Population-based studies indicate that three to seven percent of reproductive-aged women suffer from vulvodynia. Most women with vulvodynia report having had pain for many years and remission appears to be uncommon, occurring in less than 25 percent. One major study including only adult women found that the incidence of symptom onset is highest between the ages of 18 and 25; a recent study of adolescents (ages 12 to 19) suggests it may be quite prevalent among younger females as well. Once thought to affect primarily Caucasian women, recent studies indicate that African American and Hispanic women are just as likely to develop vulvodynia.
Although vulvodynia was first documented in medical texts in 1880, the medical community did not address the condition until the 1970s. Because vulvodynia is rarely covered in medical school curricula and residency programs and its symptoms mimic those of common vaginal infections, women are often misdiagnosed. One study found that almost 60 percent of patients reported visiting three or more health care providers to receive a diagnosis, while an astounding 40 percent remained undiagnosed after three consultations. To promote accurate diagnosis and improve patient care, the National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) created this tutorial with the assistance of its medical advisory board. This CME program reviews the diagnosis and treatment of vulvodynia, as well as research findings on its prevalence and etiology.
Jointly sponsored by Dannemiller and the National Vulvodynia Association.
This activity was funded by an educational
grant from the Patty Brisben Foundation.
Release Date: January 2010
Expiration Date: November 30, 2011
