Vestibulodynia is chronic pain or burning right at the entrance of the vagina

Did you know.. Up to 16% of women have it, but it’s often dismissed as “just anxiety” or “recurrent yeast infections.”

Many spend years misdiagnosed, trying antifungals, antibiotics, or steroids that don’t help.

It affects self-esteem, relationships, and mental health.

Dear BVTalks,
I’m 29, and for the past two years, sex has felt like burning glass. Even putting in a tampon is awful. I’ve been tested over and over—yeast, BV, STIs—everything comes back negative. One doctor told me it was anxiety. Another told me to drink wine and relax. But nothing is helping. Is this normal? What can I do?
— Burning and Frustrated, 29

If your vagina feels raw or burning at the entrance—and every swab comes back normal—you are not imagining it. This is called vestibulodynia.

It’s a real, chronic pain condition affecting the nerve endings around your vaginal opening.

Common signs:
Burning or stinging with touch
Painful sex or tampon use
Redness around the entrance

What can help:
Pelvic floor physical therapy especially with experience in vulvar pain
Topical lidocaine numbs the nerves before sex or exams
Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants help calm nerve pain (not just for mood)
Counseling—because chronic pain impacts mental health

You deserve more than “just relax.” You deserve a provider who understands vulvar pain. Ask for a referral to a vulvar specialist or pelvic floor PT.

You are not broken. You are not alone. And this is treatable.

BVTalks