Vulvodynia
Alternate Names : Essential Vulvodynia, Pudendal Neuralgia, Chronic Essential Vulvar Pain
How is the condition diagnosed?
Before a diagnosis of this condition can be made, treatable causes of pain in the vulva must be ruled out. A history and physical exam are first done. Several steps may be involved to rule out other conditions. The healthcare provider may:
take swabs of the vulva to check for infections
suggest that the person stop using soap, fabric softeners, scented toilet paper, and any feminine products to make sure there is no allergic reaction causing the pain
prescribe certain medications, such as topical drugs or antibiotic pills, to treat a possible underlying infection
take a biopsy of the vulva. This is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from the vulva. This tissue can then be looked at with a microscope.
If these tests and procedures do not reveal a cause for the pain, vulvodynia is generally diagnosed.
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