Chronic vulvovaginal pain affecting millions of women can be mitigated by her partner's response, but can also exacerbate the condition particularly if they avoid sexual activity, a Canadian study showed.

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), triggered mainly by sexual contact, is suffered by 12 percent of women between puberty and menopause, and the chronic pain can result in significant sexual dysfunction, psychological distress, and a reduced quality of life.