Vulvodynia Pain Thresholds

Objective Assessment of Pain Thresholds in Women With Vulvodynia

Annotated pain maps will be created showing region and size of areas sensitive to mechanical stimulus in both women affected by vulvar pain and unaffected control patients.

The investigators will develop annotated pain maps showing region and size of areas sensitive to mechanical stimulus. The pain maps will be created by combining IR images, photographs, and clinical input, and will be correlated with patient co-morbidities. The IR images will assess for areas of inflammation and increased skin temperature. Pain maps will be created with patient response to mechanical stimulation with a cotton swab and will be overlaid on the thermographic images. Through this combination of measurements, the investigators plan to expand the diagnostic tools used in patient care as well as on the classification of this heterogeneous disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

• women meeting criteria for vulvodynia women seeking care for routine gynecologic exam

Exclusion Criteria:

• women less than 18 years of age current pregnancy women with vulvar or vaginal disorder other than pain