vestibulodynia
Vestibulodynia is a chronic pain condition involving the vulvar vestibule, the area surrounding the vaginal opening. The pain is typically provoked by touch, pressure, or insertion and persists for at least three months. Patients commonly report sharp or burning sensations with sexual activity, tampon use, or gynecologic exams, and there may be accompanying tenderness to light touch (cotton-swab test).
Vestibulodynia is most often classified as provoked vestibulodynia, a subtype where pain is elicited by contact
Etiology is not fully understood. Contributing factors may include altered nerve sensitivity (neuropathic pain), inflammatory processes,
Diagnosis relies on medical history and physical exam, particularly a cotton-swab test to map pain in the
Management is typically multidisciplinary. Treatments include pelvic floor physical therapy, topical anesthetics (for example, lidocaine), and