Descriptors of Vulvodynia: A Multisocietal Definition Consensus (International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, the International Society for the Study of Women Sexual Health, and the International Pelvic Pain Society)

Abstract

Objectives Three scientific societies, the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the International Society for the Study of Women Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) developed the “2015 ISSVD, ISSWSH, and IPPS Consensus Terminology and Classification of Persistent Vulvar Pain and Vulvodynia” (referred to as the “2015 consensus terminology”). The terminology included 11 descriptors of vulvodynia. However, the definitions of the descriptors were not included in the 2015 consensus terminology publications. The objective of this article was to provide these definitions. Materials and Methods The ISSVD led a discussion on the definitions for the 11 vulvodynia descriptors, with participation from the ISSWSH and IPPS. The definitions were created through a consensus process. Results The definitions are described and the rationale for their choice is elucidated. Conclusions The definitions of vulvodynia descriptors were determined by a multistaged process of discussion among health care providers with expertise in the pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of vulvodynia. The definitions were approved by the ISSVD, ISSWSH, and IPPS. It is recommended that these definitions of vulvodynia descriptors as well as the 2015 consensus terminology be used for the classification of vulvodynia.