What is the Difference Between Vulvodynia and Pudendal Neuralgia?

Vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia are two distinct chronic pain conditions that can occur in women and, in the case of pudendal neuralgia, also in men. The key differences between the two conditions are:

Location of pain: Vulvodynia is characterized by persistent and unexplained pain in the vulva of women. In contrast, pudendal neuralgia is a long-term pelvic pain that occurs in the pelvis of women or men.
Causes: Vulvodynia is caused by an injury to the nerves surrounding the vulvar region, past vaginal infections, allergies, or sensitive skin. Pudendal neuralgia, on the other hand, is a neuropathic pain disorder caused by damage or irritation to the pudendal nerve, which supplies the perineum and external genitals.
Symptoms: Although both conditions may share similar symptoms, such as pain in the genital area or anus, constant burning or shooting pain, and pain that worsens when sitting down, the specific locations and characteristics of the pain can help differentiate between the two conditions.

Both vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia can be treated through medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. However, the treatment approach may vary depending on the specific condition and its underlying causes.

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What is the Difference Between Vulvodynia and Pudendal Neuralgia?

Comparative Table: Vulvodynia vs Pudendal Neuralgia

Here is a table comparing the differences between vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia:

Feature	Vulvodynia	Pudendal Neuralgia
Definition	Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain not associated with infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, or hormonal disorders.	Pudendal neuralgia is a long-term pelvic pain that occurs in the pudendal nerve distribution.
Causes	The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to hormonal changes, muscle spasms, or weakness in the pelvic floor.	Caused by compression of the pudendal nerve by nearby muscles or tissue, prolonged sitting, cycling, horse riding, constipation that damages the pelvic area, surgery to the pelvic area, a broken bone in the pelvis, damage to the pudendal nerve during childbirth, and benign growth pressing on the pudendal nerve.
Symptoms	Persistent and unexplained pain in the vulva, often described as burning, stinging, or irritation.	Pain in the pudendal nerve territory, such as the clitoris, and pain predominantly experienced while sitting.
Diagnosis	Diagnosed through visual examination, imaging scans, and by ruling out other potential causes.	Diagnosed through visual examination, imaging scans, and by ruling out other potential causes.
Treatment	Treatment options may include oral and topical medications, behavioral interventions, physical therapy, and relaxation exercises.	Treatment options may include painkilling injections, decompression surgery, and nerve stimulation.

Both conditions can have overlapping symptoms, such as pain in the genital area or anus, constant pain, and pain that worsens when sitting down. Differentiating between the two conditions can be challenging, but it is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.