Facebook Pixel

AUDIO: Dr. Pukall, Is The Vulvodynia Pain I Have “All In My Head?”

By Expert
 
Rate This

Dr. Pukall, is the vulvodynia pain I’m having all in my head? Caroline F. Pukall, Ph.D., CPsych is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

For more information on Dr. Caroline Pukall visit Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

What is Vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is defined as “vulvar discomfort, most often described as burning pain, occurring in the absence of relevant visible findings or a specific, clinically identifiable, neurologic disorder.” Vulvodynia affects an estimated 16% of women in the general population. There are two major types of vulvodynia that are based on pain location. The first is localized vulvodynia, in which pain is restricted to a portion of the vulva, such as the vestibule, as in vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS). The second is generalized vulvodynia (GVD), in which the pain is more diffuse, involving the whole vulva.

cpukall
Expert View Profile

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Vulvodynia

Get Email Updates

Vulvodynia Guide

SusanC
Supporter
HERWriter Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!