based on the root cause of the pain:
The vestibule tissue is fundamentally different from the skin around it, and even develops from a different part of the embryo. This inherent biological difference is crucial to understanding what causes pain specifically in the vestibule. In people with hormonally-mediated vestibulodynia, the vestibule tissue is painful because it is not getting the hormone signals that it needs. Hormones are molecules that our cells use to communicate, and these messages are important for any cell to be healthy. The vestibule tissue is very sensitive to a lack of hormone signals. Anything that causes the estrogen or testosterone levels in the body to drop (or change) can cause the vestibule tissue to become irritated and painful. Often the cause is medications that lower hormone levels in the body or the levels decreasing due to menopause or breastfeeding. The reasons that some people develop vestibulodynia and others do not is still being investigated (see below).
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a state of decreased sexual desire that has occurred as a change from a previously normally functioning level of desire that is personally bothersome with no clear identifiable initiating factors. Current treatment options are discussed.
Pelvic floor muscles are thin layers of muscle that form a basket to support pelvic organs and their dysfunction can lead to pain disorders or problems with bladder, bowel and sexual functions.
Sexual health concerns are very common after a cancer diagnosis - and often treatable.
It’s easy to forget how important sleep is, but time and again, studies show sleep is critical to many aspects of our health and well being including our energy level, mood, productivity, concentration, weight and sex.
Vestibulodynia is a general term used to describe pain in the vestibule. The vestibule is the tissue within the vulva that sits at the opening of the vagina. The vestibule is the transition between external and internal, just like a vestibule of a building is the entrance.
Dyspareunia is a general term for pain with penetration during intimate sexual contact (fingers, toy, penis). Deep pelvic pain, or deep dyspareunia, usually emerges because of other existing disorders deep in the pelvis adjacent to or touching the deeper portions of the vagina.
Lichen sclerosus is a common inflammatory disorder that affects the skin in the areas of the anus and genitals, and the most common condition among women seen in specialty clinics.
Vulvar dermatoses are skin disorders that affect the vulva, causing itching, burning and discomfort. These dermatologic conditions may include a type of vulvodynia, or chronic pain in the vulva. Unlike other types of vulvar pain in which there are no visible symptoms, with vulva dermatoses there ar
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a condition characterized by several signs and symptoms attributed to low estrogen levels, often associated with menopause. GSM is a very common problem that can result in vaginal dryness, sexual pain, and urinary concerns.
Persistent genital arousal disorder was first described by Leiblum and Nathan in 2001 and was initially called Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS). The name was changed to PGAD in 2006 because the condition was due to a genital arousal problem rather than a sexual arousal problem. Genitop
Lichen planus is an uncommon inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals.
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The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is established to promote research and exchange of knowledge in the field of female sexuality. ISSWSH is on the cutting edge of research and education in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s sexual health concerns. Visit ISSWSH.org to learn more.
This website does not provide medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The materials on this website are for general educational information only and are not a substitute for a patient-healthcare professional relationship. Your use of this website does not establish a relationship with a healthcare professional.
The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is established to promote research and exchange of knowledge in the field of female sexuality. ISSWSH is on the cutting edge of research and education in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s sexual health concerns. Visit ISSWSH.org to learn more.
This website does not provide medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The materials on this website are for general educational information only and are not a substitute for a patient-healthcare professional relationship. Your use of this website does not establish a relationship with a healthcare professional.