ABSTRACT
This chapter examines three common types of urogenital pain in women, vestibular pain syndrome (VPS), generalized vulvar pain syndrome (GVPS), and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), using a biopsychosocial model of chronic pain. The term biopsychosocial implies that the successful understanding and management of a health condition requires consideration of the biological, psychological, and social factors involved in disease and illness (1). According to this model, various physical, psychological, and interpersonal variables interact to influence one’s experience with chronic pain. In turn, one’s pain and related disability impact a patient’s psychosocial and physical well-being. In this chapter, the biopsychosocial model is used to highlight the various components of women’s experiences with urogenital pain. Diagnostic and assessment considerations of VPS, GVPS, and BPS/IC are presented; sexual, relationship, and psychological concerns are also highlighted. The chapter concludes with common difficulties encountered in clinical practice and guidelines on how to manage them.
