How to Find a Provider
How to Find a Provider
Finding a knowledgeable, caring medical provider to work with you and other members of your health care team is critical. If the provider who diagnosed you is not experienced in treating vulvodynia, ask for a referral to a vulvovaginal specialist. You can also ask women with vulvodynia about medical resources. The NVA has support groups and email contacts to connect you with someone who can provide information and support. In addition, the NVA maintains a national database of contact information for health care professionals who treat vulvar pain disorders. If there isn’t a vulvodynia expert in your area and you’re unable to travel, ask your provider if he/she is willing to learn about the condition and its treatment. The National Vulvodynia Association has partnered with medical experts in women’s health – gynecologists, family practitioners, physical therapists, and nurses – to develop a women’s health tutorial on vulvodynia.
Educate Yourself
It is essential that you learn as much as you can about vulvodynia. NVA has over 40 issues of its newsletter online, containing articles written by vulvodynia experts. These issues of NVA News and our self-help guides, provide detailed information about different treatments. You can also read recent medical journal articles, books by vulvodynia experts, and the NVA’s Research Update. Stay on top of the latest treatment developments and share what you learn with your providers.