Vestibulodynia
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS), vestibulodynia, or simply vulvar vestibulitis, is vulvodynia localized to the vestibule region. It tends to be associated with a highly localized “burning” or “cutting” type of pain. The pain of vulvodynia may extend into the clitoris; this is referred to as clitorodynia.
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVS) is the most common subtype of vulvodynia that affects premenopausal women. The syndrome has been cited as affecting about 10% to 15% of women seeking gynecological care.
Symptoms:
- VVS is characterized by severe pain with attempted penetration of the vaginal orifice.
- Complaints of tenderness with pressure within the vulval vestibule.
- Feelings of irritation and burning that persist for hours or days following sexual activity.
- Pain provoked by contact with an object, such as with the insertion of a tampon or penis or with the pressure from sitting on a bicycle seat, provoked vestibulodynia, or it may be constant, as in the case of generalized vulvodynia.