Gynecological Issues in Women with Fibromyalgia

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May 19, 2018 - By Naomi Prex Arbaa, MD

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According to a recent study Fibromyalgia can be a significant obstacle to sexual health among affected women. It underscored that a lack of understanding among partners contributes to poor sexual relationships. It was found that women can be affected by fibromyalgia twice than men. So women suffering from fibromyalgia may experience a number of gynecological issues. These issues may include POS, premenstrual syndrome (PMS),Urinary Tract Infections UTIs, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), vulvodynia, and vaginal yeast infections.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

In vaginal yeast infection there is vaginal inflammation along with irritation, extreme itchiness and vaginal discharge. Most women will experience these symptoms once or twice in their lifetime. These infections are caused by fungus Candida. Along with some bacteria this fungus is normally present in healthy vagina.

Bacteria normally produce an acid which prevents the yeast from overgrowing. But sometimes this balance is disrupted and it results in the overgrowth of these yeasts. The symptoms include itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva, burning sensations, redness and swelling of the vulva, pain and soreness of the vagina and vulva, and a thick, white, odorless discharge.

Oral antibiotic medications may be the cause of overgrowth of yeast. Women who have uncontrolled levels of estrogen or who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop yeast infections. In addition, people with impaired immune system functioning (due to illness or the use of certain medications) also may experience vaginal yeast infections more frequently than those who have normal immune functioning.

Related Article for reading : Vulvodynia in Fibromyalgia

Treatment

The treatment of vaginal yeast infections depends on whether the infection is complicated or uncomplicated. Uncomplicated yeast infections affect women who do not have an extensive history of yeast infections and present with mild to moderate symptoms.

Short-term vaginal therapy using antifungal cream, ointment, or a suppository is usually sufficient foe these infections. They may be administered in one go or in multiple attempts over a period of three to seven days. Examples of these drugs include clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat), and butoxonazole (Gynazole). Fluconazole (Diflucan) is another potential treatment option is a one-time dose of an oral antifungal medication. The treatment of complicated yeast infection is a little bit different.

Complicated yeast infections present with extensive symptoms like (extreme itching, swelling, and redness, or the development of sores on the affected areas). Treatment for these infections includes long-term (seven to 14 days) vaginal therapy with an azole drug, multiple doses of Diflucan, or maintenance therapy in the case of recurrent yeast infections. Most likely women who are pregnant or suffer from uncontrolled diabetes may have complicated yeast infection.

Poor sexual health

Some medications also make matters worse by increasing vaginal dryness or reducing sexual desire. Women over age of 45 can, however, also experience such symptoms because of their disease, as fibromyalgia is linked to an earlier menopause. The participating women also mentioned bodily changes and a negative self-image as factors that contribute to poor sexual health.

Pain and stiffness were factors that played major roles in interfering with sexual activities, the women reported. Women also reported that sex and even foreplay caused them to get skin lesions and bruises. Pain can be felt before, during, and after sex, and sometimes deterred women from future sexual activity. But the importance of sex was not constant. Women stated that they experienced crisis periods when they felt particularly low desire.

During these times, characterized by more pain and depression, they wanted to be left alone by their partners. Some of the women reported that they viewed sex as a crucial part of keeping a relationship together, and so engaged in sex to please their partners. According to the study, this might not have the intended effect. When partners perceived the lack of pleasure, feelings of guilt and frustration could further strain relationships.

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