| Vulvodynia is a neuropathic pain disorder affecting women's genitalia. Approximately 16% of American women suffer from the disorder at some point in their lives (Harlow & Stewart, 2003; Lotery et al., 2004; Tribo et al., 2008). Vulvodynia affects both a woman's physical and mental health. Women with this disorder often suffer from depression, anxiety, and elevated stress levels. Part of the psychological experience of vulvodynia is the decision of whom to tell about their vulvodynia. In this study, I interviewed women with vulvodynia regarding how, why, when and to whom they self-disclose their diagnosis. These participants provided insight into the motivations and barriers to self-disclosure, how the nature disclosure changed over the course of their experience with vulvodynia, and the effect disclosure has on relationships. |
