Vulvodynia: Definition, Prevalence, Impact, and Pathophysiological Factors

Caroline F. Pukall; Andrew T. Goldstein; Sophie Bergeron; David Foster; Amy Stein; Susan Kellogg-Spadt; Gloria Bachmann

doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.021

journal article Mar 01, 2016

Vulvodynia: Definition, Prevalence, Impact, and Pathophysiological Factors

Caroline F. Pukall Andrew T. Goldstein Sophie Bergeron

David Foster Amy Stein Susan Kellogg-Spadt

Gloria Bachmann

The Journal of Sexual Medicine Vol. 13 No. 3 pp. 291-304 · Oxford University Press (OUP)

View at Publisher Save 10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.021

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Vulvodynia constitutes a highly prevalent form of chronic genital pain in women, and current information regarding its definition, prevalence, impact, and pathophysiologic factors involved is needed.

Aim
To update the scientific evidence published in 2010 from the Third International Consultation of Sexual Medicine pertaining to the definition, prevalence, impact, and pathophysiologic factors of women's sexual pain.

Methods
An expert committee, as part of the Fourth International Consultation of Sexual Medicine, comprised of researchers and clinicians from biological and social science disciplines, reviewed the scientific evidence on the definition, prevalence, impact, and pathophysiologic factors related to chronic genital pain.

Main Outcome Measures
A review of the definition, prevalence, impact, and pathophysiological factors involved in vulvodynia.

Results
Vulvodynia is a prevalent and highly impactful genital pain condition. Numerous factors have been implicated in its development and maintenance.

Conclusion
What is becoming increasingly apparent is that it likely represents the end point of different factors that can differ from patient to patient. Longitudinal research is needed to shed light on risk factors involved in the expression of vulvodynia, as well as in potential subgroups of affected patients, in order to develop an empirically supported treatment algorithm.

Topics

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Metrics

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Citations

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References

Details

Published: Mar 01, 2016
Vol/Issue: 13(3)
Pages: 291-304
License: View

Authors

C

Caroline F. Pukall

Department of Psychology , Kingston, ON , Canada; Queen's University , Kingston, ON , Canada

A

Andrew T. Goldstein

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Washington, DC , USA; The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Washington, DC , USA

S

Sophie Bergeron

Department of Psychology , Montréal, QC , Canada; Université de Montréal , Montréal, QC , Canada

D

David Foster

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Rochester, NY , USA; University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , Rochester, NY , USA

A

Amy Stein

Beyond Basics Physical Therapy , New York, NY , USA; LLC , New York, NY , USA

S

Susan Kellogg-Spadt

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Philadelphia, PA , USA; Drexel University College of Medicine , Philadelphia, PA , USA

G

Gloria Bachmann

Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences , New Brunswick, NJ , USA; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , New Brunswick, NJ , USA

Cite This Article

Caroline F. Pukall, Andrew T. Goldstein, Sophie Bergeron, et al. (2016). Vulvodynia: Definition, Prevalence, Impact, and Pathophysiological Factors. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(3), 291-304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.021

Vulvodynia: Definition, Prevalence, Impact, and Pathophysiological Factors

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