Why Many Women With Vaginal Pain Feel Dismissed by Doctors
Here at the London Pain Clinic, our Vulva Doctors are well aware that, as stated on the highly respected, JAMA Network Open (the monthly open access medical journal published by the American Medical Association): “patients with vulvovaginal disorders often feel dismissed by clinicians or think about stopping treatment even though they still have symptoms” [1].
Indeed, a survey (of around 450 women) conducted by the vulvovagina specialty clinic, showed that close to: “40% of new patients said they had felt gaslit or “made to feel crazy” by previous [non-Vulva Doctor/Specialist/ Consultant clinicians] when seeking care for symptoms like vaginal itching or discomfort. More than half of patients (52.8%) considered ceasing medical care because of these experiences, while 56.8% believed other clinicians would not be able to help them” [1]. And the same scenario has been reported in respect to GPs in the UK. After all, few of the latter have undergone the necessary extensive years of training in pain, pain medicine, and pain research, as well as in-house clinical and hospital experience.
Indeed, it is crucial for vulva pain sufferers to start their journey back to optimum health by obtaining a correct diagnosis from a Vulva Pain Specialist.- Then once this is attained (after your Pain Consultant has reviewed your medical history and conducted any necessary tests and scans), your Pain Doctor will provide you with a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan.
More Shocking Results of the Vagina Pain Study
“In response to their complaints of pain and discomfort, patients said they had been told to drink alcohol (20.6%), relax more (41.6%), or were referred to a psychiatrist but were not provided with medical treatment (20.6%)” [1]
Moreover, the corresponding author of the aforementioned study, Dr Chailee Moss, MD, ob/gyn at the Washington DC Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, DC, stated: “it surprised me that such a high percent of our population considered ceasing [vaginal pain] care, and makes me think the true number is higher because more patients are represented who continued care despite their distress” [2]. Furthermore, Dr Moss concluded that his advice to all medical practitioners who discuss pelvic issues and vulvovaginal disorders, is to: “listen to the patient” [1], thereby noting that when he listens to his patients and “partners with them to investigate their concerns, we make headway” [1]. Naturally, this is in sharp contrast to having a very painful, and in some cases, a sexual relationship-destroying vulva condition that is not given the attention that it warrants by a general practitioner (GP).
What Does a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan For Vulva Pain Involve?
This custom-devised treatment protocol can comprise a synergy of
- Conventional treatments including pharmaceuticals and topical medication
- State-of-the-art injectables such as pain blockers and Botox
- Specialised pelvic physiotherapy and exercise/movement instructions (such as that provided by our Harley Street Vulva Clinic)
- Other cutting-edge therapies offered by our world-class Vulva Doctors
Note: once you get started on your Vulva Pain Treatment Plan, you will be regularly monitored by your Pain Specialist, to that end, any necessary adjustments will be made as and when needed.
Vulva Pain Symptoms to Report to Your Pain Doctor
- Burning sensations
- Itching
- Muscle spasms
- Soreness
- Tightness
- Sensitivity or tenderness which can be more commonplace post-delivery [2]
Note: as our Vulva Doctors regularly explain, some women may only experience or be mindful of these symptoms at the time of, or after sexual activity [2]
References
[1]. Basile, L. M. (2025). “Many Patients With Vaginal Pain Feel Dismissed by Doctors.” Medscape.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/many-patients-vaginal-pain-feel-dismissed-doctors-2025a1000ct3
[2]. Fitzgerald & Villines (2025). “What to know about vaginal pain.” Medical News Today.