Listen as Dr. Jill Krapf shares insights about vulvodynia, a condition that affects millions of women with chronic vulvar pain.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of the Fempower Health Podcast, host Georgie Kovacs sits down with Dr. Jill Krapf to discuss the complexities of vulvodynia, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Dr. Krapf explains the various aspects of vulvar pain, offering deep insights into its causes, symptoms, and possible treatments. Learn as she sheds light on a topic that’s often covered in mystery and misdiagnosis and empowers women with knowledge on how to address this condition.

Key Takeaways

• What is vulvodynia, how common is it, and how to raise awareness among patients and healthcare providers
• Challenges in diagnosing vulvodynia and stories of women who visit multiple healthcare providers without receiving proper care
• Vulvodynia treatment and management options such as hormonal, physical, and nerve-related therapies
• The importance of improving women’s outcomes through education about sexual health symptoms, intimacy concerns, and vulva pain 
• Ways to encourage dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals
• How to access vulvodynia specialists and other experts for individualized treatment 
• Ways to make the most of available healthcare resources and develop a vulvodynia self-care plan

“When a woman comes to me and she says, 'I have burning, irritation, rawness, discomfort in this area, mainly with insertion, with intimacy, with sex,' but also, she may have discomfort at other times too—maybe inserting a tampon is uncomfortable, or maybe it's completely unprovoked, meaning you don't even have to touch the area, but just wearing tight clothing or simply sitting can be painful. These symptoms indicate a complexity that requires a thorough examination and personalized approach to treatment.” - Dr. Jill Krapf

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Sexual Health

• Learn more about Dr. Jill Krapf and follow her on Instagram
• Learn about Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders - Offers comprehensive information and resources on vulvar pain.
• Check out International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) - Provides educational resources for providers and patients.

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Guest Bio

Dr. Jill Krapf is a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist specializing in female sexual pain disorders at The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, D.C and Florida.   She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University. Dr. Krapf is active in research and has published chapters and peer-reviewed articles on vulvodynia and vulvar lichen sclerosus.  She is Associate Editor for the medical journal Sexual Medicine, as well as for the textbook Female Sexual Pain Disorders, 2nd Edition.  She is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), serving on the Education Committee and the Social Media Committee.  She shares educational content on her Instagram page @jillkrapfmd.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

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