#Vulvodynia

A growing body of evidence reveals that individuals, especially women, suffering from chronic genital pain are frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their pain is psychological by healthcare professionals. The phenomenon, known as “medical gaslighting,” continues to delay proper care for conditions like endometriosis and vulvodynia, each affecting approximately one in ten women in the United States. The issue underscores persistent gender bias in medicine and highlights enduring disparities impacting patients globally, including in Thailand.

Chronic genital pain affects millions, yet too many patients—especially women—face disbelief, misdiagnosis, or claims that pain is “all in the head.” This medical gaslighting delays proper care for conditions like endometriosis and vulvodynia, which studies indicate affect roughly one in ten women in the United States and have global relevance, including in Thailand.

For many sufferers, daily life is shaped by pain that makes simple acts uncomfortable and routine medical exams feel unbearable. Sexual activity can become distressing, and many patients report feeling dismissed when seeking care. A May 2025 investigative piece by The Conversation highlighted how nearly half of vulvovaginal pain patients were told to “just relax more,” with more than a third made to feel “crazy,” and over half considering abandoning medical treatment. Reports from mainstream outlets reinforce these patterns.