Hi! not really sure where to start but i’m 22 and have recently been diagnosed with vestibulodynia. Started having intense burning, swelling, irritation on my vulva 6ish months ago, originally diagnosed with DIV (Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis) which was treated with intervaginal steriods for 6ish weeks. My symptoms went into remission for a bit, but are now back and though not as persistant still definitely uncomfortable. diagnosed changed to vestibulodynia recently due to my ever changing symptoms that were inconsistent with DIV, waiting to see a specialist but that’s 6-8 months out so on another shorter cycle of steroids then we shall see where things are at blah blah blah

But shit does this suck. sex was fun and exciting before, something i looked forward to and actively enjoyed. i saw my vagina as something beautiful and a hub of pleasure, joy, and life, now i associate it with suffering and shame. i have 0 sex drive or any sense of attraction, which is incredibly uncharacteristic of me. i feel broken and hopeless to be totally frank, and so few people i share this with are any comfort. i guess pain and my vagina are so deeply intertwined in my mind the idea of sex is unfathomable. it’s really affecting my self confidence, obviously i’m more than my genitals and i understand that. but something that brought me so much power before feels so evil and wicked🥲 like a black hole of sadness lol. curious if anyone else has dealt w these feelings