Vulvodynia remains the most neglected women’s health problem. According to its definition it can be perceived as a pain, most often described as burning, rawness, itchiness, vulvar hypersensitivity to pressure and dryness. Pain can extend to the perineum and anal area, and is of at least 3 months duration. Vulvodynia is a disorder diagnosed on the basis of exclusion of any clinically identifiable causes. In most cases it is treated as a form of peripheral, localized neuropathic pain, shown to be associated with pelvic muscle and fascial dysfunction. The etiology is thought to be multifactorial and a specific cause it is difficult to identify. In general, therapy is individualized and multidisciplinary.

In cases where pain is experienced during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), with no obvious pathology as the cause of pain, it is classified as provoked vulvodynia.

Chronic pain is a significant health issues and requires treatment. Appropriate interventions are a health priority. The worldwide prevalence of vulvodynia ranges from 5–16% of women. In-spite of its high incidence confirmation of the diagnoses is often delayed and inconclusive and the treatment interventions are ineffective. This article provides an update on the current understanding of the disorder while recognizing the ever-expanding knowledge base and need for further research and insight.