Diagnosing Vulvodynia

Does anyone know if it's possible to definitively diagnose vulvodynia? From what I have read, it seems like doctors arrive on vulvodynia when tests for all other infections/skin diseases come back negative. I have yet to be diagnosed, but after all the research I've done, I firmly believe this is what it is.

After 7 months of stinging and itching, I had a vulvar biopsy last week. It hurt a LOT and a week later, I am 99% recovered. I'm also on my second week of a low dose antidepressant, but I haven't seen a real improvement yet. My doctor says I'll probably get the biopsy test results back in another week, but I still don't really know what those results could possibly say. I would love to just get this diagnosis, because I've read that getting diagnosed with vulvodynia can be half the battle.

I am at a total loss. I definitely have moments where I feel like this is just what my life is going to be like. I'm sure a lot of people feel this way - you're just tired of thinking and talking about your vagina! A year ago, I never gave my vagina any thought, and now I think about it nonstop, every day.

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Hi amh521,

I was diagnosed around 2012 by a vulvodynia specialist. There is no sure fire way to diagnose vulvodynia. You can't take a test that will definitively say you have vulvodynia. It's when you've tried it all and nothing seems to work pretty much. I had gone thru quite a few doctors before anyone could give me an answer. I had to do most of the research myself because no one really knew what to do with me. This is because vulvodynia is not a widely known disorder even though many women suffer with it. Also, it depends on where you are from. I think being is the U.S it's a little easier to find a specialist. I've read about a lot of women in other countries who struggle to find the proper care.

I never had a biopsy or anything like that. I had done every swab test imaginable and blood tests with no results accept for chronic yeast infections - some how tied to my vulvodynia. Every woman is different. Different things work for different people/ bodies. Some women use medications that actually help them, some use homeopathic remedies that help and others, like myself, have surgery - aka a vestibulectomy.

Sometimes it feels like you're stuck in a maze. Vulvodynia is a confusing disorder. No one knows exactly why it happens to people or 100% what causes it. One day, hopefully, there will be better treatments for it. As for now we all have to find what works for us. I was once where you were, constantly thinking why and how. At one point I just had to stop thinking and start doing. I did all the research I could and found the proper support system. This site really helped me thru those dark times.

I hope this was helpful!

-Jen