ICD-Code N77.23: Stage 3 chronic vulvovaginal graft-versus-host disease

Your vagina or external genital organs were badly damaged after you were given immune cells or blood stem cells from another person.

The internal female genital organs include the uterus, the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The vagina is also one of the internal genital organs and goes from the uterus to the outside of the body. The external female genital organs include the labia, the clitoris and the skin around the vagina.

Stem cells are cells that can develop into different types of cells. Blood cells develop from the blood stem cells. In adults, blood stem cells are mainly found inside some bones. From there the mature blood cells are released into the blood. A small amount of blood stem cells also enters the blood. Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. White blood cells are part of the body’s immune system. They fight pathogens.

Foreign immune cells can, for example, arise from blood stem cells that were obtained from another person in the past. The foreign immune cells can disrupt the immune system. The immune system normally protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances. However, in your case, your immune system has damaged your vagina or external genital organs.

Damage to the vagina or external genital organs can cause severe pain. It may cause severe wounds and lacerations in the skin. Tissue may also become fused. The damage is sometimes so severe that it stops you from having full intercourse.