It’s All In Your Head: Women’s Quest for Information and Diagnosis from Health Care Providers About Vulvodynia

• In Event: Provider care/Caring providers

Abstract

Vulvodynia is a women’s health condition that is associated with chronic vulvar pain. The condition widely goes undiagnosed due to lack of physician knowledge of the disease and patient fear of stigmatization and isolation. In this study, in-depth interviews were conducted with women with vulvodynia and vulvovaginal specialists, and my own personal stories are shared. Empathetic listening by physicians and assertive communication in patients are both factors in successful diagnosis and treatment for women with vulvodynia.

Author

• Sarah Zoric, San Diego State Univ