Vulvodynia is persistent pain or discomfort affecting the vulva (the external female genital area) that lasts for three months or longer, without an obvious cause such as infection or a skin condition.
The pain can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort and may have a significant impact on everyday life, exercise, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Many women live with vulvodynia for months or even years before receiving a diagnosis. It can be frustrating when symptoms are difficult to explain or when investigations do not identify a clear cause. However, the pain is very real, and with the right assessment and treatment, many women experience significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.
Pelvic health physiotherapy is recognised as an important part of the multidisciplinary management of vulvodynia, helping to address the muscles, tissues and nervous system that may be contributing to ongoing pain.
Symptoms vary between individuals but commonly include:
Some women experience pain only when the area is touched (provoked vulvodynia), while others have pain even when sitting or resting (generalised vulvodynia).
The exact cause is not fully understood, and there is rarely a single reason why symptoms develop. Instead, vulvodynia is thought to result from a combination of factors that affect the tissues, muscles and nervous system.
These may include:
For many women, ongoing pain causes the pelvic floor muscles to become increasingly tense, which can further contribute to discomfort and sensitivity.
Vulvodynia is usually diagnosed after other causes of vulval pain, such as infection or skin conditions, have been excluded.
A pelvic health physiotherapy assessment focuses on understanding how the condition is affecting your body and your daily life.
Your physiotherapist will discuss:
Assessment may include a pelvic floor examination (with your consent) to assess muscle tension, coordination and tissue sensitivity. Your comfort is always the priority, and any examination is entirely optional.
Treatment is tailored to your individual symptoms and progresses at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Many women with vulvodynia have pelvic floor muscles that are overactive or unable to fully relax.
Treatment may focus on:
Understanding how persistent pain develops can often reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control of your symptoms.
We will explain how the muscles, nerves and pain system work together and provide practical strategies to help manage flare-ups.
Gentle hands-on techniques may help improve tissue mobility and reduce muscle tension where appropriate.
Together, we will develop a gradual plan to help you return to:
The aim is to help you regain confidence without fear of worsening your symptoms.
Management of vulvodynia often involves a multidisciplinary approach and may include:
Pelvic health physiotherapy works alongside these treatments to improve movement, muscle function and overall quality of life.
Persistent vulval pain can feel isolating, but effective support is available.
Our specialist pelvic health physiotherapists provide a confidential and compassionate environment where you can discuss your symptoms openly and receive personalised care.