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/ appointments@jillkrapfmd.com 
 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 mathilde@baubo.org 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