Inflammation Theory

I found this on a website...

The experts tell WebMD that among the many theories about what causes vulvodynia, the most likely is a response to tissue abnormality, possibly caused by infection, irritation, or trauma long after it's been resolved. "I think most people believe this is chronic regional pain syndrome, or CRPS," says Glazer. "It was first noted in the Civil War as a consequence of buckshot wounds." He explains that when soft tissue gets irritated or damaged, the body activates a number of defenses. The tissue becomes inflamed and puffs up like a protective pillow to prevent further contact. New nerve endings grow and become hypersensitive so they can detect further contact and withdraw. Blood vessels in the area shut down to prevent possible infection from traveling to the rest of the body. Finally, muscles go on the defensive, producing spasms in the pelvic floor which reduce blood flow and produce further inflammation.


Glazer says treatments reflect the components of the self-protective mechanisms, so anti-inflammatory drugs, such as high-potency steroids, antihistamines, or Cox-2 inhibitors are often used. Tricyclics, which are mainly antidepressants, as well as anticonvulsant drugs, often work to relieve pain. Topical nitroglycerine may be used to open blood vessels.

Thanks Noni

This is one of the main theories im looking into. Will be starting biofeedback in order to re-train the pelvic floor. I have to take anti-histamines anyway for my hayfever due to start soon! I also get asthma with hayfever so unfortunatly cannot have anti-inflamatorys. Tried shop bought ibroprofen but it doesnt help. The stronger ones they gave me had to go up my bum! lol I had one at night and one in the morning and the first day I felt so sicky I coudnt carry on! Im on the pregabalin at the moment so time will tell if it works.

Hey Sebby

This V thing just has me baffled....have been doing some reading and some women use NSAIDs (non steroid anti inflammatory drugs) to treat Vulvodynia.

But they have a lot of side effects...they can basically destroy your stomach and gut....cause stroke and heart attacks....yikes

Which is worse the V or the treatment ?

This is really interesting... I have other problems with inflammation so the theory seems like it could make sense. I wish it explained how well the treatments worked, though--I've been on NSAIDs for about a year and I'm getting worse.

Im currently doing Glazer's biofeedback home training and so will let you guys know if I do get relief from if. It will take many months to know tho and Its only been 3 weeks

The training is to get the muscle stabalised so it refrains from the guarding state and allows oxygen and healing chemicals to flow back to the vulvar.

The only thing I noticed was that over the last couple of days I had a flare up and at the same time my pelvic floor was so weak I couldnt contract very well at all! Now the strength has come back and the flare up is calming. I really have no idea if this is significant or if its a coincidence??

I'll keep note tho

I am seeing a specialist for my vestibule that is very inflammed and red. He believes it was a hyper immune response to an infection (likely yeast from antibiotic use). On a strong steroid cream. He is a vulvar specialist and I think he has got it.

So when you have what feels like thrush but isn't it's the vv, what do you do, how do you releive it?

I am on meds for V (elavil)....but sometimes when the irritation is horrible and theres a rawness/burning feeling down there, I apply Lidocaine 2%.

I know its scary to put things down there, but it has helped me and theres always the trusty icepack.