ABSTRACT
Introduction 250
What Does the Term “Dyspareunia” Mean? 250
Why Is it Important to Study and Treat Dyspareunia? 251
Classification 252
Assessment and Diagnosis 253
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome 254
Case Study 254
Diagnosis 255
Vulvodynia 255
Case Study 255
Diagnosis 256
Postmenopausal Dyspareunia 256
Case Study 256
Diagnosis 257
Etiology 258
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome 258
Characteristics of the Vulvar Vestibule in Affected and
Non-affected Women 258
Etiological Theories: Physical Explanations for the Pain 259
Etiological Theories: Psychosocial Explanations for the Pain 260
Vulvodynia 261
Postmenopausal Dyspareunia 262
Comment 262
Current Treatment Strategies 262
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome 263
Medical Interventions 263
Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions 264
Surgical Intervention 265
Alternative Treatments 265
Vulvodynia 266
Postmenopausal Dyspareunia 266
Future Directions 266
References 267
INTRODUCTION
What Does the Term “Dyspareunia” Mean?
