Vulvodynia is a long-term painful condition of the lower abdomen that is thought to affect about 15% of young women, making it one of the most common female disorders. The pain can be experienced as burning, stabbing, stinging and itching and can last from six months to several years, making sexual intercourse painful and sometimes impossible.

Despite its high prevalence and significant impact on patients' quality of life and mental health, there has been little research on this group in terms of causes, consequences and treatment options.

Many of the young women affected by vulvodynia have negative, and sometimes traumatic, experiences with the health care system. Among other things, they feel that they are not believed and that it takes a long time from the onset of their symptoms until they receive a diagnosis.

Studies have shown that vulvodynia can also have a negative impact on patients' partners. Vulvodynia has a marked impact on both patients' and society's economy, as well as on the quality of life of patients and partners, and it is therefore important to increase knowledge about the condition.

There is currently no international consensus on how vulvodynia should be treated, and recommended guidelines are mainly based on expert opinion and a very limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). No standardized protocols or outcome measures have been systematically used in these studies. The fact that many people live with this disorder without adequate treatment and follow-up makes it a major and important public health problem.

The aim of the project is to increase knowledge about the patient group, describe any characteristics of patients with this type of chronic pain, investigate the impact of vulvodynia on partners and relationships, and provide a broader understanding of how different types of health care providers encounter patients and understand their condition.

Want to know more about the study?

Podcast: Linn talks about abdominal pain and relationships on the podcasts Everyday psychology and Women's health