This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s resilience, achievements, and voices. But it’s also a moment to highlight areas where women continue to be overlooked, especially in health research.
Arguably, one of the most significant gaps exists around vulvodynia, a chronic vulval pain condition that affects up to 18% of women in the UK1 yet remains underdiagnosed, underfunded, and often misunderstood.
A Medic’s Input
As Dr Sharon Viner, Clinical Research Physician at MAC Clinical Research, explains, vulvodynia is “vulvar pain without a clear identifiable cause that persists for over 3 months”.
Today, we honour the women living with this condition, the clinicians working to understand it, and the vital role of research in building a better future.
Breaking the Silence Around Vulvodynia
For many women, vulvodynia impacts far more than physical comfort. It influences every part of daily life, such as work, relationships, intimacy, even the simple ability to sit or wear certain clothes. Yet shame and misunderstanding continue to silence those living with it.
Women often wait years for an answer. Dr Viner highlights that “60% of women see three or more doctors before being diagnosed, but some never receive a diagnosis at all.” Without clear diagnostic tests, women can face repeated investigations, confusion, and a lack of validation.
Speaking Up on Vulvodynia
And still, too few people are talking about it. That’s why telling personal stories matters. Stories like Philippa Baines’, a women’s health campaigner living with vulvodynia:
“Vulvodynia has pretty much imploded my life. I went from a high‑flying career being offered six‑figure salaries and preparing to start a family, to working a part‑time job sitting on a bag of peas from 5pm.”
— Philippa Baines, Women’s Health Campaigner
Her story is not an exception. It’s a reflection of a widespread, under‑recognised reality.
The Research Gap: Why Women’s Pain Is Still Underfunded
Women’s health remains critically under-researched worldwide. Only about 5% of global healthcare research and development (R&D) funding is allocated to women’s health. Of this, 4% typically targets women’s cancers, leaving only 1% for other women-specific conditions, including maternal health, contraception, and menopause2.
This lack of representation in research means:
- Fewer treatment options
- Slower diagnostic pathways
- Limited clinical understanding
- Women left without answers
Vulvodynia has no currently approved treatments in the UK, and as Dr Viner notes, the condition itself has historically suffered from “a lack of clinical research… and limited evidence to support diagnosis and treatment.”
Why New Research Brings Hope
Today, organisations like MAC Clinical Research are working to close this gap by leading clinical trials focused specifically on vulvodynia.
The investigational medicine, Pudafensine, is being studied because it may help “turn down” pain pathways by increasing dopamine: “a natural chemical in the body that helps regulate pleasure and pain.” Teresa, Clinical Sciences Manager at MAC Clinical Research explains:
“People with chronic pain conditions often have lower dopamine activity. By increasing dopamine, this medication may help calm pain pathways and ultimately improve quality of life.”
This work is more than science. It’s about reclaiming quality of life for the millions affected. Philippa emphasises the importance: “This is why MAC Clinical’s trial is so incredibly important and has filled fellow vulvodynia warriors with hope. We can only make progress through research.”
What Taking Part in Women’s Health Research Means for Women
The trial process is designed with women’s comfort, dignity, and safety at its core. Volunteers are supported through:
- Routine health checks
- Private, sensitively conducted diagnostic assessments
- Careful monitoring
- The ability to pause or stop any procedure
As the Teresa stresses: “Volunteer safety is always our top priority… You can withdraw from the trial at any time and for any reason.
“More importantly, you’ll be contributing to research that could help many women living with vulvodynia.”
Getting Involved in MAC’s Clinical Trial
If you suspect you may have vulvodynia, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider, ideally a gynaecologist or sexual health clinic, who can begin to rule out other causes of vulval pain. Treatment options vary and may include topical medications, oral pain relievers, physical therapy, nerve blockers, and, in some cases, surgery. Psychological support through counselling or sex therapy can also be beneficial.
For many, however, the current treatments on offer for vulvodynia may not provide relief or may negatively impact a person’s sex life, for example, numbing cream.
MAC Clinical Research is looking for volunteers with a diagnosis, or are experiencing symptoms, of vulvodynia to take part in a new clinical trial. You could help yourself and generations to come, plus you will receive up to £1730 for your time and commitment if you are eligible and complete the trial, plus travel expenses or transport will be provided for any clinic visits.
For more information and to register your interest, please visit our vulvodynia research webpage. You can also find additional information on the NHS website – Vulvodynia (vulval pain) – NHS.
1 NIHR – The silent and widely impacting cost of Vulvodynia: lessons learned and future recommendations
2 Communications Medicine – Intersectoral action to transform health equity for women and girls globally
