Vulvar Pain Assessment Clinic (VPAC)

Your Journey through the Vulvar Pain Assessment Clinic

The Vulvodynia & Vulvar Pain Assessment Clinic at the BC Centre for Vulvar Health provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for individuals experiencing persistent vulvar pain. Our clinic is designed to offer a thorough assessment, clear diagnosis, and a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan. We recognize that vulvar pain is complex and can affect physical comfort, emotional wellbeing, sexual health, and relationships. Our team works collaboratively to address all of these dimensions of care.

Please note- we are not able to provide care for people experiencing post surgical pain or pudendal neuralgia.

Initial Gynaecology Assessment: Your first appointment is a one-hour visit with a gynaecologist specializing in vulvar pain.

This visit includes:
- A detailed discussion of your medical history and pain symptoms
- Exploration of how pain affects daily activities, relationships, and sexual health
- A gentle vulvar and pelvic examination. The physical exam helps rule out other causes of vulvar pain, such as hormone-related changes, infection, or inflammatory skin conditions.

During this appointment, potential treatment options will be reviewed. The gynaecologist will tailor an assessment program that best suits your needs. You will then meet with the Clinical Coordinator who will guide you through the remainder of the assessment process. Available treatments may include:
- Medical therapies (topical and oral pain medications, topical hormone therapies)
- Botox injections for specific pain patterns,
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Psychological assessment and support
- Group support and psychological skills seminars
- Partner education seminars
- Selected surgical options
- Referral to a chronic pain clinic if nerve blocks are indicated

Psychology Assessment: Psychosocial factors—such as anxiety, past experiences, or stress— can contribute to vulvar pain and may also be worsened by ongoing pain. Sexual pain commonly impacts sexual self-esteem and intimate relationships. Your one-hour appointment with a psychologist will explore: emotional and psychological factors related to pain, the impact of pain on sexuality, relationships, and wellbeing, and how these factors may be interacting with physical symptoms. Virtual appointments are available.

In limited situations, psychology residents and practicum students may be available to provide longer term sex therapy (couples and individual).

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Assessment: Many individuals with chronic vulvar pain develop increased tension in the pelvic floor muscles. During your one-hour in-person appointment, the pelvic floor physiotherapist will: assess pelvic floor muscle tone and function, use biofeedback to improve awareness and control of muscle tension, and provide education around strategies to reduce pain and muscle guarding. Virtual appointments may be available.

We currently offer up to three MSP covered pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions (resource- dependant).

Treatment Planning & Follow-Up: Follow-up appointments with the gynaecologist will help you to develop a long-term, individualized treatment plan. This visit focuses on:
- Reviewing assessment findings
- Identifying your personal treatment goals
- Discussing which treatment options are most meaningful and feasible for you
- Planning next steps for ongoing care

You will be provided with resources and referrals within the community to support the implementation of your plan. Patients are encouraged to follow up with their local providers to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Please note the patient portal is password protected. All Vulvar Pain patients will be provided with the password at their inital appointment.