Vulvodynia: terminology and clinical features

Objective: Vulvodynia is the best term of choice for that condition affecting the vulva characterized by burning, rawness, irritation, stinging, soreness, and/or pain occurring in the absence of an underlying, recognizable disease. Aim of the study is to describe the historical pathway of vulvodynia classifications, to help clinicians in the diagnosis. Methods: Review of literature. Results: Vulvar pain is well known in the literature. Vulvodynia is not the vulvar pain related to specific disorders, such as Infections, Inflammations, Neoplasias, Neurological diseases, but is to be intended as a complex syndrome under a simple symptom. The last ISSVD Classification of Vulvar Pain defines a Generalized vulvodynia (Provoked (sexual, nonsexual, or both; Unprovoked; Mixed) or Localized vulvodynia (Provoked (sexual, nonsexual, or both; Unprovoked; Mixed). Conclusions: This classification (simply based on the site of pain, whether it is generalized or localized, whether it is provoked, unprovoked, or mixed) on purpose not addresses the etiology of the disease; vulvodynia is a complex disorders, difficult to treat, to be considered under a multidimensional approach that involves also physical, psychological, and relational aspects.