Vulvodynia & Vestibulitis

Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they are very different health issues for women. Vulvodynia refers to a generalized pain in the vulva. Vulvar vestibulitis, on the other hand, is a syndrome where there is pain at specific points in the area surrounding the vagina, which is known as the vulvar vestibule.

In cases of vulvar vestibulitis, the pain is sharply focused and there may even be small sores or bumps beneath the skin’s surface on one or both sides of the vaginal opening. The bumps can be extremely small, feeling like grains of sand.

Women can have vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis at the same time. Not only can there be small bumps in the region, but there can be tiny and often painful fissures as well. The skin there may feel extremely dry and can tear easily.

Vulvar pain can be caused by many things, notably vaginitis, changes in your sexual activity (a new partner, for instance) or medical procedures involving the vulva. The pain can last months or even years and range from fairly mild to disabling. Often, the region can feel raw or even have a burning or stinging sensation. Many times the cause of the pain is unknown.