Vulvodynia caused by vulvar vestibulitis syndrome

Vulvodynia is a puzzling disorder. Patients experience clear physical complaints of vulvar burning. Often they have consulted many physicians and tried all kinds of treatment. Vulvodynia is often caused by the vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS). To detect VVS an extensive medical and psychosexual history is necessary. Thorough examination of the vaginal vestibule reveals the typical focal erythematous lesions. The aetiology of VVS is unknown. Of the many causal and perpetuating factors a sexual arousal disorder and pelvic floor hypertonia are the main ones. The psychodynamic aspects of these two core symptoms are principal issues in diagnosis and treatment of VVS. Treatment should include all physical, psychological, relational and sexual aspects of the problem. Surgical interventions should be limited to those rare cases in which an integrative approach fails to free the patient from the vicious circle of pain, anxiety and muscle tension.