Vestibulodynia
While most people have heard of vaginismus, not as many are familiar with vestibulodynia. Vestibulodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva. It’s often described as a burning or stinging sensation. The pain can be mild to severe, making sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, or even sitting down uncomfortable.
The exact cause of vestibulodynia is unknown, but it is purported that an overgrowth of nerves causes vestibulodynia in the vulva. Many women with vestibulodynia also have other chronic pain conditions, such as migraine headaches or fibromyalgia.
There are two theories about how vestibulodynia may lead to vaginismus. First, the chronic pain of vestibulodynia may cause the muscles around the vagina to tighten involuntarily to protect itself against further pain. It is also possible that the psychological trauma of vestibulodynia leads to vaginismus. This theory is supported by the fact that many women with vaginismus also have a history of sexual abuse or trauma.
Vestibular nerve blocks can numb the nerves causing vestibulodynia and vaginismus. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can also relieve pain by affecting how the brain processes information from the nervous system.
