Medical Terminology for Labial Pain
The medical term for pain on the labia is vulvodynia, which specifically refers to vulvar discomfort in the absence of gross anatomic or neurologic findings. 1
Specific Terminology Based on Pain Location and Characteristics
Vulvodynia is the umbrella term defined by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease as vulvar discomfort (including labial pain) lasting at least 3-6 months without identifiable cause. 1, 2, 3
The classification system further subdivides based on:
- Localized vs. generalized pain: Pain confined to specific areas (like the labia) versus diffuse vulvar pain 2, 3
- Provoked vs. unprovoked: Pain triggered by touch/contact versus spontaneous pain 2, 3
- Vestibulodynia: When pain is specifically localized to the vulvar vestibule (the inner aspect of the labia minora and vaginal opening), this is the most common cause of sexual pain in reproductive-age women 4
Related Clinical Terms for Labial Pain Syndromes
When evaluating chronic labial pain in postmenopausal women specifically, the differential diagnosis includes:
- Vulvodynia: Primary term for unexplained vulvar/labial pain 1
- Vaginal atrophy: Age-related thinning causing pain 1
- Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasm causing pain 1
- Pelvic myofascial pain: Muscular dysfunction contributing to labial discomfort 1
- Vulvar or vaginal cysts: Structural lesions causing localized pain 1
Diagnostic Approach to Labial Pain
Physical examination is the foundation of clinical evaluation for suspected labial pathology, and imaging is only indicated when the physical examination is abnormal. 1
The diagnosis of vulvodynia specifically requires:
- Careful history taking 5
- Ruling out infectious or dermatologic abnormalities 5
- Eliciting pain in response to light pressure on the labia, introitus, or hymenal remnants 5
For postmenopausal women with labial pain and abnormal physical findings, combined transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound is the initial imaging study of choice. 1, 6
Important Clinical Caveat
The term "vulvodynia" should only be used after excluding identifiable causes through physical examination, as it is a diagnosis of exclusion. 5, 2 Conditions like lichen sclerosus can cause labial pain with visible findings and require different terminology and management. 1