Vulvodynia is a real pain condition where an uncomfortable sensation (burning, stinging, rawness = “dynia”) involves the vulva. If the discomfort is felt at the entrance to the vagina (the vestibule) it is called vestibulodynia.
Provoked vestibulodynia, or PVD, is characterized by pain experienced when contact is made with the area near the entrance to the vagina, known as the vulvar vestibule. This pain often occurs during sexual activity, but it can also be triggered by clothing, inserting tampons, pap tests, sitting, or any other touching sensations.
Many women are unable to receive an accurate diagnosis since visible signs of tissue damage are not evident during exams. This can lead to frustration, hopelessness, and feelings of isolation as they are led to believe that their pain is “all in their head”.
#ItsNotInYourHead is a campaign for PVD, initiated by Dr. Lori Brotto and the Women's Health Research Institute in Vancouver, British Columbia. The campaign aims to raise awareness about this condition and share evidenced-based research of psychological treatments that can help manage female genital pain.
References:
http://bcvulvarhealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CVH-Provoked-Vestibulodynia-July-2017.pdf