The dermatologist's role in the management of vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a painful genital syndrome that occurs in 7% to 8% of women. Although common, most practitioners find it difficult to diagnose and treat. They have a multifactorial origin. A woman's vulvodynia may reveal psychosexual problems, relating to herself, her partner or the relationship within the couple. Such patients require a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologist, psychiatrist and psychologist. The dermatologist should communicate effectively with his or her patients about their sexual problems, identify the etiology of these problems and manage them appropriately. Effective doctor-patient communication considerably improves patients' quality of life. In the management of these disorders, a simple and effective treatment is sex education, as ignorance of the sexual response cycle and SR is common in the majority of these patients.