The role of interoceptive sensibility on central sensitization to pain in vulvodynia

Background: Interoception may be linked to central sensitization in chronic pain. Aim: We aimed to provide evidence about the role of interoceptive sensibility on central sensitization in vulvodynia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of females who received a diagnosis of vulvodynia filled out validated questionnaires relative to the individual level of interoceptive sensibility and the symptoms of central sensitization. Outcomes: Interoceptive sensibility and symptoms of central sensitization were measured with the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness and the Central Sensitization Inventory, respectively. Results: A lower level of trust and a higher level of emotional awareness predicted a higher number of central sensitization symptoms in our sample. Clinical Implications: Our evidence may increase the researchers’ and physicians’ attention toward the involvement of the central nervous system in pain phenomenology in vulvodynia. Strengths and Limitations: No ad-hoc control sample was collected. No behavioral assessments about interoception were performed. Conclusion: As registered in other chronic pain conditions, interoceptive sensibility may play a crucial role in the expressions of symptoms of central sensitization in vulvodynia.