New models to study vulvodynia: Hyperinnervation and nociceptor sensitization in the female genital tract

Abstract

Vulvodynia is a prevalent form of chronic pain, most commonly affecting the vaginal vestibule (vestibulodynia) (Pukall et al., 2016). Women with vulvodynia describe intense pain in response to light touch of the affected region, such that sexual function and other activities can be severely limited. Medical costs associated with vulvodynia are high, exceeding $21 billion annually in the United States (Xie et al., 2012). The high level of direct medical costs has been linked to high treatment failure rates. Many women with the disorder consult multiple practitioners and undergo multiple courses of treatment with limited benefit.