This is defined as pain in the vestibular area upon touch or attempted vaginal entry. It is most commonly diagnosed in white women, women in their twenties and thirties, women who are educated and sexually experienced. Symptoms can last for years or can wax and wane. Vulvodynia is difficult to diagnose. It is diagnosed based upon history and after all other possible problems have been ruled out.
Pelvic exam can be completely normal.
Vestibulitis is diagnosed by history, tenderness to touch with a cotton swab and tenderness with pelvic exam. Physicians are unclear as to the cause and, more importantly, don't know how to treat the symptoms. These facts are what cause frustration for both physicians and women whom suffer from the debilitating symptoms of vulvodynia and vestibulitis. Some physicians feel unable to treat these symptoms and so referrals to dermatologists, psychologists, and neurologists are frequent. Some hypothesize that the condition is due to a current vaginal infection, a skin condition, nerve damage resulting from diabetes, atherosclerosis, or a previous infection.