Autonomic dysfunction in women, with vulvar vestibulitis as a sign.
Good Doctor News Network Reporter Tang Yi / Kaohsiung Report
Due to differences in physiological structure and hormone secretion between men and women, with male genitalia being external and female genitalia being internal, women are more susceptible to a greater number of diseases, especially in the reproductive and urinary systems. The internal structure of the female vagina often leads to comorbid, hard-to-cure female diseases. Dr. Chang Min Chieh, who has been practicing for over 40 years, states that when dealing with these intractable female diseases that have troubled patients for years or even decades, ‘vulvar vestibulitis’ is a symptom and also a comorbid condition of autonomic dysfunction.
Intractable female diseases can be broadly categorized into two groups: those related to the reproductive and urinary systems, and those unrelated to these systems. The former includes conditions such as recurrent vaginitis, vulvitis, vulvar pain, dyspareunia, urinary tract infections, dysuria, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, lower abdominal pain, overactive bladder syndrome, and interstitial cystitis.
The latter group comprises hard-to-cure diseases outside the reproductive and urinary systems, such as persistent headaches, dizziness, lower back pain, shoulder and neck pain, chest tightness, palpitations, insomnia, tongue pain, dry eyes, dry mouth, vaginal dryness, overall fatigue, widespread pain, tinnitus, jaw stiffness, depression, panic, plantar fasciitis, generalized pain, and even fibromyalgia.
Dr. Chang Min Chieh, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Chang Min Chieh clinic in Kaohsiung, points out that the aforementioned diseases often cause significant distress to patients, prompting them to actively seek examination and treatment. Some patients try Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, physical therapy, and various alternative therapies without improvement. Even after numerous imaging examinations, the underlying cause often remains undetected, classifying these conditions as intractable female diseases.
Dr. Chang Min Chieh points out that the autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in human health and has a very wide distribution. When it becomes imbalanced, symptoms can appear in various parts of the body. The presence of comorbid conditions, often associated with ‘vulvar vestibulitis,’ makes the clinical presentation more complex. The coexistence of multiple conditions often leaves physicians uncertain about where to begin treatment.
Dr. Chang Min Chieh shared the case of a 66-year-old female patient who had suffered for many years from frequent urination, dizziness, insomnia, and hot flashes. Despite visiting numerous hospitals and clinics, she saw no improvement and eventually gave up seeking treatment. Upon visiting our clinic, she was diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis and comorbid autonomic dysfunction. After receiving treatment and two PRP injections, along with one PRP stem cell factor injection, nearly all her symptoms were completely eliminated.
Another case involves a 62-year-old woman named Ms. Yu, who suffered for many years from headaches, dizziness, pain during intercourse, lower back pain, and shoulder and neck pain. She visited numerous clinics and hospitals without any improvement. She was also diagnosed by Dr. Chang Min Chieh with vulvar vestibulitis and comorbid autonomic dysfunction. After treatment and three PRP injections, her symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, lower back pain, shoulder and neck pain, and pain during intercourse, all improved by 10 points.
Another case involves a 40-year-old woman who frequently experienced severe headaches that caused her to vomit, as well as shoulder and neck pain, lower back pain, insomnia, palpitations, and chest tightness. She had been to various major teaching hospitals and underwent MRI scans, EEGs, blood tests, and imaging examinations, all of which showed no abnormalities. She relied on multiple strong painkillers to get through the days. She was also diagnosed by Dr. Chang Min Chieh with vulvar vestibulitis and comorbid autonomic dysfunction. After treatment and three PRP injections, her severe headaches improved by 9 points.
Insomnia was improved by 10 points.
Dr. Chang Min Chieh, who has been practicing in the field of gynecology for over 40 years, has extensive professional research and clinical experience with vulvar vestibulitis. He explains that the cause of the disease is related to the body’s immune system, and it rarely presents with isolated symptoms. Most cases coexist with autonomic dysfunction.
