ABSTRACT

Introduction: Vulvodynia is a long-term pain in the vulva area which has a negative impact on the emotional and psychological status of women, sexual function and quality of life.

Aim: To present the physiotherapy approach in vulvodynia.

Materials and methods: A 24 - year old woman with vulvodynia is presented. The physiotherapy assessment included assessment of posture, muscle strength through a manual muscle test, pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Scale, sexual function according to the Female Sexual Function Inventory and quality of life according to the SF-36 Questionnaire. Physiotherapy intervention was based on stretching exercises, breathing exercises and pelvic floor muscle training.

Results: The patient reports an improvement and decrease in the intensity of pain due to vulvodynia, an increase in desire, arousal and orgasm and a decrease in the patient’s sexual dysfunction. Also, there is an increase in physical functioning, emotional well-being, social functioning, general health and patients’ quality of life.

Conclusion: This is a report of a rare and unusual case of vulvodynia in a young woman. Physiotherapy contributes to reducing the symptoms of vulvodynia, but considering the complexity of the problem, it is essential teamwork.

Key words: physiotherapy assessment, physiotherapy intervention, vulvodynia