Vulvodynia is chronic pain and discomfort of the vulva that is not caused by an infection, skin disease or cancer. It is likely that many factors, including those related to the body’s nerves, hormones or immune system, are involved.
Two types of vulvodynia are recognized: generalized vulvodynia and localized vulvodynia. In generalized vulvodynia, the pain is felt over the entire vulvar area. In localized vulvodynia, the pain is felt on a specific area of the vulva. Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is a specific form of localized vulvodynia. In VVS, the pain is felt only in the vestibule (the area around the opening of the vagina), usually in response to touch or pressure.