Vulvodynia (unremitting pain, stinging, and burning of the vulva) affects an estimated 100,000 - 200,000 U.S. women. This devastating condition, which often undermines work and family life and makes sexual intercourse painful or impossible, has been treated in the past with surgery and laser therapy, as well as antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory medications. Some success has also been reported with amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant.

Many vulvodynia sufferers have puzzled the medical establishment, because, despite their pain, nothing out-of-the-ordinary is seen on physical examination. They become frustrated, angry, and sometimes suicidal because doctors fail to understand, successfully treat, or even believe their discomfort.

For more information about vulvodynia, including listings of physicians offering treatments and support groups at various locations around the country, contact: the Vulvar Pain Foundation, PO Drawer 177, Graham, NC 27253.

Also see the web server for Center for Vulvar Diseases University of Michigan Medical Center.

Joel R. Cooper
The Medical Reporter/Joel R. Cooper Creative Services
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e-mail: jcooper@medreport.com