The Association Between Vulvodynia and Subsequent Morbidity Across the Life Course

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Immunology
• Chronic Pain Management

Background:

• Vulvodynia, a chronic pain condition, often co-occurs with other chronic pain disorders.
• The relationship between vulvodynia onset and subsequent non-pain-related disorders remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if women diagnosed with vulvodynia experience increased rates of non-pain-related disorders compared to unexposed women.
• To identify specific types of disorders that may be more prevalent post-vulvodynia diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study utilizing Sweden's Medical Birth Register (N=832,276) identified women born between 1981-1996.
• Women diagnosed with localized provoked vulvodynia, vaginismus, or both were designated as 'exposed' (n=7,714).
• Matched unexposed women without vulvar pain were used as controls, assessing new-onset conditions one year or later post-diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Exposed women showed higher incidence of new-onset infectious diseases (4-5 more per 100 women), mental health conditions (3-4 more per 100 women), genital tract issues, and skin conditions.
• Conditions with significant relative risks included candidiasis, STDs, mood/anxiety disorders, dermatitis, and irregular menstruation.

Conclusions:

• Vulvodynia diagnosis may indicate an underlying compromised immune system.
• This immune compromise could elevate the risk for a broad range of health conditions following vulvodynia diagnosis.