Doctors aren't sure. But they do know infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases, don't cause it.
Possible caues include:
It can affect women of any age. It can start when you're a teenager.
- Nerve injury or irritation
- Abnormal response to an infection or trauma
- Genetic factors that make the vulva respond poorly to chronic inflammation
- Hypersensitivity to yeast infections
- Muscle spasms
- Allergies or irritation to chemicals or other substances
- Hormonal changes
- History of sexual abuse
- Frequent antibiotic use