Vulvodynia is vulvar pain lasting at least three months without a clear identifiable cause such as infection or skin disease. It may feel like burning, stinging or rawness, either constantly or only when touched, as with sex or tampon use. It is diagnosed by ruling out other causes and is treated with vulvar care, pelvic floor physiotherapy, medicines and counseling.
- Duration
- 3 months or longer
- Types
- Provoked or spontaneous; localized or generalized
- Diagnosis
- History, exam, cotton-swab test, swabs
- Treatment
- Combined approach
- Improvement
- Gradual, often over months
- Doctor
- Dr. Joonho Cho, OB-GYN specialist
What is vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition of the vulva — the external genitals, including the vestibule around the vaginal opening. The skin often looks normal, which is why it can go undiagnosed for a long time. It is not an infection, is not sexually transmitted and is not caused by poor hygiene.
| Type | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Provoked vestibulodynia | Pain at the vaginal entrance when touched — sex, tampons, tight clothing |
| Generalized vulvodynia | Pain across the vulva, often constant or spontaneous |
| Mixed | Both constant pain and pain on touch |
Vulvodynia is one of several genital pain disorders.
What causes it?
The exact cause is not fully understood and is probably different between women. Contributing factors may include:
- Increased sensitivity of the nerves in the vulva
- Pelvic floor muscle tension or spasm
- Previous repeated infections or treatments that irritated the skin
- Hormonal factors, including some hormonal contraception
- Other chronic pain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia
- Stress and anxiety, which can amplify pain signals
How is vulvodynia diagnosed?
- History in English What the pain feels like, where, when it started, triggers, previous treatments and products used.
- Gentle examination The skin is examined for signs of infection or skin disease such as lichen sclerosus.
- Cotton-swab test Light touch at different points maps which areas are painful.
- Swabs To exclude yeast, bacterial vaginosis or other infection. A biopsy is taken only if the skin looks abnormal.
- Diagnosis and plan A clear explanation, written self-care advice and a step-by-step treatment plan.
- Burning or rawness for months
- Normal test results, yet ongoing pain
- Pain with sex or tampons
- Repeated treatments for “infection”
- A clear diagnosis and explanation
- Irritants and triggers reduced
- Physiotherapy and medicines combined
- Many patients notice gradual improvement over months
Treatment options
| Treatment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vulvar care | Reduce irritation | Cotton underwear, no fragranced products, plain emollients |
| Topical anesthetic | Ease pain on touch | Applied before sex or as advised |
| Pelvic floor physiotherapy | Relax overactive muscles | Often with dilators and biofeedback |
| Nerve-pain medicines | Calm nerve signals | Low-dose tablets or creams; take weeks to work |
| Psychological therapy | Reduce pain amplification and fear | Cognitive behavioral therapy has supportive evidence |
| Surgery (vestibulectomy) | Remove painful vestibular tissue | Only for selected provoked vestibulodynia after other options |
Botulinum toxin injections are used by some specialists for severe muscle spasm; see vaginal Botox.
Daily life and sex with vulvodynia
- Avoid tight clothing and long cycling if they trigger pain.
- Rinse with plain water; avoid soaps, wipes and douches on the vulva.
- Use a cool gel pack wrapped in a cloth for flare-ups.
- Use plenty of lubricant and stop if sex hurts; intimacy without penetration is still possible.
- Track flares to identify personal triggers.
See pain during intercourse for other causes of painful sex.
Cost and insurance
As a general guide, a consultation is about ₩50,000–100,000, and vaginal infection tests are about ₩30,000–100,000. Residents enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHIS) are generally covered for medically necessary consultations and tests, while elective or aesthetic treatments are not. Read more about health insurance for foreigners at Korean clinics, or ask for an itemized receipt and English diagnosis for travel insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Is vulvodynia an infection?
No. Vulvodynia is a pain condition, not an infection, and it is not contagious. Infection is ruled out during diagnosis.
Can vulvodynia go away?
Many women improve significantly with treatment, and some become pain-free. It may take several months, and flares can occur.
Is vulvodynia psychological?
No. The pain is real and involves nerves and muscles. Psychological therapy is used because it helps the nervous system manage pain, not because the pain is imagined.
Can I have children if I have vulvodynia?
Yes. Vulvodynia does not affect fertility. Discuss pregnancy plans with your doctor, as some medicines may need to be changed.
Can I start treatment in Seoul and continue at home?
Yes. A diagnosis and plan can be made at Yoonho, and English documents can be given for your doctor at home.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
M.D., M.Med. & Ph.D., Chung-Ang University · OB-GYN specialist training, Eulji University Medical Center · Member, Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
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