Vulvodynia (also called vulvar vestibulitis syndrome) is pain in the vulva (i.e., the external genitals in women, particularly the tissue around the opening of the vagina). Symptoms of vulvodynia may include any of the following conditions:
• Intermittent or constant burning, stinging, or stabbing types of pain in the vulva
• Vulvar pain during intercourse
• Itching of the vulva
• Redness of the vulva
Scientists have suggested that the following conditions are possible causes of vulvodynia:
• Complication of childbirth
• Complication of gynecological surgery
• Abnormal level of calcium oxalate in the urine
• Complication of yeast infections of the vagina
• Complication of nonspecific inflammation of the vestibular gland, which contains nerves.
A variety of ways to manage and treat vulvodynia are available. See our Q&A called Treatment of Vulvodynia (Pain in the Vulva).
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