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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Because it can be painful and frustrating and can inhibit sexual activity, vulvodynia can cause emotional problems. For example, fear of having sex can cause spasms in the muscles around your vagina (vaginismus). Other complications may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Altered body image
  • Relationship problems
  • Decreased quality of life
Preparing for your appointment Causes
References
  1. Stewart EG. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of generalized vulvodynia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2011.
  2. Stewart EG. Treatment of vulvar pain syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2011.
  3. Self-help tips for vulvar skin care. National Vulvodynia Association. http://www.nva.org/Self_Help_Tips.html. Accessed May 23, 2011.
  4. Vulvodynia. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp127.cfm. Accessed May 23, 2011.
  5. Kingdon J. Vulvodynia: A comprehensive review. Nursing for Women's Health. 2009;13:48.
  6. Groysman V. Vulvodynia: New concepts and review of the literature. Dermatological Clinics. 2010;28:681.
  7. Danby CS, et al. Approach to the diagnosis and treatment of vulvar pain. Dermatologic Therapy. 2010;23:485.
DS00159 July 15, 2011

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