Vulvodynia Root Causes: Hormonal, Muscular, Nerve, and Inflammatory I Dr. Jill Krapf

In this episode, Dr. Jill Krapf joins Mathilde to unpack the four main drivers of vulvar pain - hormonal, muscular, inflammatory, and nerve-related - and why these factors often overlap. She shares why she believes the catch-all term “vulvodynia” will eventually disappear as research continues to uncover specific root causes.We discuss how Dr. Krapf investigates these causes in her practice, from examining glands and muscles to considering hormones and nerve involvement.She outlines practical treatment options - topical hormones, pelvic floor therapy, medications - and when surgery might be appropriate. Dr. Krapf also highlights exciting new research on neuroinflammatory pain.Work with Dr. Jill Krapf:
https://jillkrapfmd.com/[email protected] 
 https://www.instagram.com/jillkrapfmd
Book: When Sex Hurts https://tinyurl.com/yb9z3vtvThe Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders: https://vulvodynia.com/Connect with MathildeIG: @theworldstightestcommunity or [email protected]: 04:24 – Dr Jill Krapf’s background 
06:08 – Why “vulvodynia” is a problematic term
09:53 – The four main root-cause categories (hormonal, muscular, inflammatory/infectious and nerve-related)
14:30 – Hormonal factors and diagnosis
19:30 – Hormonal treatment options
22:42 – Muscular causes and pain cycles
29:05 – Assessing and treating muscle-based pain
31:38 – Inflammatory and infectious causes
34:30 – Treatment approaches for inflammation
35:46 – Nerve-driven pain
38:20 – Treatment options for nerve pain
42:23 – Pudendal and pelvic nerve issues
44:25 – How to find and work with Dr. Jill Krapf