Vulvodynia: Pain during sex and touch

A burning and intense pain around the vaginal opening is typical of vulvodynia, formerly known as vestibulitis. The pain makes touching painful, sex is avoided or endured with suffering, and relationships can be negatively affected. For many, everyday life is characterized by constant pain and anxiety.

Despite the fact that almost one in five women is affected, there is still a great deal of ignorance – even within healthcare. In this book you will learn about how vulvodynia occurs, what vicious cycles often follow and what you can do to break them. You will also receive guidance on which treatments have proven effective, when it is time to seek help and where you can turn. In addition, other women share their experiences and tell us what has helped them.

Vulvodynia is aimed at those who suspect or know that you have vulvodynia, but also at relatives and healthcare professionals such as midwives, gynecologists, psychologists, physiotherapists and counselors.

• Ida Flink is a licensed psychologist, associate professor and researcher at Örebro University, with a special focus on CBT for vulvodynia.

• Linnéa Engman is a licensed psychologist, PhD and researcher at Örebro University, Karolinska Institutet and the Pain Clinic at St. Göran's Hospital.

• Nina Bohm-Starke is a senior physician, gynecologist at the Women's Clinic at Danderyd Hospital and an associate professor. She is considered one of Sweden's leading experts on vulvodynia.