Vulvar Pain and Sexual Trauma
Studies show that: “Women who reported severe physical abuse in childhood, were four times more likely to report vulvodynia symptoms than women with no physical or sexual abuse history (after adjustment for demographic characteristics & childhood socioeconomic position). Virtually all of the association with physical abuse was confined to those women who lived in fear of physical abuse as well” [1]
An Overview
According to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, sexual abuse (be it inflicted during adulthood or childhood), represents one of the key risk factors for developing a form of sexual dysfunction. Indeed, research indicates that after being sexually assaulted, victims are more inclined to suffer from sexual issues such as: orgasmic disorders, sexual dissatisfaction, decreased sexual activity, and reduced arousal [2].
As such, it is not surprising to see the link which researchers have uncovered between dyspareunia and vaginismus; and sexual abuse. Nevertheless, it is certainly very important, and Vulva Specialists who are experts in the multi-faceted conventional and cutting-edge treatment of vulvodynia, are known to refer patients (with a history of sexual abuse), to specialist sexual abuse counsellors (if that is something that the patient is willing to try).
The Need For Dedicated Specialists
A leading specialist treatment centre, such as the London Vulva Pain Clinic, boasts a team of specialists. These include: Vulva Pain Doctors, Pain Consultants, Physiotherapists (specialising in pelvic physiotherapy, vulva pain and vulvodynia), Psychologists, a Sexual Abuse Counsellors, and more [2].
The London Vulva Pain Clinic’s leading team of highly experienced medics, are renowned for their expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of vulvodynia, and its associated pain. Having accrued countless years of collective experience in top hospitals across the UK; and having studied all the continuous medical research within this field; their second-to-none knowledge has shown them that the causes of vulvodynia and vulva pain, are relatively unique to each patient. To that end, they have determined that the causes of these conditions involve:
• Nerve abnormalities
• Inflammation
• Musculoskeletal issues and
• Genetic aspects
Moreover, they have determined that women suffering from specific broader pain conditions, may also be suffering from vulvar pain. These conditions include:
•Fibromyalgia
•Temporomandibular disorder
•Painful bladder syndrome, and
•IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Book an appointment with a leading Pain Doctor to see how they can help you!
References
[1]. “Adult-Onset Vulvodynia in Relation to Childhood Violence Victimization.” American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 161, Issue 9, 1 May 2005, Pages 871–880
https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/161/9/871/79856
[2]. Tetik, S., & Alkar, O.Y. (2021). Vaginismus, Dyspareunia and Abuse History: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(9), 1555-1570.
https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(21)00584-1/fulltext.