Vulvodynia is vulvar pain occurring for greater than three months with no identifiable cause, but may have potential associated factors including comorbid pain conditions, genetics, hormonal, psychosocial, neurologic, and /or musculoskeletal.
1. Screen for Vulvodynia
2. Respond to a Patient Presenting with Vulvar Pain
3. Prepare the Patient for a Physical Examination
Click the boxes to track your progress.
These are the 5 essential questions to ask patients about their pain:
Inquire about the following aspects of the patient's history:
Many people with vulvar pain have been dismissed by healthcare providers. Taking the time to listen to their stories can be impactful and therapeutic. Let the patient know that you believe their symptoms and that you will work with them to find a treatment plan.
There are many causes of vulvar pain, let the patient know the next step is a physical examination.
For patients with vulvodynia the physical exam will usually require a separate appointment. It can be helpful to prepare patients for this visit as they will likely experience fear and anxiety about this step.
Tips to prepare your patient for the next visit:
The following checklist can be helpful to decrease the anxiety and fear:
Physicians can use this diagram to explain vulvar anatomy to patients.
More handouts, videos and recommended readings for
patients can be found in the 🔗 Resources section.
End of Screening. Visit the 🔗 Going Beyond section
or proceed to the Physical Exam below.
The Primary Care Toolkit was created by the Vulvodynia Working Group with support from a Partners in Care Grant allocated by the Shared Care Committee, a Joint Collaborative Committee (a partnership between Doctors of BC and the BC government). The Working Group is comprised of family physicians, specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists and patient partners who have expertise and/or lived experience with vulvodynia. The Toolkit has been developed, not as a standard of care, but rather as a guide to assist physicians and other providers who are involved in similar work. The Toolkit is intended for use by healthcare professionals. It is not a substitute for independent clinical judgment. Physicians and other providers using the toolkit should always exercise their own clinical judgment when making medical decisions. If you are not a medical professional then your use of the Toolkit is at your own risk.
Working Group Members: Dr. Melanie Altas, Dr. Marjon Blouw, Jennifer Diep, Dr. Kaitlyn Goldsmith, Hayley Leonovas, Dr. Jennifer Scarth, Dr. Samantha Stasiuk, Dr. Tracy Tresoor, Laura Werner, Dr. Greg Siren, and Dr. Ralitza Spassova.
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