For ten years Mrs. Beeck has suffered VVS which refers to the inflammation of the vestibule and vagina. VVS can be spontaneous or due to a trauma of the vulva and as of yet there is no cure. Accompanying VVS, Vulvodynia concerns intense vulva pain. In both conditions the skin is usually extremely dry, tearing easily, leaving tiny painful fissures.

“The pain is like a sore throat that’s been turned inside out and dragged along gravel” Mrs. Beeck said.

The extreme vulva pain caused by VVS and Vulvodynia often makes intercourse impossible. Mrs. Beeck spoke about the heartache she felt being unable to experience sex with her husband “because of this excruciating pain that everyone insists is in your head.”

Mrs. Beeck proudly announced that after eight years of Allopathic treatments, physical therapy and naturopathy she is “only raw at the vestibule, no longer throughout the vagina.” Whilst intercourse is still painful this is a vast improvement which has allowed her to become pregnant.

Pathologist Dr. Jane Thompson studies conditions that occur in vulvas. “Once we get over the taboo and everything that we think is sexual, what we are actually looking at is skin” Dr. Thompson said with regard to the vulva.

“We’re taught that ‘down there’ is essentially dirty but in fact the vulva and vagina are actually an incredibly clean space” Dr. Thompson said.

Dr. Thompson pleaded with the audience, “Ladies, if you’ve got a lump or a bump, don’t just ignore it because you feel it’s in the wrong place or it’s in a place you feel ashamed of. See your doctor immediately and if you’re not happy then get a second opinion.”

For more information visit the GAIN Inc website at www.gynsupport.com