Grant: Project Grant

Although it is believed that pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction contributes to the chronic and recurring vulvar pain (vulvodynia) experienced by many women, the nature of this dysfunction is not well understood. Recent evidence suggests that the most superficial layer of the PFMs remains more active when women are at rest, and demonstrates higher reflex responses than those observed in women with no history of vulvar pain. Although some believe that the deeper layer of the PFMs is also implicated in vulvodynia, findings have been less consistent. However, studies to date have been small, have carried a large risk of bias, and have not considered the potential confounding factors of pain and anxiety during testing. The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate differences in neuromuscular activation of the PFMs between women with and without provoked vestibulodynia, the most common form of vulvodynia, while minimizing assessor bias and accounting for anxiety and pain during testing. Through incorporating several innovations in technology, the outcomes of this research will help us to understand the nature of PFM involvement in vulvodynia, which will, in turn, help us to improve our current management strategies and to develop new approaches to help women overcome vulvar pain.