Vulvodynia in FMS & ME/CFS
Researchers are not yet sure as to why vulvodynia happens to people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, a common theory is that these conditions share a similar mechanism, which is central sensitization.
In central sensitization, the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, becomes hypersensitive to usual stimuli, which include noise, smell, pressure, and chemicals. Sometimes, it involves the skin.
Other co-morbid pain conditions in fibromyalgia patients may also trigger vulvodynia. They include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Interstitial cystitis
- Temporomandibular disorder
In fact a 2012 observational study suggests that women with vulvodynia has a higher likelihood of having irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia.
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