Abstract
Vulvodynia is a chronic painful disorder with an estimated prevalence of 9–12%. Despite its high prevalence and the associated distress, its etiology, diagnosis and management have not yet to be been clearly delineated. On the basis of recent advances in psychosomatic medicine, vulvodynia might be considered a somatoform disorder affecting the vulva, and psychosomatic assessment is useful for those who are affected. This article covers recent advances in psychosomatic medicine with reference to somatization disorders and their application to vulvodynia.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.