What should you know about localised vulvodynia?

Pain may be burning, stinging, rawness, irritation or sharp tenderness at the vaginal entrance or another defined vulval spot. Touch from sex, a tampon, tight clothing, sitting or examination can provoke symptoms, while the area may look normal. Localised symptoms can be present in one small region rather than across the whole vulva.

A clinician checks for infections, skin conditions, hormonal changes, nerve irritation and pelvic-floor muscle tension before diagnosing vulvodynia. This is a pain condition, not a sign that the symptoms are imagined, and the discomfort can affect sleep, movement, intimacy and mood.

Keep a brief record of triggers, pain quality, menstrual changes, products used and activities that help. Choose loose, breathable underwear, wash gently with water or an unperfumed cleanser, and avoid fragranced products, douching and repeated checking of the sore area. Do not push through pain during sex or insertion.

Treatment is tailored to the findings and may include pelvic-floor physiotherapy, topical or oral medicines, pain-care strategies and gradual desensitisation. [Vaginal Dilator Therapy](/treatments/pelvic-floor-and-rehabilitation/vaginal-dilator-therapy/) should be guided at a pace that does not provoke a flare.

Arrange an assessment for persistent vulval pain, pain during sex, new sores, unusual discharge, bleeding, fever, a lump, or a sudden change in symptoms. Seek urgent care for severe rapidly worsening pain, heavy bleeding, or fever with marked illness. [Vulval Pain](/symptoms/vulval-pain/) provides related symptom information.

Ask what other causes have been checked, where the pain is located, and whether pelvic-floor muscles are contributing. Ask how to protect intimacy while symptoms are treated, which products to stop, and how long to try each treatment before reviewing it. [Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy](/treatments/pelvic-floor-and-rehabilitation/pelvic-floor-physiotherapy/) may be relevant when muscle guarding is present.