• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
UAMS Health Logo UAMS Health
  • UAMS.edu
  • MyChart
  • Giving
  • Emergency Room
  • COVID-19
  • Types of Care
  • Locations
  • Doctors
  • Patients & Guests
  • Referring Physicians
  • Appointments
  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Vulvodynia

Condition: Vulvodynia

Also called: Vulvar Pain

Vulvodynia can simply be defined as vulvar discomfort, but is most commonly described as burning pain, occurring due to an infection or inflammation. Also known as vulvar dysesthesia,  vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain that is characterized by burning, itching, stinging or stabbing feeling around the opening of the vagina. This pain can be constant or irregular and can last for months or even years. And it can also disappear as suddenly as it started.

If you experience vulvodynia or vulvar pain, you are not alone. Current evidence indicates that nearly 14 million women in the U.S. will at some point in their lives experience chronic vulvar burning and pain. A localized form of vulvodynia involving the vulvar vestibule is thought to be the leading cause of painful intercourse in premenopausal women.

Causes

The exact cause of vulvodynia has not yet been determined, but there are several contributing factors, including:

  • Injury to or irritation of the nerves surrounding your vulva
  • Allergies
  • Muscle spasms
  • Past vaginal infections

Treatment

The treatments for this disorder focus on relieving symptoms and consist of:

  • Medications
  • Biofeedback therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Local anesthetics
  • Topical estrogen

Types of Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia usually can be divided into groups based on the location of the pain.

  • Generalized vulvodynia involves the entire vulva with symptoms of persistent, chronic pain that is burning, stinging or irritation.
  • Localized vulvodynia involves only specific portions of the vulva, most commonly the vestibule or inner vulva.

In both generalized and localized vulvodynia, the pain may be provoked or triggered by physical contact. In the case of provoked pain, common triggers include vaginal intercourse, tampon insertion and tight-fitting clothing.

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Vulvodynia

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
  • Physical Therapy

Providers Treating Vulvodynia

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Vulvodynia. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Tesa L. Ivey, CNP

Tesa L. Ivey, CNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Nurse Practitioner

View Profile
Mary Luann Racher, M.D.

Mary Luann Racher, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Alexis  C. White, M.D.

Alexis C. White, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Vulvodynia

Note that the treatment of Vulvodynia may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


Women's Center

Vulvar Clinic (Part of Women's Center)

6119 Midtown Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-526-1050
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Vulvodynia

Gynecology (Part of Women's Health)

At UAMS Health, our gynecologists are highly trained to provide the best in medical treatment for every stage of a woman's life.

View Area of Expertise
Image of a pregnant woman lying down on a hospital bed and talking to a doctor.

Women’s Health

UAMS Health is dedicated to continuing to improve women’s health services throughout the state, and we have all the services you need to …

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy

© 2023 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Please share your location to continue