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/yb9z3vtv
The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders: https://vulvodynia.com/

Interact with us:

https://www.instagram.com/meet.baubo
[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