The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) defines vulvodynia as "chronic vulvar discomfort or pain, characterized by burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia in cases in which there is no infection or skin disease of the vulva or vagina causing these symptoms."
This is the first time I've seen the definition of vulvodynia include the caveat that it's a condition where there is no infection or skin disease present. I have lichen planus, a dermatological condition. So does this mean I don't have vulvodynia? Even though the specialist I saw diagnosed me with vestibulodynia? Or does lichen planus not count as a disease?
I'm so confused. Not only about this, but about the role of physical therapy in getting better. First I was told to hold off on pt until my skin was healthier. The second time I saw my doctor, she said I would benefit from pt - even though my skin wasn't better yet. She had forgotten that she had initially told me to hold off on the pt.
I switched care-givers and will see my new specialist next week. I'm looking forward to getting some answers.
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