For the last seven years I have suffered with this condition. And when I say suffer, I mean suffered.
So I shall start with the facts
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome that effects the vulva area and occurs without identifiable cause, or visible pathology.
Pain is the most notable symptom and can be as in my case, burning, stinging and irritation. It can be made worse by sitting, bike riding and sexual activity.
A wide variety of possible causes and treatments are being looked at.
Many sufferers like myself see several doctors before a correct diagnosis is made. Many gynaecologist and family doctors are not familiar with this conditions. Many because of the absence of symptoms means that before being diagnosed, are told its "in their heads".
Like many who have a pain disorder, those afflicted many often be impacted by the frustration of finding a diagnosis. The cause unknown and treatment success varies. Therefore, many become depressed with a low quality of life.
The constant burning is there almost daily. It influences what I wear and what I do. I struggle some days to remain cheerful.
It is a totally isolating condition. Not one that you can freely speak about , so the sense of being alone is at times hard.
Although my husband tells me he understands he really can't. He has stopped being interested and tend to change the subject if I try to talk to him. I am not saying he is bad, he just fails to understand how sad and depressed it makes me, and its not my fault.
You feel trapped and held back from the life. I've decided to share this with you today as I wanted to speak out. So many women are locked into this condition, thinking they are alone.
I am in the UK and I have been lucky to find an excellent doctor. Professor Wendy Reid at the Royal Free Hospital in London. She a wonderful doctor and so reassuring and kind. Its not been easy to see her, it took seven years on the National Health Service.
I still see no cure and some days are better than others. I will do my best to keep upbeat but I have to be honest volvodynia is a very difficult condition to live with.
So please do not suffer alone, there are many others like us and together we can gain support.
Let us learn more about volvodynia and maybe just maybe a cure.
In the UK there is more information at
www.vulvalpainsociety.org