Battling vulvodynia: Denise Stent shares her story
If you're suffering from the often-devastating effects of vulvodynia, then you're not alone. According to The British Association of Dermatologists, vulvodynia (vulval pain) is thought to affect 15 in 100 women. Vulvodynia is a condition that causes persistent pain in the vulva. It can range from moderate to severe. If severe, the symptoms of vulvodynia can wreak havoc on people's lives
Denise Dowdell-Stent shares her experience of living with vulvodynia
Denise Dowdell-Stent is an award-winning author from Cambridgeshire. She suffers from debilitating vulvodynia. While this has been immensely challenging for Denise, she has found relief in the form of specialist physiotherapy. We asked Denise a series of questions about her experience of living with vulvodynia, covering critical topics such as mental health and relationships.
Denise's most prevalent symptom is pain
As well as vulvodynia, Denise suffers from frequent irritation in her vulval and vaginal area. She also has reduced immunity, which has led to recurrent bouts of thrush (a common yeast infection which can cause vaginal irritation).
Denise says: "My most notable symptom is the pain, which can range from an acute, shooting pain to a dull throb. Sometimes, I experience discomfort in a particular area for example when sitting in a certain position."
The NHS states pain can also be triggered by actions that put pressure on your vestibule (the entrance to your vagina), for example sexual intercourse, a gynaecological examination or inserting a sanitary product. It can even be caused by sitting for long periods of time or wearing tight clothing on the lower part of your body.
My most notable symptom is the pain, which can range from an acute, shooting pain to a dull throb. Sometimes, I experience discomfort in a particular area for example when sitting in a certain position.
Vulvodynia makes sexual intercourse 'excruciatingly' painful for Denise
For Denise, vulvodynia hasn't significantly affected her career, but it has had a detrimental impact on her mental health and other aspects of her life, such as sexual intimacy.
It is upsetting that sexual intercourse is often painful and sometimes excruciatingly so, even with ample lubricant. The subsequent bleeding afterwards is not pleasant. Urinating after sexual intercourse can also be painful.
She says: "I find having sexual intercourse brings its own set of problems, such as pain and bleeding after intercourse, vaginal tightness and pain during and throughout penetration.
"It is upsetting that sexual intercourse is often painful and sometimes excruciatingly so, even with ample lubricant. The subsequent bleeding afterwards is not pleasant. Urinating after sexual intercourse can also be painful. Yet, this diminishes with time."
Pelvic floor physiotherapy has provided considerable pain relief
While vulvodynia can be devastating, there are many treatment options available. One of which (physiotherapy) Denise has found highly effective. She says that since having physiotherapy, her pain episodes have reduced significantly, which is a very positive step in her pain management journey.
Denise takes painkillers to help cope with pain from her menstrual cycle (period pain). She also takes prescription medication to relieve her pain.
Although the nerve blockers did provide temporary pain relief, I didn't feel that it was long enough and I have no desire to repeat the experience. The most effective way of managing my pain was through a special form of physiotherapy known as pelvic floor therapy. I received a GP referral for this and, since then, I have had far fewer episodes.
Denise has found the most effective pain relief method to be physiotherapy.
"Although the nerve blockers did provide temporary pain relief, I didn't feel that it was long enough and I have no desire to repeat the experience," she says. "The most effective way of managing my pain was through a special form of physiotherapy known as pelvic floor therapy. I received a GP referral for this and since then, I have had far fewer episodes."
It is crucial that we encourage all people, irrespective of identity, to be aware of their bodies and familiarise and educate themselves, if needed. If you have the slightest doubt, get those niggling symptoms checked out.
She also recommends support groups
Although she has not joined any support groups, Denise has an 'amazing' support network of family and friends. She says: "I am not embarrassed to share my struggles with them - even if they consider it gross or oversharing. It is important to use support networks of any kind. I feel support groups can be great for that.
"It is crucial that we encourage all people, irrespective of identity, to be aware of their bodies and familiarise and educate themselves, if needed. If you have the slightest doubt, get those niggling symptoms checked out."
Pelvic floor rehabilitation for vulvodynia at our hospitals
We offer specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy for people with a number of different pelvic issues, including vulvodynia.
Don't suffer in silence with vulval or pelvic pain. If you're struggling with the symptoms we have discussed, get in touch with one of our physiotherapists by calling us or booking an appointment online.
Our chartered physiotherapists are trained across many different specialties, including chronic pain management, pelvic health rehabilitation, Pilates and acupuncture.
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How do I book an appointment?
If you're concerned about symptoms you're experiencing or require further information on this subject, talk to a GP or see an expert consultant at your local Circle Hospital.