The disease causes women to avoid being close to their husbands

Ms. My, 33 years old, suffers from painful vulvar vestibular syndrome, which causes her to avoid sex with her husband.

My first child is 7 years old. My and her husband have wanted to have another child for three years but have been unsuccessful. She has pain every time she has sex, so she and her husband are less intimate, even though they have never had this problem before.

Dr. Le Duc Thang, Reproductive Support Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi (IVF Tam Anh), determined that Ms. My has vulvar vestibular syndrome, which causes chronic pain, localized in the vestibular area (mucosal area around the vaginal opening).

The cause of this syndrome has not yet been determined, but the disease is related to increased nerve sensitivity, recurring inflammation or irritation, excessive pelvic floor muscle contractions, hormonal changes or psychological factors.

The syndrome does not directly damage the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes, nor does it reduce egg or sperm quality. However, the disease causes prolonged pain and can reduce the frequency of sexual intercourse, causing the couple to miss the fertile time.

Doctor Thang instructed Ms. My to use local anesthetic to reduce pain, combined with proper care of the private area. At the same time, she received counseling and psychological treatment from Dr. Pham Van Duong, M.D., Psychiatry Clinic, to relieve mental pressure, understanding that this is a medical condition that can be treated, not her own fault. Couples are advised not to put too much pressure on conceiving, listen to their bodies and stop immediately if they feel uncomfortable during sex. After a year of persistent treatment, Ms. My’s pain gradually decreased, her stress was reduced, her husband’s life improved, and she conceived naturally.

Dr. Thang said vaginal pain affects about 6-8% of women at one time and can reach up to 25% of women over their lifetime. But many people do not go to the doctor and suffer silently because of fear.

Women should proactively go for obstetrics and gynecological examinations, especially when the pain affects their married life or childbirth plans. Depending on the case, the doctor will individualize the treatment regimen such as combining topical pain relievers, infection treatment, pelvic floor physical therapy, psychological counseling or surgical intervention when necessary.

Couples who have not been pregnant for a year after expecting a child (or 6 months if the wife is over 35 years old) should go to a specialized medical facility for a comprehensive examination from reproductive function to psychology, and choose appropriate treatment methods.