Chronic vaginal pain with no identifiable cause impacts an estimated six million women. Known as vulvodynia, this condition often goes undiagnosed despite the level of pain that not only makes intimacy difficult, but makes daily life a struggle of pain management.

The average women suffering from vulvovaginal pain disorders will see seven doctors before receiving a diagnosis. This delays the start of treatment and care, while putting undue stress on women dealing with an already difficult issue.

As Americans in the Baby Boomer generation grow older, the number of women entering menopause will reach nearly two million each year … more than at any other time in history.

Menopause and the transitional time leading up to it (perimenopause) affects every woman. While it can cause different symptoms in every woman, the time where estrogen levels drop can cause everything from mood swings, to short-term memory loss, lowered libido, and difficulty thinking clearly.

Despite being a normal part of life, more research is needed on how to lessen the effects of menopause and in educating health professionals on how to help women continue to lead fulfilling, sexual lives after menopause.