Vulvodynia: factors and therapeutic approaches with emphasis on physiotherapy
Keywords:
vulvodínia, fisioterapia pélvica, dor vulvar, qualidade de vidaAbstract
Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain condition, with multifactorial origin, that compromises the quality of life of adult women. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions in the management of the condition through an integrative literature review in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases (2015–2025), including women aged 18 to 59 years. Techniques such as kinesiotherapy, myofascial release, biofeedback, electrostimulation, and educational strategies demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain, improving function, and restoring sexuality. The combination with psychological support and a multidisciplinary approach enhanced the outcomes. It is concluded that pelvic physiotherapy represents an effective non-pharmacological alternative, highlighting the need for the development of evidence-based clinical protocols and continuous training of health professionals.
Keywords: vulvodynia; pelvic physiotherapy; vulvar pain; quality of life.
References
ARAÚJO, I. M. M.; MONTEIRO, T. J. L.; SIQUEIRA, M. L. F. Non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches to painful sexual dysfunction in women: integrative review. Brazilian Journal of Pain, v. 4, n. 3, 2021.
BICKERSTAFF, K.; KENNY, G. Understanding vulvodynia: A physiotherapy perspective. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, v. 23, n. 2, p. 278–283, 2019.
CALAIS-GERMAIN, B. The female pelvis: anatomy and exercises. 1. ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 2003.
DESROSIERS, L. Painful yoni: a clinician’s guide to pelvic pain. 1. ed. Ontario: Self-published, 2021.
DRUMOND, A. C.; SPECK, M. R. Fisioterapia pélvica: uma abordagem não farmacológica para a dor e qualidade de vida feminina. Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia em Saúde da Mulher, v. 10, n. 2, p. 45-52, 2022.
GOLDSTEIN, A.; PUKALL, C.; GOLDSTEIN, I. When sex hurts: a woman’s guide to banishing sexual pain. 1. ed. Philadelphia: Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2011.
HERMAN & WALLACE PELVIC REHABILITATION INSTITUTE. Pelvic pain and physical therapy: a comprehensive clinical approach. 1. ed. Vancouver: Self-published, 2020.
LOFLIN, B. J.; WESTMORELAND, K.; WILLIAMS, N. T. Vulvodynia: a review of the literature. Journal of Pharmacy Technology, 1 fev. 2019.
MATTAR, R. Fisioterapia na saúde da mulher: abordagem em uroginecologia. 2. ed. São Paulo: Manole, 2007.
MATZUMURA-KASANO, J. P. et al. Vulvodinia: uma puesta al día. Revista Chilena de Obstetricia y Ginecología, v. 79, n. 1, p. 53–62, 25 mar. 2018.
MENDES, K. D. S.; SILVEIRA, R. C. C. P.; GALVÃO, C. M. Revisão integrativa: método de pesquisa para a incorporação de evidências na saúde e na enfermagem. Texto & Contexto Enfermagem, v. 17, n. 4, p. 758-764, 2008.
MONTEIRO, M. V. C. et al. Vulvodínia: diagnóstico e tratamento. Belo Horizonte: [s.n.], [s.d.].
SILVA, V. M. et al. Physical and social repercussions generated in women with vulvodynia: a bibliographical review. International Journal of Health Science, v. 3, n. 8, p. 2–5, 31 jan. 2023.
SOUZA, N. L.; BATISTA, P. A. Atuação transdisciplinar na vulvodínia. Revista de Ciências Médicas, v. 33, 13 fev. 2025.
VIEIRA-BAPTISTA, P. et al. Vulvodynia: a disease commonly hidden in plain sight. Case Reports in Women’s Health, Elsevier B.V., 1 out. 2018.
WHITTEMORE, R.; KNAFL, K. The integrative review: updated methodology. Journal of Advanced Nursing, v. 52, n. 5, p. 546–553, 2005.
