Pain-Related Anxiety Associated with Vulvodynia

If they haven’t had a consultation and diagnosis from a Vulva Doctor: “women with vulvodynia often live with daily vaginal pain without knowing the exact cause. Chronic vulvar pain has a negative impact on relationships, fertility, and well-being. Women suffering from vulvodynia can also experience depression and anxiety. The question becomes, is anxiety causing vulvodynia? While there are different causes for vulvar pain, research shows a connection between anxiety and vulvodynia” [1]

Putting a Spotlight on the Link Between Vulvodynia & Anxiety

As Vulva Specialists often explain to their patients, numerous research studies indicate that vulvodynia sufferers “experience more mental distress” [1]. Indeed, the Journal of Women’s Health published a study which revealed that participants who had been formerly diagnosed with anxiety disorder, were subject to an elevated risk of contracting vulvodynia. And whilst the report made adjustments to take: age, education, race, tampon use, and the age of the subject’s first sexual activity into consideration, nonetheless, the findings demonstrated that individuals with previous mood disorders or anxiety, were four times more inclined to acquire vulvodynia [1].

“It also showed that the development of vulvodynia also increased the risk of developing anxiety and depression. The study demonstrated there is a causal relationship with vulvodynia and anxiety that can’t be ignored” [1]. – And this is why Vulva Doctors take a multifaceted approach, when after having given the patient an accurate diagnosis, they devise a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan involving multiple treatments and cutting-edge therapies

Vulvodynia and Anxiety – What Are the Symptoms?

If you have any of the following  pelvic pain symptoms, then book an in-person or online appointment with a Vulva Consultant as soon as possible.

• Burning
• Stinging
• Rawness
• Inflammation
• Soreness
• Achy-ness [1]

Note: any pelvic pain that you are experiencing, could:

• Come and go without warning
• Be continuous, or
• Centre around a particular region [1]

In some instances, the pain may only be stimulated whilst sitting for extended periods of time, or when touched. In both cases, the vulvodynia sufferer may experience feelings of:

• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Profound unrest
• Extreme worry [1]

Note: All the aforementioned symptoms have been shown to have direct connections to vulvodynia patients experiencing depression and anxiety [1].

What Does the National Vulvodynia Association Say?

This long established, highly respected association, has stated that: vulvodynia lowers the quality of life. Indeed, it works to make the general public aware that: 65% of individuals who suffer from vulvodynia, “feel disconnected to their bodies” [1]; and that 60% of sufferers note that when it comes to enjoying life, their vulvodynia causes severe issues. – All of which are likely to generate anxiety and mood disorders [1].

Pain-Related Anxiety & Vulvodynia

The Journal of Sexual Medicine released a study which indicated that: 47% of participants who suffered from provoked vestibulodynia and related overactive pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, underwent pain-related anxiety. Moreover, 27% of the subjects experienced both anxiety and depression; and 4% were faced with depression [1]. Due to the nature of these disorders, some patients feel embarrassed to discuss their experiences with a Vulva Doctor. – So to that end, they deprive themselves from a state-of-the-art treatment protocol that could help them turn their lives around. In answer to this, it is important to be mindful that Vulva Doctors and Vulva Consultants have undergone substantial training. They also have vast clinical experience, and as such, are extremely sensitive towards vulvodynia patients. Moreover, it is possible to request an appointment with a female Vulva Specialist.

Reference

[1]. [1]. Langdale, T. (2020). “Can Anxiety Cause Vulvodynia?” Vuvatech.