Using This
Toolkit

Vulvodynia is not a well-known condition, despite its prevalence. Most physicians do not routinely encounter information or resources about vulvodynia and thus lack confidence in diagnosis and management of the condition.

The goal of this toolkit is to provide a step-by-step, evidence-based guide to help family physicians and other providers diagnose and initiate treatment for patients with chronic vulvar pain.

Goal


Decrease delays in diagnosis and improve

access to care for individuals with vulvodynia.

Toolkit components

Information on when to suspect vulvodynia

What questions to ask a patient who might have vulvodynia

Specific physical exam techniques

How to explain vulvodynia

How to assess the psychosexual impact of vulvodynia

How to identify contributing factors

Steps for initiating a treatment plan based on patient goals

Navigating
the Toolkit

Each section is divided into The Essentials which outlines the basics, and a Going Beyond section for those who want to advance their skills.

Navigate between pages using the bar at the top and within pages using the bar at the bottom.

Adjust the size of your browser window to optimize the toolkit for your laptop or desktop computer.

Access dropdown menus by clicking (click here)

Thank you for visting the Vulvodynia Primary Care Toolkit!
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Role of the primary care physician

Increase your professional awareness of vulvodynia

Validate the patient’s experience

Provide a safe environment where patients feel comfortable talking about sexual health

Identify when vulvodynia is a potential diagnosis

Identify patient goals

Provide educational resources about vulvodynia, sexual and emotional health and pain neuroscience

Introduce the patient to evidence based management options

Refer patients to community professionals such as pelvic floor physiotherapists, counselors, sex and relationship therapists, as well as gynecologists and family doctors with expertise in vulvar pain (can speed up patient recovery significantly without having to attend a specialized clinic)

Consider the role the pain condition is having on the patient's mental health, functional abilities, and opportunities to participate in broader aspects of life (employment, physical and leisure activities, sex and dating, family planning)

Identify comorbid conditions that need to be managed alongside vulvodynia (eg. other pain conditions, stress, mood disorders, trauma history)

Assess the patient's stage of change, degree of motivation, and readiness to participate in education, treatment, and therapy

Role of the primary care physician


Many physicians will not feel comfortable exploring treatment options with patients.

You can make a significant positive impact on your patient by:
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Refer patients to community professionals such as pelvic floor physiotherapists, counselors, sex and relationship therapists, as well as gynecologists and family doctors with expertise in vulvar pain (can speed up patient recovery significantly without having to attend a specialized clinic)

Consider the role the pain condition is having on the patient's mental health, functional abilities, and opportunities to participate in broader aspects of life (employment, physical and leisure activities, sex and dating, family planning)

Identify comorbid conditions that need to be managed alongside vulvodynia (eg. other pain conditions, stress, mood disorders, trauma history)

Assess the patient's stage of change, degree of motivation, and readiness to participate in education, treatment, and therapy

Increase your professional awareness of vulvodynia

Validate the patient’s experience

Provide a safe environment where patients feel comfortable talking about sexual health

Identify when vulvodynia is a potential diagnosis

Identify patient goals

Provide educational resources about vulvodynia, sexual and emotional health and pain neuroscience

Introduce the patient to evidence based management options

Role of the primary care physician

Increase your professional awareness of vulvodynia

Validate the patient’s experience

Provide a safe environment where patients feel comfortable talking about sexual health

Identify when vulvodynia is a potential diagnosis

Identify patient goals

Provide educational resources about vulvodynia, sexual and emotional health and pain neuroscience

Introduce the patient to evidence based management options

Refer patients to community professionals such as pelvic floor physiotherapists, counselors, sex and relationship therapists, as well as gynecologists and family doctors with expertise in vulvar pain (can speed up patient recovery significantly without having to attend a specialized clinic)

Consider the role the pain condition is having on the patient's mental health, functional abilities, and opportunities to participate in broader aspects of life (employment, physical and leisure activities, sex and dating, family planning)

Identify comorbid conditions that need to be managed alongside vulvodynia (eg. other pain conditions, stress, mood disorders, trauma history)

Assess the patient's stage of change, degree of motivation, and readiness to participate in education, treatment, and therapy

Thinking of Referring?


You can discuss a referral to the Vulvar Pain Clinic at the BC Centre for Vulvar Health with your patient 🔗How to Refer. The BCCVH provides an accurate diagnosis as well as an introduction to treatment options. Patients have access to a one-time appointment with a gynecologist, psychologist and physiotherapist. An individualized treatment plan is then co-created with the patient to implement within their community. The BCCVH does not provide long term care.

Keep in mind that many patients experience barriers to attending care at the BCCVH, including geographic restrictions as well as professional and personal time limitations (i.e., time off work, childcare to attend appointments). In addition, the referral waitlist is consistently greater than ten months.

Note: You can click 🔗 links like "How to Refer" above.

Goal
Components
Navigating this Toolkit
Role of the Physicians
How to Refer