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      Vulvodynia

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          Abstract

          <p class="first" id="d2957948e103">Vulvodynia is a condition that occurs in 8-10% of women of all ages and is characterized by pain at the vulva that is present during sexual and/or non-sexual situations. Diagnosis is established through careful medical history and pelvic examination, including the cotton-swab test. The onset and maintenance of vulvodynia involves a complex interplay of peripheral and central pain mechanisms, pelvic floor muscle and autonomic dysfunction, anxiety, depression and childhood maltreatment as well as cognitive-affective, behavioural and interpersonal factors. Given the absence of empirically supported treatment guidelines, a stepwise approach of pelvic floor physical therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy as well as medical management is suggested, with surgery as the last option. Vulvodynia has a negative effect on the quality of life of women and their partners, and imposes a profound personal and societal economic burden. In addition, women with vulvodynia are more likely to report other chronic pain conditions, which further alters their quality of life. Future efforts should aim to increase girls', women's and healthcare professionals' education and awareness of vulvodynia, phenotype different subgroups of women based on biopsychosocial characteristics among more diverse samples, conduct longitudinal studies and improve clinical trial designs. </p>

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          Nature Reviews Disease Primers
          Nat Rev Dis Primers
          Springer Science and Business Media LLC
          2056-676X
          December 2020
          April 30 2020
          December 2020
          : 6
          : 1
          Article
          10.1038/s41572-020-0164-2
          32355269
          df66df20-b21e-4326-90c8-1a75e77c8840
          © 2020

          http://www.springer.com/tdm

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