Vulvodynia: Why is it Commonly Misdiagnosed?
“The National Vulvodynia Foundation says that the average women suffering with this condition can see upwards of 15 doctors & it can take as long as 12 years to receive a correct diagnosis. This is because so many doctors are still ill informed & poorly educated on vulvodynia” [1]
The unfortunate fact is that women who suffer with painful pelvic conditions such as vulvodynia, are frequently misdiagnosed. Indeed, sufferers who do not visit an experienced Pain Specialist, can often be misinformed & told that the root cause of their dilemma is due to a urinary tract infection, vaginal yeast infection, or a sexually transmitted disease.
It appears that the majority of general doctors (GPs) will: “push their patient’s pain syndrome off as a psychological problem, PMS, stress, lack of love for her partner or even sex in general. Many of these women find no help from the medical community, and go on to suffer silently. This can lead to depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia. Moreover, many women who have been abandoned by the medical community will go on to question their own mental and emotional stability” [1].
Unfortunately, in many cases, such misdiagnosis can make women criticise themselves for their situation. – They may feel that they have caused such traumatic pain due to contracting an unknown sexually transmitted disease. Moreover, they may: “have psychologically thought themselves into this pain syndrome as many of their doctors have suggested” [1]. Clearly the latter is a totally unacceptable situation, and to that end, it is crucial to see an experienced Pain Specialist who understands the facts of vulvodynia, and will be sympathetic.
Do Not Wait to Get a Proper Diagnosis
“Some women are unable to continue having sexual intimacy, & they reach a point of not being able to wear clothes, sit, walk or even tolerate a gynaecological exam. Urinating or defecating can bring on horrific stinging pain that leaves many to cry out with the simple act of going to the bathroom” [1]
This scenario can lead to sufferers eating and drinking less. Furthermore, they may even try holding their urine and bowels for longer than they should, just to put off the intense pain. This can however, result in very serious consequences, as it can generate other dysfunctional conditions, and make the pain even worse. This pain progression can leave sufferers unable to cope with everyday life, that is to say, working and looking after their families can become impossible [1]. Do not let this get to this stage… Get started with a Personalised Treatment Plan from an experienced Pain Specialist.
Reference
[1]. Anderson, D (2017). Hormones Matter.
HYPERLINK “https://www.hormonesmatter.com/vulvodynia-silent-pain-syndrome/”Vulvodynia: