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CommentVulvodynia.com visitors are now welcomed to the 23rd vulvodynia guestbook. Your continued participation in the vulvodynia.com website is appreciated. Howard Glazer Ph.D. Clinical Assoc Proffessor/Cornell U. Medical College/NY Presbyerian Hospital Owner/Moderator www.vulvodynia.com
CommentSomeone already posted about the raspberry thing about 5 posts above.
CommentCan somone please discuss the success of interferon injections with vestibulitis? I am supposed to start 12-injections soon, and go back and forth between feeling optimistic and pessimistic about how they will work. If you haven't had success with them, did you hear of anyone who has? Does the effectiveness last? Thanks
CommentI know I just posted a message, but here I am again! I was interested specifically in feedback about interferon injections--it will be the only treatment I will have since being diagnosed with vestibulitis. I've always had a sensitive vagina, but never had any major problems. I didn't have sex at all until I was 21 (I'm a few days away from 24 now) and I've only had healthy, loving sex with one person, the love of my life. I know that I do not have any STD kind of things. I've been on Estrostep FE for BC for about 2 1/2 years. Just this summer, I seemed to have one yeast infection after anothe (or so I thought). Once, my GYN prescribed a cream for me, and the other times, I just went to the store and self-medicated--Monistat, store brands, etc. I alternated between cream, 1,3, and 7 day treatments, basically everything I could. I also tried acidophilus and other home remedies like garlic, yogurt, etc. Oh! If only I knew better I would have never self-treated like that. Anyway, in August, pain and itching went away, but my vagina was still red, almost purple.I went to my GYN, who told me it was a skin fungus, and gave me an anti-fungal cream. Totally didn't work, only burned more. Went to my regular doctor, who tested me for diabetes (not the problem) and referred me to a dermatologist, who told me it was eczema and gave me a lotion to use for a month. At this point, I wasn't having sex anyway, but if we did try, it would totally painful. Around this time, as the lotion didn't do anything for a month, I found about about vestibulitis, and when I went on my follow-up visit, I brought this up to the doctor, who told me it didn't look like vestibulitis, but was confused when I told her sex was impossible because of pain. I'm not blaming her, but in retrospect, as you all know, it gets you so angry thinking about what doctors overlook. Anyway, she referred me to ANOTHER GYN, who referred me to Dr. Horowitz in Conn. I've heard some bad things about him on this site, but I found my visit to be very thorough, and was so happy when he diagnosed me. He's in the middle of retiring, and it has been hell trying to communicate with a doctor who is barely there. Anyway, he told me that he doubted yeast at all, and dictated a letter to my regular GYN about doing interferon injections. It has been awhile trying to get all that set-up, and totally frustrated over that, but finally, I was able to get the drug and I set up my first appointment for Monday. I've decided to stop taking Estrostep as of tonight. I wanted to wait to see what the doctor said, but from all the things I'm hearing, plus the ongoing feeling that it had to be hindering something, I want to just stop it. I also bought a multi-vitamin and calcium citrate---my boyfriend feels strongly that I do not get proper vitamins. I also know I need to drink more water. With all of these things, I am trying to have a positive attitude, but I hear so many mixed messages about everything, it's so hard. The other day, we tried to have sex but even with a hopeful mind and a thoroughly turned on body, it was entirely too painful. I don't know about any of you, but I find it so frustrating that my vagina gets sexually turned on as normal....but I can't do anything about it. I almost wish it didn't get aroused. I'm hoping that since my vestibulitis has only been here for 3 months and I am getting some form of treatment, maybe I will respond to it. I know a lot of you shun interferon, but perhaps the combination of that plus the other things I will try to do will help. I have such regret for the sloppy way I was treating my "yeast infections" over the summer. A couple of mistakes and now I have this forever? It's not fair. Here we are, shopping for diamond rings, and I'm feeling so hopeless that we will ever go back to our sex life again...how can we get engaged and married? From the past boards, I have been noticing that a lot of us that waited to have sex seem to be sick with vestibulitis. Even though I'm not married yet, I did wait a long time to have sex for the first time, and our sex has always been healthy, loving, and respectful. I often feel upset that this seems to happen to the more sexually virtuous....it seems like it should be the other way around. Anyway, I know this is a long message, but if anyone has insight into Estrostep, or anything POSITIVE about interferon...........I'm glad I'm not alone.
CommentDebra, have you thought about the pill Estrostep that might be causing your problems? I would do some research on that before I had the shots done. Have you tried going off the pill and trying a different birth control method. The shot that you are decribing is used alot for boosting the immune system and some doctors think it helps get rid of the hpv virus if you have it. I had a cyst on my labia and had two shots there to numb and then to do an cut. I felt like I was being electricuted, I don't mean to scare you but I couldn't imagine having 12 shots there. I bet its the pill thats causing your problems or tight pelvic floor muscles. Tight muscles will cause a burning pain also. I would look into those options before I let any doctor stick needles in me. If he thinks its the hpv strain thats causing pain, most studies have found that thats not true at all since most sexually active people have one strain of it or another, Lots of times it dissappears on its own. Don't give up hope, you will get rid of this. Please check your pill out and see how much estrogen and progestrone is in it... good luck to you...
CommentI think Estrostep does have low estrogen, which I guess is supposed to cause problems. I definitely want to stop taking it, but I know that it will take awhile to see any changes. I doubt that I have HPV, I've only had sex with my boyfriend in my whole life, and we know we don't have any STD's, which HPV is, isn't it? I have heard that the interferon only works with women with HPV, but I have also heard of studies who deny that. So, naturally, I'm confused. I'm calling the specialist tomorrow to see if he can clear that up for me. I am nervous about the pain of the injections, but I've also been reassured that it's not that bad. Honestly, it's been such a hassle to get these shots arranged....taken so long for all the little steps involved in the arrangement and all these little human error problems along the way, that I almost look forward to getting them! Ahh.....I don't know what to think anymore.
CommentDeborah- By no means am I an expert, but I believe your vestibulitis or vulvadynia was caused by either the yeast or the yeast treatments. It doesn't take long for the tissue to be damaged. My symptoms also began with yeast at the beginning of this year and continued to get worst the more I treated it. If you are hesitant to receive the injections, I would wait until you are sure. I have found studies that conclude that yeast cells have progesterone and estrone receptors on it's cell walls. It is well documented that women who take the pill, of any kind, have a greater occurance of yeast infections. Also, you can have a yeast imbalance in your system even though your vaginal cultures maybe negative. If it were me, I would be very hesitant to receive the injections. Remember that a physician is a person who offers his/or her medical opinion. The injections are very invasive and controversial. Your greatest resource is the ability to educate yourself through reading and research. You mentioned you have decided to stop taking the pill. Remember it may take 6 tp 8 weeks for it to get completely out of your system. There are great articles posted on the website of the specialist I am seeing next month in Los Altos, CA. You might find some of the information helpful in making a decision. Click on medical articles then select the topic, Vulvadynia and Candida. The website is www.harmonywomenshealth.com. I must share that the low-oxalate diet/ low-glycemic, Grapefruit Seed Extract and taking the calcium carbonate have made a huge difference in my symptoms. Take care and Good luck making a decision.
CommentMargaret is sooo right! Also when you have a baby your hormones are at all different levels and they tell you it can take up to a year to get them back to normal so even though I know you haven't had a child, it could take longer. I went on the pill for two months and then went off because of vulvodynia and yeast and it took over a year for me to get regulated and for my symptoms to go away. I was 42 and peri-menopausal so I think my estrgen was low in the first place and then I really messed myself up by going on the pill. If you don't have the hpv then why put yourself through all the pain with the shots when it could just be your hormones? Also stress wiill make your estrogen levels go down and then makes your muscles tight and causes all sorts of problems. I was under alot of stress when this happened and then to have the vulvodynia problems about sent me over the edge. I know its hard but you have to try to relax more, I started a yoga class and focused on relaxing and what a difference it made. I feel so bad for all of you young girls that have to deal with this. I'm 45 now and couldn't imagine going through this in my 20's. Most always the times I read the posts with young girls all of them are on some sort of the pill. My prayers are with all of you and don't give up whatever you do.
CommentThanks for everyone's advice. I put a call in to the specialist to see if he can clear up the whole HPV/interferon thing. But....that office has given me nothing but hassles so we'll see if he even calls. I stopped taking Estrostep last night, and feel in my heart more than ever that the pill has contributed to these problems...if not directly the vestibulitis than at least the "yeast infections" of the summer. While I'm still a little apprehensive about the injections....I fought hard to get this treatment going and I figure that if there's a chance that it will work, then I'll take it. I feel strongly that the combination of not taking the Pill and the injections will help me. It's true, as everyone, I've been completely stressed over this. I have moments of being so hopeful and try to do yoga and try to relax and believe, but it's fickle. My boyfriend has been more supportive than I could have ever imagined, and he feels that different treatments with anything works for different people, and you have to at least try. Even if Interferon just helps to boost the immune system, well, that's good. I'm trying to be positive. We'll see what happens....
CommentTo Liz: Thanks for the article about bc pills and vv, it was most interesting and I was able to see where my former bc pills fit in the list of generations and so forth. I am not sure though, how to tell if a pill is androgenic, I've not come across that before. Only estrogen and progestin. Margaret: I am interested in the connection with bc pills and vv as well, I'd be interested in more information from you, i.e. articles etc. I believe you were the one who recommended Screaming to be Heard, the book on female hormones...which will prob. keep me off of bc pills for good! I'd like to keep in touch about this connection or if you have any good info to share, i'd appreciate it!
CommentDebra, please hang in there, it is hard and we are all here to support each other, through knowledge, experience, and the comradery that binds us all together by sharing the hard times and the good. I understand your frustration, I was just thinking today on my long drive back to school that it just does not seem fair that this has to happen, that we have to abstain from having sex with the person we love for no reason, at least not one that makes any sense. It seems to come out of no where and then the pain prevents any contact at all, sometimes I feel like I have an invisible barrier, a chastity belt if you will, that won't allow intimate contact ever again. It gets pretty bleak sometimes, I too have been in a long term relationship with a kind, caring, and understanding man, but its hard, we haven't had sex in over a year and we were a pretty active couple. It's been very hard to adjust to, unfortunately for me, the bc pill killed my interest in sex, as does the Elavil I am taking. So most of the time I feel like I am without gender, if that makes sense. I don't feel feminine and attractive, and that really sucks. I don't even know where I am going with this. I started out trying to be encouraging and I think i've derailed. Anyway keep your chin up and don't barge ahead with treatments you have second thoughts on, those are the same thoughts that helped me get off bc pills and cease fiddling around with meds that don't work. Just be informed, you are your best resource. Good luck
CommentAnne, I have been reading a lot about how people, especially women can be allergic to hormones, thus causing a reaction such as yeast or other infections in your body. There is an article by Dr. Metzger at the website I gave to Deborah above, www.harmonywomenshealth.com. Click on medical articles under patients, than click on Allergies- Hormone and Candida. It is very interesting. I am traveling to her office on Dec 13th to have the allergy testing done, to help determine if I the natural progesterone I take is causing the my problems. The internet and Journal of Medicines remain to be my greatest resouce. Search Yeast, allergies and Hormones and see what you find! Deborah- One last thing, before you physician begins the injections ask him/her the statistics on how many women's symptoms are worse after the injections, better or the same? Do your own research to have information to compare to his response and bring it with you! I have had physicians frustrated with me because I question what they recommend and don't just except or do what they say, but it is my body and I am the customer, my care must always meet my satisfaction first before his/her ego. Take care Margaret.
CommentThis is for Debra. You mentioned that your boyfriend was concerned that you weren't getting enough vitamins. This gives a hint that maybe your diet may be less than ideal. My problems started like yours did, with a yeast infection that just wouldn't give up. I finally lucked upon a naturopath/herbalist who put me on a diet that really helped. In fact it cured my symptoms, but alas, I got lax and have been having problems since. I realize that the low oxalate diet is recommended by many doctors, including my own. Realizing that this condition (v v) potentially has different causes for different people, I want to at least let you know what has helped me. Basically my herbalist put me on a diet heavy in vegetables and fruits. She told me to stay away from dairy products and white flour (whole grains are ok). I also stay away from fruit juices (but whole fruit juices and fruit smoothies are ok). She gave me pH test strips and a chart of food affects on Acid-Alkaline body chemistry (you can find this chart here: http://www.naturalhealthschool.com/acid-alkaline.html She had me check my uring pH in the morning and during the day. My diet was very bad which caused my urine to be acidic. I felt like I had to go all the time even when my bladder was essentiallyl empty. She said that the bladder doesn't like to keep acidic urine in it. The explanation she gave me regarding the diet was that the sugar and refined grains increase your blood sugar more which gives the yeast something to feed on. Diary products contain lactose which is also a sugar. Fiber in foods feeds the good bacteria that you need to keep the yeast in check. An acidophilus supplement is also important (also it would be good to take other vitamins, calcium, fish oil, b-complex). She had me take a double dose of acidophilus (bifidophilus is good too). Make sure the kind you take is sold refridgerated, and store it in your own fridge. The same diet that is good for keeping your yeast in check is also good for your acid balance and general health. I know that my problems started at a time when I had suffered the death of 4 people close to me in the span of only 10 months. I went from being a healthy vegetarian to someone who ate all the comfort foods that the typical 10-yr old likes. I was so depressed that I couldn't plan a meal, so I ate junk and lots of sugar. Because I exercise and am in good shape, my doctor didn't even ask about my diet, not that he would have known much to say anyway. So three years later, I'm still suffering the effects of that bad period of my life. I just recently found out that I probably have v v and have been diligently back on that healthy diet for the past week. My symptoms have improved significantly as they have every time I've been dilligent about my diet. I just felt that I should say something about this on this site because the only diet advice I see is to avoid sugar and to follow the low oxalate diet. I certainly can't argue with something that works for some people, but it is possible that the oxalates aren't the real problem for some people and a more varied, healthy diet could do a world of good. I suspect that some people see a big improvement on the low oxalate diet because they have given up their candy bars and starchy foods. You would do this on the diet that I am following also. The main difference is that eating a lot of dairy products could encourage yeast growth and eating a lot of meat would be bad for your acid balance (both of these foods are low in oxalates). I enjoy eating lots of different veggies and fruits, so as long as this works for me I am happy not to have to stick to a short list of mostly white veggies that are allowed on the low oxalate diet. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. It makes me so sad to hear how much you (and others) are suffering with this. I have been fortunate that my symptoms are mild compared to many. Sorry this is so long. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.
CommentAnn: Thanks for the input. I agree and feel the same way, my boyfriend is the most supportive and wonderful thing in the world, and I too have felt like a non-woman because of this. We were also very sexually active together, and it's hard to live with the person you love, go to bed together night after night with absolutely no sex. I feel bad for him, having to come home every night to me, crying and talking about the same things over and over again. I just want to be able to have sex again--whatever kind, whatever way. As far as the interferon....I called Dr. Horowitz's office this morning to clear up the HPV Interferon connection, and the nurse said that HPV WASN'T an STD, but she was unsure of answering my question and would get back to me. So far, no calls. What else is new...that office frustrates the hell out of me. I'd like to speak directly to the doctor...it's like he's completely untouchable. Anyway, Maybe they'll get back to me before my first shot of Interferon on Monday, but I am going ahead with them. As with everything else, all I hear is mixed messages...and some people, nurses who have been in the room, etc, have assured me that it's not as bad as others make it out to be. Or maybe, it's different for everybody. I have to have faith that since my vestibulitis only started this summer and I was able to finally see a specialist quickly and start treatment quickly, I will recover from this. I find it hard to believe that I will have this condition for the rest of my life just because of one summer that damaged the vagina. I find it hard to believe that I could go from having great sex every day to nothing which could last my whole life. If the Interferon can help, I'll take it. I am still trying to see if anyone has anything positive to say about it.......Thanks
CommentJan: Thanks for the advice. I feel like I actually have a good diet - ever since the whole yeast infection thing, I researched all about it and cut out sooooo much soda, which I have to say I drank a lot. Now, I really RARELY have any. I also cut out juices. I don't eat red meat, and I cook every night so take-out is rare. I eat a lot of vegetables, too. I do love carbs though, and it's hard to not eat them. But, I AM conscious of eating them, and have switched some to more positive carbs. White rice to brown rice, etc. My boyfriend and I both feel that I eat well, but maybe just that I don't get enough vitamins. He takes a lot. I think my problem is not drinking any water sometimes, and how I used to drink too much soda. So, I'm working on those things. But I appreciate your input.
CommentDeborah- I have been diagnosed with HPV for 9 years and IT IS a Sexually Transmitted Disease, probably the easiest to contract because even condoms sometimes can not prevent the transmission of the virus. Could she have misunderstood the question? It is believed that about 50% of the normal adult population and 40% of children are expected to show evidence of HPV infection without symptoms. It is unclear as to if women can pass it to their children in utero or during delivery. There is a lot of research being done as this very moment. I carry three of the most aggresive strains of the virus as well as do my brother and sister, yet none of us have ever made sexual contact with each other or similar partners. You may have or not have it, but the virus can be contracted through sexual contact with no symptoms. Always be safe!
CommentDeborah- I just looked it up again, Human Papilloma Virus is catergotrized as a STI- Sexually Trasmitted Infection, so technically it is not caterogized as a disease, but it is sexually transmittable and is usually listed under sexually transmitted diseases! Maybe that was the misunderstanding! Take care
CommentThanks Margaret. My question is, how is HPV found....in an abnormal Pap Smear? I've never had one before. And I really don't think I have it for that reason, and also because I have only had sex with one person in my life, my boyfriend, who gives blood all the time, and they test for those things.
CommentDeborah- HPV can show up on cervical paps, biopsies, and coloposcopies as vaginal warts, dysplasia or cancer. I give blood also and so does my husband, it is fine to give blood if you have the virus at this point at least! HPV is a virus that is opportunistic! For a variety of reasons, depressed immunity makes it much more likely that any HPV present on the cervix or in the vagina will attack already weakened cells. Most women who have the HPV virus don't go on to develop abnormal pap smears or cervical cancer, because most viral activity and infections are halted by good immunity. For example, I have been married and with my husband for 15 years, exclusively. While I was undergoing fertitlity for my second daughter 9 years ago, I experienced my first irregular Pap smear. The colopscopy showed HPV, then I had further DNA testing to confirm the strains to help determine the best course of treatment. Since then I have continued to have dysplasia and irregular paps. Both my husband and I had previous sexual partners, so who knows who gave it to whom, but both of us were symptom free for 6 years of our marriage. I have discussed the possibility of Interferon Injections with two physicains for the HPV and both felt that the success rate was limited and they encouraged me to not to use it as a form of treatment. That was years ago though, and I have not had any discussions since developing symptoms of vestibulitis this summer. Interferon Injections are used for vulvadynia whether an individual has HPV or not! You are welcome to e-mail me personnally at margaretmelkins@msn.com I would be happy to share any information with you. Also great resources for info are "Women's Wisdom Women's Bodies", by Christianne Northrup and the "V Book", by Elizabeth Stewart- I don't necessarily agree with all the treatments in Elizabeth's book, but it is very informative and there is a large section on Yeast. I curretly own both o fthem, but I love to go to Barnes N' Noble and just hang out and read. Take care!
CommentHi my name is Reena and i have six children and I have been suffering with vulvodynia and Interstitial cycstitis for 2 and half years. This all started shortly after my car accident and my life have has never been the same. I complained about the pain in the vaginal area(rawness, burning, itching). I also had the urge to go the bathroom 50 times a day. Along with these problems came severe back pain and it's interesting because whenever the back pain started that's when the vulvodynia and IC sysmtons flared up. I repeatedly went to my family doctor who kept giving me urine tests which came back fine. Then finally one day the pain was so extreme and i just could not tolerate the pain, i ended up going to the hosiptal. That's where I met Dr. Ercole Leone, urologist and he said that i may have a utrethral stricture. During a two year period he did two dialations which did not help and it just made the pain worse. I was on prydium for 2 years and it just made feel so sick all the time. Now two years later he suggest that may i have intersitial cystitis, he has prescribed different medications such as potassium citrate, tandum and emiron which hasn't helped much. I started doing some research on my own and came across vulvodynia. So suggested Dr. Leone if i could possibly have this condition as well, he then referred me to gyno., Dr. Mark Rosengarten who prescribed Betamethasone which helps to some degree. Please if anyone has any more info or would just like to chat please email me at reenadevik@hotmail.com
CommentHi my name is Reena and i have six children and I have been suffering with vulvodynia and Interstitial cycstitis for 2 and half years. This all started shortly after my car accident and my life have has never been the same. I complained about the pain in the vaginal area(rawness, burning, itching). I also had the urge to go the bathroom 50 times a day. Along with these problems came severe back pain and it's interesting because whenever the back pain started that's when the vulvodynia and IC sysmtons flared up. I repeatedly went to my family doctor who kept giving me urine tests which came back fine. Then finally one day the pain was so extreme and i just could not tolerate the pain, i ended up going to the hosiptal. That's where I met Dr. Ercole Leone, urologist and he said that i may have a utrethral stricture. During a two year period he did two dialations which did not help and it just made the pain worse. I was on prydium for 2 years and it just made feel so sick all the time. Now two years later he suggest that may i have intersitial cystitis, he has prescribed different medications such as potassium citrate, tandum and emiron which hasn't helped much. I started doing some research on my own and came across vulvodynia. So suggested Dr. Leone if i could possibly have this condition as well, he then referred me to gyno., Dr. Mark Rosengarten who prescribed Betamethasone which helps to some degree. Please if anyone has any more info or would just like to chat please email me at reenadevik@hotmail.com
CommentReena, You should go to Yahoo groups and look on the vulvar disorders group. Right now they are discussing IC syptoms and how they are related to Vulvodynia. Also alot of women who have back problems have IC and VV. There is also a great pysical therapist who gives out wonderful info if you e-mail him. His name is Tom Kopt. He believes alot of this is related to spinal and muscle problems if you have a bad back. You have to join the group but its easy and there are a lot of wonderful women there that have some great info. Tom checks in on the list and always helps out. Good Luck to you and hope this helps.
CommentAnother note on HPV, I heard on NPR yesterday (can you tell I do a lot of driving?) that the Brits have developed a vaccine against cervical cancer caused by HPV. It's more a vaccine against HPV than cancer but they are saying that HPV is one of the primary causes of cervical cancer. Those women who have been vaccinated were significantly reduced in cancer risk, by about 96%. I am curious if this vaccine has some application for those suffering from HPV and vulvodynia? The vaccination won't be available in the U.S. until 2006. More info: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3964263.stm
CommentTo anyone who's interested, as follow-up to my previous posts about Interferon/HPV....Dr. Horowitz actually called me back personally, I couldn't believe it. And he was incredibly articulate and elaborate when discussing his views. In a very shortened version, he clarified that HPV is not always believed to be an STD/I...he references a study with virginal little girls with no sexual trauma or contact who tested positive for HPV, etc. He also said that Interferon was only used for vestibulitis with HPV back when it was first experimented with, but it has also been successful for women without HPV...he says that HPV is really a non-issue when considering Inteferon for vestibulitis. He also told me that Interferon either works or it doesn't work, but if it works, it's not temporary....the effects will last. I was happy that someone finally called me back, and he was very well-documented and referenced lots of things. Anyway, just wanted to update...
CommentDebra- I had inferon shots for my vestibulites. While the shot itself hurt, (hey, what shot doesn't?) there was no pain afterwards. My gyno first tried me on a cream which he said helped about 10% of the women. The next step was the shots which he said helped about 60% of the women. The third step was surgery and he said he only had one women who he had to repeat the procedure on. I did have the surgery but it didn't help me. I didn't go back and do it again. But I did learn to never have anything push up against me as far as clothing. I am now on Elavil and it is working for me. Good luck to all.
CommentDebra, I am so glad you heard back form the doctor. Please keep us posted on your treatment. All- I have been researching ways to help boost my immune system to help prevent vaginal dysplaysia, HPV and vestibulitis. There is much written about folic acid, beta-carotene, selenium, antioxidants, and multi-vaitamins with minerals. My naturopath recommended that I take 5-10mg of folic acid a day, 400mcg of selenium, as well as a plant substance called proanthocyanadins, found in grape pips and pine bark (anti-oxidant). Popular brand names are Pycnogenol and Proflavenol. I am to initially take 1 mg per pound of body weight (I am 140lbs, so 140 mg), in two to three divided doses, daily for 2 weeks. Then decrease the dose to 20 mg two or three times per day. This is in addition to the mutivitamins and minerals, as well as Super-Omega Fish Oil I all ready take. I am curious if anyone has tried boosting their immune system and what they might know about folic acid and anti-oxidants. Take care Margaret
CommentHI I HAVE HAD MUCH IMPROVEMENT WITH 20MG OF PAXIL. PROZAC, EFFEXOR AND OTHERS SEEMED TO IRRITATE MY VULVAR VESTIBULITIS. I AM A SUFFERER SINCE 1994 HAVE HAD STEROID INJECTIONS, LASER SUREGERY, SKIN GRAFT, YOU NAME IT. PAXIL HAS ALLEVIATED MOST OF MY MISERY.
CommentI have been dealing with pain and symptoms of the urethra and vulva for 4 yrs. Dr's can figure it out. Crazy thing is when I start my period the spots go away and then come back after it is over. Do ant of you have this happening and what can I do. I am taking calcium citrate now and vitamin c helps the urethra pain. Anymore ideas? Please help thanks Nicole
CommentHello, I am wondering if any of you have a good low oxalate diet for a vegetarian. Does this limit me on protien intake ? Any info will be great! Thanks, Nicole
CommentI thought I'd share some info someone posted on my Australian group. It's regarding a product called epi-no which is used to reduce the incidence of episiotomy during childbirth. The woman, who suffers from vestibulitis, used the product (which is like a balloon you inflate to stretch the vagina) and said it helped her enormously, not only during childbirth, but it also reduced the pain of her vvs. If you want to check it out go to: www.epi-no.com
CommentHI, ok where to start? I was wondering if anyone new of any VV specialists in Calgary/Edmonton area? I found someone that diagnosed me but I now know tons more on the subject then her. In the tenth guest book a number of people mentioned emailing Oprah, does anyone know if anything happened with that? Lastly, For the past 3 years I only had pain during intercourse, then about 3 months ago I had a bad yeast infection and it hasn't stopped burning until, well, today its finally starting to let up. Has anyone else gone through this? 1bad yeast infection=3 months agony then back to just no sex?
CommentDebra I am 61. Was on the pill in my twentys. Had problems that my Dr. said would show up again when reaching menopause. He was right! AS soon as various Dr.s started me on many different applications of estrogen I began having yeast infections and UTIs. Finally a Dr. said," yes, we know estrogen can cause yeast problems, but there are so many good things about ERT. So, let's continue" NO !! After 3 years and eight Drs.I am no longer on any kind of estrogen, do the low oxalate diet, take elivil and have greatly lessened pain.But I wish to have a more normal life and continue looking for better results. Bottom line, my experience has shown me to avoid estrogen. Those of you who can tolerate small amounts to toughen your cells are fortunate. It made my problem worse. Here's the kicker: I went through menopause with only minor hot flashes for only 2 or 3 months and was on my way to being a happy old lady when Drs.decided on ERT.!!
CommentDoes anyone know whether honeybush tea (an African herbal) is high in oxylates?
CommentI'm 61 and post menopausal. I have only pain in the bartholins glands.However that pain radiates to what feels like my ovary areas on worse days. Do any of you readers fall into this catagory? I'm told my problem was caused by many yeast infections from use of HRT. I'm trying to use the low oxolate diet, citrical, as well as 50mgs of elivil. The elivil does not knock me out as Iv'e read for some of you. Some days I'd say I feel 80% normal and other days maybe only 50%, but certainly far better than when I was on ERT. If you have pertinant info on treatment of bartolins gland problems please reply. Thanks
CommentMy nightmare began over a year ago. I was married three months and in the lead up to the wedding, I had forgotten to take my birth control pills. I decided to let nature take its course and just wait until my next period. In the meantime, I experienced a lot of bleeding, but just thought things would eventually sort themselves out. Suddenly in September,I began to experience painful sex. I discovered that I had HSV type -1 which I got from my husband as a result of oral sex. Every month thereafter, about a week before my period was due(which by December came back to normal) I experienced herpes type symtoms.However when the attacks subsided I discovered that I was till unable to have sex with my husband because it was extremely painful. It was like I was being stabbed. I had more tests done and found out that I had a chronic strep B infection in my vagina. I was out on antibiotics and then two months later I had more tests done and discovered I had a Srep G infection. All of this time sex was extremely painful. AT this stage I was beginning to feelthat maybe I was imagining it. My gyni told me that maybe I was psychologically traumitised as a result of the HSV experience. I wish I could have agreed but unfortunately I had a very healthy sex life up until this point and would very much like to have the same again, please. Anyway, I was referred to an STD consultant who said that I had damaged nerve endings in and around my vulva. She put me on 20mg of Anti-depressant medication. I also was put back on the pill to help boost my immune system. Since then I have tried having sex with my husband and the pain had decreased slightly. I am anxious to start a family soon but am very upset that I may never get back to normal. Is there anyone out there who could shed some light on my problem?
CommentLiz birth control DOES NOT help boost the immune system.If you want to boost the immune system use Beta Glucan which you can get at health food stores or Echinacea (the liquid is best). Women on BC tend to get many more infections, especially yeast. B-12 and fish oil, particularly salmon oil (never cod liver oil) help nerve endings. Salmon oil is very good for us. The first post in this link may be helpful since you have HSV http://www.whatreallyworks.co.uk/start/qanda.asp?article_ID=605
CommentWhat a fascinating site - I've been reading for 4 hours! Anyone out there from England? I saw someone called Jenny in the last guestbook - are you still reading? I've had vv on and off for 5 years although amazingly have had 2 babies in that time. But no sex for 2.5 years now. After 5 useless doctors, found a great NHS consultant at Watford Hospital who's tried me on counselling (!), biofeedback and now amitryptiline. I just started taking it this week so I wait with bated breath to see what happens. Anyone else on that successfully? Angie
CommentI have info I would like to share with you all. There ia a hrebal caprylimune medicine "Natures Sunshine brand " that is mostly vitamins and this caprylic acid according to the herbalist this attacks yeast. This is worth a try I say my pain has been for 4 yrs now. They say yeast can live in us for yrs before we have real trouble. A good dtox-tea safe and gets the yeast out is smooth move tea by" traditional medicinals".
CommentHi. Just wanted to update everyone that I just came back from my first Interferon injections for my vestibulitis. My doctor did not use any kind of numbing spray. I didn't realize it, but he had to do 12 little injections all over the vestibule, not the one shot like I thought. I'm not going to lie, it was dreadfully painful, some of the 12 spots were better than others. I flinched a little, breathed hard like I was doing lamaze, and even cursed out loud. When it was over though, I felt like I could handle it again, and it was kind of exactly how I pictured it. I'm a little sore there now, so I'm going to lay down and rest. But, I think (I hope) I can make it through the rest.
Commentyikes debra. i hope you feel better now. i've had vvs since april this year (diagnosed in september). at first, the pain didn't really bother me very much -- sex just felt a little "funny." but when i was first diagnosed, my doctor gave me a compounded estrogen cream, which made the whole area burn like hell. i only used it for 2 weeks, but 3 months later and the pain is still there. i'm now on elavil, which is helping. also, i just started physical therapy. basically, the therapist gives your pelvic floor a massage from the inside (it's weird, i know). this releases and relaxes your pelvic floor muscles. she also runs an ultrasound machine (that also does e-stim) over the vaginal opening. this is supposed to increase circulation to the area and the e-stim tells your nerves to stop paying attention to the area. i've only been twice, but i think its helping. i was able to have sex after the first treatment. i used a little lidocaine to numb the area, but i wouldn't have had the guts to try this if i didn't feel so good. the second treatment didn't have such strong results, but i'm keeping my fingers crossed. btw, i'm also on a low oxalate/low glycemic diet. i really don't know if it's helping, probably because i've been cheating lately. :)
CommentI have itching from chronic yeast. Is there anything I can use just to deal with the irritation it has caused? It has caused mainly clitoral discomfort and I'm so tired of feeling this way. I am going to go to a dermatologist since my OBGYN can't seem to help me.
CommentAlexis- Have you tried dietary changes, for example, trying to follow the Yeast Diet? Are you taking a good pro-biotic and eating organic yogurt? If you have not made any of the changes you may won't to. I also started taking Grapefruit Seed Extract, as a natural anti-fungal. Hang in there, I have been were you are and it took about 1 months for me to get the problem under control once I made dietary changes. I went to Dermatologists after my GYN was unable to help get rid of the yeast on my vulva tissue. She gave me anti-fungal called Ertaczo, which I mixed with 1% hydrocortisone cream. It was the thing that finally got rid of the yeast in that area, but at the same I began the yeast diet. Be careful that topicals may distroy the vulva tissues and cause new problems such as vestibulitis or vulvadynia. Good Luck
CommentI have been looking for answers for my wife she is 56 years old and for years she has experenced vulva pain and dr all over now she is told that her burning is from the oxalates coming through the Uthera as crystles . she has tried many things but still is burdened with this condition. it has been so bad at times that she has a ice bottle between her legs to get relief. Im not sure what she can do but many of the women who have written in sounds like my wifes situation at least if it is you would know what is going on . she has to whtch what she eats . to find out what was happening for her they snipped a piece of skin to examine and found Oxalates but know every time she has to use the bathroom it hits the spot where they took the sample which neveer heals because there is no way of keeping the urine from hitting the spot it is sure hard to see someone you love go through what she goes through I hope this might help someone . and Im sure that my wife would e-mail back anyone who would like to talk to her .
CommentAngie- Amitripyline (sp) is the generic form of Elavil. Elavil works for me. Good luck.
CommentAlexis - for your chronic itching from the yeast, try rinsing the area with warm water after urination. I got this suggestion from a post somewhere on this site and I believe it helped because when I had discharge that itched I would feel better after rinsing. I read that the yeast produces alcohol which is an irritant. I've also gone back on the yeast diet (although my version doesn't include much dairy products and no yoghurt, especially sweetened yoghurt) and that coupled with the rinsing and taking probiotics (acidophilus, bifidophilus), b-complex, fish oil, and calcium has almost completely relieved me of symptoms that my doctor felt was v v. This was after about two weeks of the diet (although I was sticking pretty close to that diet all along). Every time I had sweets or alchohol, I would have a reoccurance of the symptoms. My doctor's office eventually got back results that showed some yeast, but I feel it is under control with diet and I will not take any more yeast meds. It seems that so many who write to this site have had chronic yeast problems that I wonder what the connection is. Does the yeast cause v v, or is v v for some simply a chronic yeast problem, or have some developed a chemical sensitivity due to exposure to various meds used to treat yeast? I wish I could say for sure that I had v v and that it was cured by diet and that others could have the same result that I had. I just don't know. I just know that I have the same history as many here and I'm feeling much better after making a few dietary changes that I view as permanent for me. Another tip, if you are using any kind of lubricant, stop and see if you improve. I'm sure that my problems were aggravated by the use of a homemade petroleum based lube. I bought some Slippery Stuff, but haven't tried it yet. I do seem to have a sensitivity to Astroglide, and KY. Any contact with spermicides is awful too. Basically try not to put anything but water on that skin.
CommentAlexis - for your chronic itching from the yeast, try rinsing the area with warm water after urination. I got this suggestion from a post somewhere on this site and I believe it helped because when I had discharge that itched I would feel better after rinsing. I read that the yeast produces alcohol which is an irritant. I've also gone back on the yeast diet (although my version doesn't include much dairy products and no yoghurt, especially sweetened yoghurt) and that coupled with the rinsing and taking probiotics (acidophilus, bifidophilus), b-complex, fish oil, and calcium has almost completely relieved me of symptoms that my doctor felt was v v. This was after about two weeks of the diet (although I was sticking pretty close to that diet all along). Every time I had sweets or alchohol, I would have a reoccurance of the symptoms. My doctor's office eventually got back results that showed some yeast, but I feel it is under control with diet and I will not take any more yeast meds. It seems that so many who write to this site have had chronic yeast problems that I wonder what the connection is. Does the yeast cause v v, or is v v for some simply a chronic yeast problem, or have some developed a chemical sensitivity due to exposure to various meds used to treat yeast? I wish I could say for sure that I had v v and that it was cured by diet and that others could have the same result that I had. I just don't know. I just know that I have the same history as many here and I'm feeling much better after making a few dietary changes that I view as permanent for me. Another tip, if you are using any kind of lubricant, stop and see if you improve. I'm sure that my problems were aggravated by the use of a homemade petroleum based lube. I bought some Slippery Stuff, but haven't tried it yet. I do seem to have a sensitivity to Astroglide, and KY. Any contact with spermicides is awful too. Basically try not to put anything but water on that skin.
CommentI have been doing a lot of reading on yeast and it's correlation to endometriosis and immune system function. Although, I have not heard of anyone mention this disease on the guestbook, it is something I have been battleing since I was 12 years old, I'm now 36. Recent reseach funded by The Endometriosis Association discovered a definite link between women who have endometriosis and candida overgrowth. In fact, the best treatment for women with endometriosis currently is desensitaizing women to candida as well as to their hormones. I am still trying to understand all the scientific data, so I hope I make sense? Supposedly, people can be allergic to candida and their own hormones, not to mention synthetic or bio-identical hormones that a women or man may take. A person needs to be tested for these allergies or sensitvities, then their systems must be desensitized using Immunotherapy, supplements and dietary changes and probiotics. When there is an overgrowth of yeast and/ or an imbalance in hormones, your immune system is compromised. Yeast cells have progesterone and estrogen receptors on it's celll walls. Hormone imbalance affects the growth and the ability for yeast to divide and grow. This research has found that women who desensitize their bodies to both yeast and hormones that they are allergic to, their immune system restores it's ability to work effectively. This data confirms that a women can have a yeast overgrowth even though she does not have a vaginal yeast infection. Women with endometriosis often suffer from other immune compromising disease, such as HPV, cancer, MS, fibromyalgia (sp?), and many others. I have not seen Vulvadynia or Vestibulits specifically mentioned, but from what I have read and understand, it is also an immunocrompromising illness.. Basically, your immune system has to be working well in order for your body to properly deal with viruses, bacteria and most importantly promote healthy cell dividision and function. Info- Endometriosis effects nearly 80 million women in the world. It is one of the most undiagnosed disease among women. It usually can only be confirmed by laporscopic surgery. The book, Endometriosis The Complete Reference for Taking Charge of Your Health, by Mary Lou Ballweg and the Endometriosis Association is were I began to better understand the connection between yeast and the immune system function, you may want to go to Barnes N. Noble or Borders and read the chapters on these topics. Also, I have mentioned in previous entries that I am traveling to Los Altos, California on Dec 13th to meet with Dr. Deborah Metzger who is one of just a handful of MD's in this country incorporating immunotherapy into her practice. I am scheduled to have the allergy testing done at this time. She also contributed to the book I mentioned above, writting the foreward and contributing reasch data. As far as my me...I am doing really well. Like Jan, I am not sure if I really ever had VV or VS, I believe my larger issuse has been yeast. My theory is that all the anti-fungals, creams and boric acid damaged by vulva and vaginal tissue. I have remained on the low-oxalate/low glycemic diet, and religously take my supplements daily: Grapefruit Seed Extract, Calcium Carbonate, Super Omega Fish Oil, Multi-vitaminad minerals and Probiotic. I continue to rinse with water after every urination an apply vasoline to the vestibule area. I drink plenty of water and exercise. I have been able to have intercourse with no burning or irritiation. My husband wears a non-latex condom and we use organic coconut oil as a lubricant. I am still a little nervous at first, afraid it might burn or hurt after, but so far I am doing really well. Just recently my natruopath prescribed supplements to help boost my immune system: Selenium 400mcg, Folic Acid 10mg, Beta-carotene 150,000 IU and Pycnogenol 140mg, which I am to take for 3 months. I hope my experiences and information might be helpful. I will continue to share and post. Remeber, you are what you EAT! Everyone take care! Margaret
CommentWe really need spell check on the guestbook! Sorry for the errors!
CommentI have suffered with vulvadynia for almost 20 years and can not seem to find any relief. I am so frustrated.. I have been to about 15 doctors who all given me different forms of treatment. I am now confused with all of the medcial advice not knowing what will work for me without causing me more pain.Please help.
CommentRobert Sly - is your wife reading these posts? She should be, as there is a lot of info here, and many different paths to follow (some of them bunk, some of them valid.) Don't give up. Has she been tested for interstitial cystitis (sp?) It can cause the burning. Good luck.
CommentHi, I have severe vaginal excema. Like many women here I was misdiagnosed before a dermatologist told me it was excema. I have severe itching several times a day, and I am up also up at night scratching. Nothing seems to work. The dermatologist (who specializes in vulvar problems), said that it was not vulvodynia, because severe itching is not a symptom, yet I notice some women here complain of it as well. It's very painful, and bleeds and cracks. I can't believe this won't go away either; is there anything that can help with the itch!!!!!!! Please someone answer, I don't know anyone who has this, and it feels like a curse!. Thanks for listening.
CommentHi, to you all - For the last 16 months, I have been treated for repeated yeast infections. One bout was with candida parapsilosis, not very common. I've also had repeated strep and other BV infections as well as lactobacillosis (with antibiotic treatment) and the usual other yeast and antibiotic treatments. A recent study of my gut flora showed no acidophilus lactobacilli and bifido lactobacilli. It all started when I had a terrible infection and went to a walk-in center (it was the weekend) because of the terrible discomfort. The doctor put me on flagyl which completely wiped out everything good and bad. Then, the problems started that I just mentioned. I am very allergic/sensitive to all kinds of foods and additives, especially those that aggravate a seizure-like disorder I have. I don't have actual seizures but, rather, electrical sensations throughout my body constantly. I've been on klonopin for 13 years for that problem. Also, a shot in my backside of ampicillin for strep caused gut yeast and oral thrush. I am on oral nystatin for months now for that problem. Anyway, now my vaginal yeast, gut, and BV cultures are coming back normal and my gyn doctor said I have essential vulvodynia because the vulvar burning and itching continue. I am distraught. When I see the doctor in 2 weeks, I'll be put on elavil and xilocaine. My sex life is nil. My husband is patient but he is getting mighty frustrated after all of these different problems and no solutions. I'm also on natural compounded HRT for atrophic vaginitis and that has helped with the dryness. Does anyone have similar symptoms and advice in general for me? Thank you.
CommentFeeling Like I'm going insane- During the summer I had severe itching in the vulva tissue. It was never diagnosed as dermatitis, so I am not sure if I had the same thing as you. My gyn felt it was from all the anti-yeast creams and boric acid drying out my vaginal tissue. Do you have any idea what has caused your issue, low-estrogen, yeast, etc? Have you tried using A&D ointment to help the heal the tissue with 1% hydocortisone cream mixed in? I would also reccomend no baths or soap in that area, both dry out the vulva tissue. Also, I used oral Benedry at night to help me sleep. I would check with your physician to make sure it would be safe for you to take or use any of these suggestions. Good Luck! Margaret
CommentI have not visited this site for a long time mostly because my vulvodynia is very much under control right now but I like to come back every once in a while to see what's happening. I see a lot more references to yeast. I discovered about 4 years ago that yeast was a problem for me. I have had vaginal problems for 28 years. Someone wondered about itching. Severe itching was my worst symptom also. One evening I drank one beer after abstaining for about a year. I was awake all night in bed with horrible itching and burning. Since then I have quit drinking all alcoholic beverages, eating sugar and eating any carbs except those found in vegetables. I drink Kyo-Green which is kelp, barley grass and wheat grass 3Xs per day with some unsweetened cranberry juice added. (Just a few drops). I do eat some low carb sweets because I can't seem to give up sweets altogether. I use organic olive oil for a lubricant and am able to have pain free sex about 1 or 2 xs per week. 24 hours after intercourse, I get some mild itching still so I know I am not completely cured. MARGARET asked about endometriosis. I have had that since my teens and had surgery in 1981. In 1994 I gave birth to my only child by C-section. I have tried everything but only boric acid helps me. Like EMILY, I was on an extended course of flagyl which really made things a lot worse for me. When I get really upset or nervous, I have a one day relapse which is relieved by boric acid inserts. Stress produces yeast in my system so I do yoga and get alot of daily excercise to fight that. I also cut back hours at work and I think that has helped me. Hoping all who sufffer find relief and that our needs will be adequately addressed someday soon by the medical community. Keep strong and keep trying things until something works!!
CommentI am 22. I was diagnosed Jan. 04, but had been living with Vulvodynia for over a year before that. After many Dr. prescribed yeast infection medicines, even though I didnt have any yeast present, it was obvious the problem did not involve yeast. The first time I experienced the painful burning, it was after having sex for the first time in several months. I had been going to tanning booths regularly and noticed a sunburn on my body the next day. I think maybe I was sunburned down there. Anyways... From that day on..I had severe pain for over a month. It gradually got better, a 5/6 on a scale of 10. Months later I became involved in a serious relationship and the pain got worse especially after intercourse. I was on the Patch..(birth control)for 4 months which made me really depressed and seemed to make the Vulvodynia worse. After I got off the patch, the pain was sooo horrible for about a month. It tapered away, some days pain free. I tried everything including diet changes, taking Zoloft, no intercourse. My pain always seemed worse whenever I was stressed out or depressed. A new gyno finally diagnosed me after about a year of this pain. I had been to SEVERAL doctors who either had no answers or just treated me for yeast, which made the pain sooo much worse. I was also given lydocain and cortizone (the numbing gel didnt work and the cortizone burned REALLY bad) Recently, my gyno told me to go to a specialist that exists in the Richmond VA area at MCV. I had to go to my family doctor for the referral. I had already planned on asking him about Elavil, but before I could say it, he said that he would like to see me taking that and not Zoloft. I have not had pain since. Elavil helps treat chronic pain as well as depression. I have had nerve related problems in the past such as vestibular nueronitis, vertigo, anxiety, depression, ect. I also noticed that when I ate a lot of sugars or acidic foods, the pain was worse. I have been reading the guestbook for over a year looking for answers, and always saw that Elavil seemed to help certain people. I wish I had tried it earlier. For those of you out there that are starting to lose hope...please don't. I got this right before my last year in college and seriously thought the rest of my life was doomed. I also believe that strengthening your pelvic muscles helps too. As I said before, I tried many things and I think everyone is different. I know that pouring luke warm water over the area while you urinate helps. Whenever I had a UTI, the pain was really bad too. Some things may work for others that do not work for you and vice versa. Good luck girls. Hopefully one day someone will invent a universal cure for this. No one deserves to go through this pain.
CommentEine Superwebseite! Man sieht, dass hier eine unglaubliche Menge Arbeit drinsteckt. Habt Ihr echt toll hinbekommen! Weiter so und viel Erfolg!
CommentJan, Before you try the slippery stuff try crisco. That's right, Crisco. It's a vegetable fat. I've used it for over a year and have found no problems.There are no chemicals. It's natural. My nurse practitioner suggested it. As well as a lubricant it severs as a protective barrier against urine and all that nasty stuff contained therein. Try it. You'll like it.
CommentI was diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis in 2003. After going through many of the same things that many of you experienced, I was fortunate enought to find a doctor specializing in vulvar and vaginal pain who I credit with saving my sanity. He prescribed estrace cream, and it worked for me. He also sent me to a of physical therapist who specialized in vulvar vaginal pain. She taught me how to stretch muscles I didn't know I had. The physical therapy also included pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback. This worked wonders for me. For the first time in my life, I experienced intercourse with no pain. If I don't keep up with the exercises and stretching, I go right back to painful sex. Now I am trying to get pregnant, and my gynecologist suggested I use corn oil as a lubricant. Does anyone know anything about using corn oil as a lubricant if you suffer from vulvar vestibulitis? I asked my gynecologist if corn oil will increase my chances of a yeast infection or if it will aggravate vestibulitis. She said it won't, but after what I went through to get a correct diagnosis of this condition I'm not willing to take her word for it. If anyone knows anything about what lubricants are good to use please write.
CommentHi Melissa: I've been using Estrace for quite awhile now, but I'm having a flare up. I was wondering if your Dr. has you apply the Estrace 2X daily just around the vestibule? That's how I do it. Also, as far as lubricants go, I was doing research on the internet today and many Drs. recommend Crisco in oil or solid form b/c it's all natural as someone else wrote earlier. I haven't heard anything about corn oil though.
CommentHello, I am 19 and have been researching for the last 9 months about what is wrong with me!! I first started taking the birth control pill last November- about the same time i began sleeping with the guy I am currently with now. 4 Months later I became VERY irritated and in pain so i went to the doctor at my school- they tested me postive for a UTI, i still said that i was worried about STD's because I had been wiht this guy for the last 4 months- and had a bump. The doc examined me saying it didnt look like herpes at all, but that he would do a test. To all our surprises it came out positive! Since that day I have been in constant pain- but never having an outbreak. I completely freaked out on the guy i am with- and he said that hes fine, and the drs could be wrong. I went to my home dr. that week and she said it didnt look like there was herpes present at all- but that i had yeast. Since then I have been to her 4x, she always gives me something for yeast. They never re-tested me for herpes, due to the fact that i dont have outbreaks, and they seem to be avoiding the herpes thing completely. The guy I am still with from that first day seems to ALWAYS be fine, never having an outbreak or in pain. I went to a planned parenthood then feeling like my dr is not helping me- and they AGAIN gave me something for yeast. My home dr had given me an anti-dep. at one point saying that maybe my body is not healing from all the meds ive been on- and that did help-but the pain came back! They do always test me for the yeast and say it is present. If it was herpes, my dr- along with research ive done- says that you'll have an outbreak or a rash- and then it will go away in a couple weeks, not a LONG ongoing thing.. but ive been in constant pain for 9 months!! My pain feels like its at the entrance of my vagina, im red and irritated, sometimes looks scratched on the area going inside.. It hurts to wear a tampon- which i do anyway- and sex hurts so bad upon penetration. My boyfriend feels like I only want to have sex for 10 minutes... which is TRUE, bc it hurts so bad! I also feel pain on the outside as well. People with Vulvodynia, does it feel like skin pain or cramping?/ I am guessing skin pain- I don't know what else to do! I brought up Vulvodynia to the dr at planned parenthood- and she just blew me off saying no. She told me to get tested for diabetes too, but i havent yet. This pain just DOESNT go away-! I can't take it anymore... I am seriously considering getting off the pill right now- I did read a post on this website written in 1998 in workbook 6 by a girl who said a herpes test came out positive/negative- ... this is what she wrote: "After several tests for yeast, bladder infection, and STD's they still couldn't find anything because all the tests were negative, except one test came back equivical (meaning a negative or positive result) for genital herpes. Now I never had any symptoms of that disease and I told my doctor that, so we did the test again and it came back negative. But what was the reason for the equivical result? could there possibly be a unknown virus or bacteria that is related to the herpes disease that could of caused the test error and could be the cause of vulvodynia but shows no visible symptoms? I'm not sure but I thought that that was kind of strange." .....THAT MADE ME THINK.....!!!! If theres any advice please HELP!.. sorry this is long-- but its about my last resort.. and you all seem SO HELPFUL! Thanks!!!!!!!
CommentDear Desperate, when my symptoms originally appeared in Oct. '03 I too went to the health clinic at my school and the visiting Dr. there tested me for yeast and found the test negative. But he prescribed monistat anyway, having never had a yeast infection I figured that it must have been the cause of all my problems. After treating myself with Monistat-3 day (which burned like hell) the symptoms were much the same. Instead of going back to him I went to my local planned parenthood where a nurse practitioner examined me and found that I had a bacterial infection for which antibiotics were prescribed...which got me back on the yeast rollercoaster all over again which I really was never on to begin with! I stopped taking birth control in June because I felt it was the trigger for all my problems, unfortunately my symptoms have not gone away, or even lessened after months of medication. My pain is a stinging/burning sensation at the outer edge of the vaginal opening but recedes all the way inside on the front and back of the vaginal wall. I am also very dry and have not regained the natural lubrication that my body used to produce. It does not feel like a cramp at all and is most painful when touched or comes in contact with tightly fit clothing (i.e. jeans) I have been unable to use tampons since last October and after what I have read about them and disposable pads I am never going back! I have switched over to cotton cloth pads for menses and noticed that the pain and irritation that usually flares up during that time has decreased with the natural materials of cotton. I saw the nurse practitioner a few more times, and was tested for gonherrea(sp) even though I have been in a monogamous relationship for the last 4 years and both of us were healthy, luckily the tests were negative. She was finally stumped and sent me to an ob/gyn at another PP nearby. He seemed to think that my problem was from some sort of trauma, (which I never had) and put me on high dosages of ibuprofen to which I found out I was allergic (hives) None of the doctors to this point believed me when I told them that my problems originated after switching birth control. I finally was referred to the nearby University Hospital where I was given meds to 'manage' the pain. So far nothing has helped me at all. Not to sound bleak but some women have had luck with dietary changes, medications, and topical creams...Don't do anything that causes you pain...I and many other women on this site, have not been able to have sex because of our condition and tampons? Forget it. Try to help yourself by removing the things that you know cause you pain. I don't know why your test came back positive and yet you still have no symptoms, I would tell your doctor to do another test to be sure. Knowledge is your best defense, you know what feels good and what doesn't and by reading up on Vulvodynia you will prob. know more than the doctors who are treating you.
CommentHERPES TESTING- If your doctor did a test by swabbing the sore you had, then you wont get an accurate result anyways. The only test that is accurate is a blood test. There are 2 and you should have both of them. They are the HSV1 type specific test and the HSV2 type specific test. And herpes does not always mean a mass of sores or blisters or even a sore at all. You could have had a sore because of dryness or bad irritation. I got a little sore at the very beginning of VVS and my HSV tests were negative as well as all other STD's. I was VERY dry though and think thats what caused it. Never had one since and that was over 2 years ago. And GET OFF BC!!!!!!!!!!!!! Once off them it may take 9 months to a year before your hormones normalize. Join the Yahoo group VulvarDisorders (one word) and talk to Dee about hormones and ask if there is a BC pill that is ok to take.
CommentYes, my doctor did have me apply it just to the vestibule 2X a day also. When I was first diagnosed, he had me insert 1/2 the applicator vaginally twice a week, and 2 times a day to the vestibule. I slowly graduated to applying it just to the vestibule 2X a day, and after that just as needed. I do find that when I am irritated, applying estrace to the vestibule helps almost immediately or in a couple of hours. Thanks for the information on Crisco. Sounds like a good choice. I wonder if Crisco interferes with sperm motility? According to my obgyn (not the same doc who treated me for vulvodynia) corn oil assists with sperm motility, but I'm still afraid to use it.
CommentTo Desperate: From the symptoms you describe it sounds like you have what all of us suffer from - vulvar vestibulitis. Herpes does not last as long as the pain you describe, and it doesn't hurt like the pain you describe either. Pain upon entry to the vagina like you describe sounds like what I have suffered from since I became sexually active. I had pain upon entry whether or not I was on the pill. I suffered with the pain during intercourse for 12 long years. Every doc I complained to about the pain told me I looked normal. It wasn't until I had a horrible flare up in my mid-30's that I actively pursued treatment. This flare up not only stopped me from having sex, it stopped me from having any life at all - I could barely walk from the burning, stabbing pain between my legs. I can only describe the feeling as being like scorching hot sand paper. I saw four doctors before I found a doctor in another state 1500 miles away from my current home. He specializes in vulvar vaginal pain - stuff that other docs just don't seem to be educated about. I stayed with family in that other state for 5 months during my treatment, which included 3 months of physical therapy. Regarding yeast - when my flare up started, the doc I went to prescribed yeast medication, which helped nothing, because I didn't have a yeast infection. He continued to prescribe different yeast medications even though none of the previous meds helped. I switched docs, and the next doc treated me for Strep B infection. Here's the catch - just because you test positive for Strep B doesn't mean you have an infection - it just means that when and if you give birth special precautions need to be taken. So here I was taking antibiotics for an infection I didn't have, which probably did give me a yeast infection, which meant the doc prescribed more drugs for yeast, which caused more burning, and it was a miserable never ending cycle with no answers until I found the obgyn who specializes in vulvodynia. If you can find a doctor who is knowledgeable about vulvodynia - better yet someone who specializes in this type of pain - you may get some answers and real results. It's hard to be patient when you are in constant pain and no one is giving you any concrete answers or relief. Hang in there.
CommentTHANK YOU SOOOO MUCH-- you've all made me want to pursue this to the max,, and find my answers rather then let doctors blow me off like im crazy. This is an awesome website- because everyone here is helping and understands more than all the doctors i've been to! Thanks!!! This is a HORRIBLE disease (if thats what you'd call it) that needs to be fixed!
CommentDoes anyone here have both Lichen sclerosus and vulvodynia? I had a biopsy done and am due to have the results in a week. If it comes back positive for LS the ttt is the strongest steroid cream. BUTT I have tried a low dose steroid cream and like almost anything else it burned really bad. Does anyone know alternate meds for LS? Lastly does anyone else get blistery looking bumps on the vulva and just have vulvodynia? If I had a dollar for everytime I stumped a doctor......
CommentUpdate...well the elavil seemed to only work for about two weeks. I had a huge nervous breakdown, and soon thereafter I felt pain. I also noticed that one night out with friends at the bar, which included many drinks...that I felt pain as soon as I started drinking. I know you're not supposed to drink on this medicine....so that is my own fault. It sucks that this Vv controls my life. No drinking anymore for me...thats for sure. Is there any way we can get this SPAM out of here?? Its rediculous.
CommentFor JJ There is a Yahoo Group specifically for those who suffer with LS . I cant remember the name right off, but you cna go to Yahoo and click on GROUPS and do a search through there. It will give you all the names of all the LS groups.
CommentJJ-The Yahoo group is called The Vulvardisorders Group. Good luck!
CommentBianca, has your doctor ever suggested estrace cream for you? What about sending you to a physical therapist who specializes in this kind of pain - biofeedback and other modes of physical therapy all but cured me of the pain, along with estrace cream. I don't know if you tried any of these things, but they worked for me - and v v was running my entire life until I was prescribed these therapies. I wish I had more answers for you, but believe me, I know exactly what you are going through. Vv is such a frusterating problem, because there doesn't seem to be many doctors who understand how painful it is. Most of them don't even know how to treat it. If you haven't found a doc who specializes in it, try to do find one. I found that regular obgyn's were very uneducated on the subject. To let you know, I had to go to physical therapy twice a week for three months to get any results - more rearranging of my life for this problem - but worth every penny, and all the inconveniences.
CommentNo JJ there is a group specifically for LS. on Yahoo. It is a group of women with LS.
CommentThis is definitely not a cure, but it does tend to help with the burning and itching for a while. I've used Desitin Creamy (in the diaper section at the grocery store - about $4) to alleviate the burning and itching, and to my surprise it has helped somewhat.
CommentI have found several things that have helped to improve my symptoms. I only use toilet paper that is paper like. I can't bear to use anything with perfumes or dyes. If I forget and use the wrong kind of paper I am in misery for days. The kind of paper that seems to have a dusting to it will also irritate me. I have changed my diet completely and that really makes a huge difference. I have found The Zone nutrition plan to work the best for me. I also found that staying away from caffeine and nicotine help too. I know all of these things seem like alot but they are all worth the effort.
CommentElavil update- I have now been on Elavil for 18 weeks and I feel GREAT!!! No pain and no side effects. I am so lucky! I pray this continues. It's like all that pain never happened to me. Thank God for this site that led me to read Dr. Stewart's book that inspired me to request and get treated with Elavil. One of my gynos was very positive about trying Elavil, whereas another seemed to have doubts. I'm so glad I took the chance, because it is the first I have been pain free in years!!! I'm almost hesitant to report all this good news because I am so afraid that I will jinx myself. I still have not tried intercourse, and if I never do "it" again, that is fine by me. It's not worth giving up feeling good to please my husband. That may sound self-centered, but I never want to do anything to risk going through all that again. And fortunately I have a great husband. By the way, I was never on Birth Control of any kind, I never really had any problems with yeast, never had a bacteria infection, and I have never had any bladder problems. I do have herpes but very rarely have an outbreak. I tried all the creams, diets, and basically any advice listed on this site. You named it, I tried it! Good luck to all. I have been there so I know your pain.
CommentPACindy, Great news! Its nice to hear a success story and I pray that you will be pain free forever! What do you think started your VV? If you didn't have any of yeast or other things going on what might do you believe started it or was it a gradual thing? Did you try anything else before the Elevil?
CommentI have suffered with Lichen sclerosis (biopsy said chronic inflamation) all my life. It started when I was about 14 and I am now 40 years old. Personally I think it all started as a yeast infection never treated. Anyway mine is definetly hormonally induced because I am fine when pregnant and during midcycle...during these times my husband and I have a great sex life. Then the skin just gets too thin and inflammed and sex causes bruising. Do you think there is something wrong hormonally all these years. Should I try hormone therapy?? What type of hormones/combos? I have dried estrogen topically and it seems to give me a yeast infection. I have tried clobetezol and it seems to also give me a yeast infection. Lately I have been trying estrogen at the last 14 days of the month but applying it only at the anus. Can't really tell if it has helped yet. Any others out there with hormonally induced symptoms and any suggestions??? Please help.
CommentHas anyone had any success with a medication named Cymbalta?
CommentI am a 36 year old female. I had a burning, stinging sensation with intercourse from the age of 21 through 30. Several doctors over the course of 8 years had no answers. Some said it was a spasm problem, others said it was all "in my head." I was depressed and my marriage was strained. I feared having children but relented and had one child at 28. To my surprise the pain was greatly reduced. My second child's birth took the pain away completely. I was astounded to finally experience sex with no discomfort. My marriage and my life improved. The only thing I can think cured me was the episiotomy. I've heard there is a bundle of nerves on the peritoneum that can go haywire and transmit "pain" instead of "pressure." The cutting and stitching must have disabled those nerves. Anyway, I am relieved of my pain--thank God, thank the babies and thank the OBGYN. May you find the same relief.
CommentDEAR DESPERATE--I do think you have an unidentified bacterial infection...try this one test rinse with water after you urinate throughout the day (use a squirt bottle or bidet), of course shower/bathe in the morning and take a bath in the evening (just a quick one with comfortable water). You can do it for a long weekend so it doesn?t interrupt your workday. Start Friday night and don?t drink or eat any citrus or take vitamin c or drink cranberry juice (I only mention those because people think that helps, and generally I think stay away from acidic stuff) and don?t use any soap on your vulva for the weekend. Anyway if JUST RINSING WITH WATER makes you feel much better then I say it is not muscular or nerves or any of that, it is what is sitting on your vulva. That is either soap or discharge. Oh, and it goes without saying don?t have sex during this weekend. There are many people on this website that have heard me say this before, so I won't go through my whole history, but if you are interested you can write me--put VULVODYNIA on the subject line so I don't delete you as SPAM.
CommentLinda- I have absolutely no idea what started my VV. I hadn't had intercourse for about three weeks, had no yeast , bacteria, or bladder infections, was not taking any antibiotics, was not the least bit stressed over anything, had a good solid marriage, great kids, and life was just fine. One September morning several years ago,the kids had gone to school and I was just standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes when suddenly I felt the pain and thought, "Gee, I must have a yeast infection." It took 9 months from that point to be correctly diagnosed with vulvar vestibulites. I would be exhausted by nighttime from the pain. Even going up steps was something I avoided. After numerous treatment that included creams, injections, and surgery, all of which failed, I woke up one day and the pain was gone. Unfortunately, later that day I started experiencing vulvodynia, which affects the inner area as opposed to VV's outer area. After numerous cultures for yeast and bacteria, for which I was treated for although I probably did not have them, I still had the pain. I did everything from the low oxalte diet to sitz baths. I suspect though that my Vulvodynia was caused by hormones (I was about 44 years old at the time) since all the pain would totally disappear on the first two days of my period. Then I could have all the sex I wanted, totally pain free. However, that's when my monthly migraine would kick in. Looking back, I do remember having a strong craving for hot tea, which was really strange because I had never drunk hot tea before in my life. And at the same time I had been taking many soy tablets as a treatment for my migraines. (A chiropractor had me believing they would stop all my headaches because that's what all the oriental people drink and they don't have headaches.) I stopped taking those soy tablets cold turkey right around then. Anyway, it was reading on here about the pedundal (sp.) nerve that made me buy the book by Dr. Stewart that explained her theory on treating VV with the nerve-blocking anti-depressant Elavil. I got the gyno to perscribe a small dosage, 25 mg/day, and I have been doing great since then. I am up to about 38mg/day. Very few side effects that have worked themselves out as my body adjsuted to the medication. I have not enjoyed the holidays like this in years. Good luck to the rest of you. Keep trying different things until you find the right cure for you!!!
CommentPA Cindy-It's good to hear that you are feeling better. I go in about 2 1/2 weeks to a new gynacologist since I moved last year. One of the things I'd like to discuss is how long, if anyone knows, I might need to stay on the antidepressants. For me it's been 2 years. Fortunately, I also haven't had to see a gyno. but once every year for my yearly exam. I am feeling pretty well. Every time I think I can cut down to wean myself off the med, I get a nerve pain that reminds me that I need the med. I think of it like my blood pressure med that I will need probably the rest of my life. It's not so bad, though, it's routine, now. I just wanted to know if you or anyone knows how long we might need these drugs. Are the nerves permanently damaged? No one so far really knows.
Commentto Evetter2@yahoo.com Please send me your email to nzbmom@comcast.net. I have a very lengthy comment that I just sent to another person in a personal email. For some reason my email wont pick up on your email info on this wesite.
CommentDear Everyone, I've been suffering for over 6 years. Two years into HRT, at around 50, I started to burn and have white discharge. Thinking it was yeast (I'd conquered the yeast problem of so many years before when I discovered acidophilous) I started, like many of you, to treat myself. Before long it was caprylic acid, acidophilous, and inserting vit A capsules and fianlly boric acid. Four OB/Gyns later who diagnosed me finally with Doderlein's lingus - which is, essantially, an overly acidic vagaina. Too much acidophilous. The cure was douching with water and baking soda. it helped a bit, but I discovered that what really helped was drinking water with baking soda. I also noticed that lowering my estrogen (now a patch) and using natural progesterone cream helped. Over all these years, I've been going back and forth between lowering my estrogen and having less pain but horrible hot flashes and no energy and raising my estrogen and having horrible pain. This year, it's all getting worse. I can't lower my estrogen enough to stop the pain. The only relief I can get is - and I haven't heard this one on the site yet - douching with baking soda. CommentDear Everyone, I've been suffering for over 6 years. Two years into HRT, at around 50, I started to burn and have white discharge. Thinking it was yeast (I'd conquered the yeast problem of so many years before when I discovered acidophilous) I started, like many of you, to treat myself. Before long it was caprylic acid, acidophilous, and inserting vit A capsules and fianlly boric acid. Four OB/Gyns later who diagnosed me finally with Doderlein's lingus - which is, essantially, an overly acidic vagaina. Too much acidophilous. The cure was douching with water and baking soda. it helped a bit, but I discovered that what really helped was drinking water with baking soda. I also noticed that lowering my estrogen (now a patch) and using natural progesterone cream helped. Over all these years, I've been going back and forth between lowering my estrogen and having less pain but horrible hot flashes and no energy and raising my estrogen and having horrible pain. This year, it's all getting worse. I can't lower my estrogen enough to stop the pain. The only relief I can get is - and I haven't heard this one on the site yet - douching with baking soda. CommentDear Everyone, I've been suffering for over 6 years. Two years into HRT, at around 50, I started to burn and have white discharge. Thinking it was yeast (I'd conquered the yeast problem of so many years before when I discovered acidophilous) I started, like many of you, to treat myself. Before long it was caprylic acid, acidophilous, and inserting vit A capsules and fianlly boric acid. Four OB/Gyns later who diagnosed me finally with Doderlein's lingus - which is, essantially, an overly acidic vagaina. Too much acidophilous. The cure was douching with water and baking soda. it helped a bit, but I discovered that what really helped was drinking water with baking soda. I also noticed that lowering my estrogen (now a patch) and using natural progesterone cream helped. Over all these years, I've been going back and forth between lowering my estrogen and having less pain but horrible hot flashes and no energy and raising my estrogen and having horrible pain. This year, it's all getting worse. I can't lower my estrogen enough to stop the pain. The only relief I can get is - and I haven't heard this one on the site yet - douching with baking soda. CommentDear Everyone, I've been suffering for over 6 years. Two years into HRT, at around 50, I started to burn and have white discharge. Thinking it was yeast (I'd conquered the yeast problem of so many years before when I discovered acidophilous) I started, like many of you, to treat myself. Before long it was caprylic acid, acidophilous, and inserting vit A capsules and fianlly boric acid. Four OB/Gyns later who diagnosed me finally with Doderlein's lingus - which is, essantially, an overly acidic vagaina. Too much acidophilous. The cure was douching with water and baking soda. it helped a bit, but I discovered that what really helped was drinking water with baking soda. I also noticed that lowering my estrogen (now a patch) and using natural progesterone cream helped. Over all these years, I've been going back and forth between lowering my estrogen and having less pain but horrible hot flashes and no energy and raising my estrogen and having horrible pain. This year, it's all getting worse. I can't lower my estrogen enough to stop the pain. The only relief I can get is - and I haven't heard this one on the site yet - douching with baking soda. CommentDear Everyone, I've been suffering for over 6 years. Two years into HRT, at around 50, I started to burn and have white discharge. Thinking it was yeast (I'd conquered the yeast problem of so many years before when I discovered acidophilous) I started, like many of you, to treat myself. Before long it was caprylic acid, acidophilous, and inserting vit A capsules and fianlly boric acid. Four OB/Gyns later who diagnosed me finally with Doderlein's lingus - which is, essantially, an overly acidic vagaina. Too much acidophilous. The cure was douching with water and baking soda. it helped a bit, but I discovered that what really helped was drinking water with baking soda. I also noticed that lowering my estrogen (now a patch) and using natural progesterone cream helped. Over all these years, I've been going back and forth between lowering my estrogen and having less pain but horrible hot flashes and no energy and raising my estrogen and having horrible pain. This year, it's all getting worse. I can't lower my estrogen enough to stop the pain. The only relief I can get is - and I haven't heard this one on the site yet - douching with baking soda. CommentI am 22 years old and was just diagnosed with dysesthetic vulvodynia. I also had many yeast infections for a year and a half and then when i got married six months ago the pain got worse. I could hardy walk sometimes, and even had to quit my job because they didnt believe I was really in that much pain. Luckily I now work with all men and i just mention the pain and they don't care what I wear to work. I was just put on a tricyclic anti-depressant. I know it isn't Elavil but something like it. I was also told to start on the low oxalate diet. I saw a cookbook you can get online but are there any other sites where I can get information about the diet. Also i have read about people who did the yeast diet but I know when I tried to eat more yogurt and take the acidophilis pills my pain increased. So I am not sure what to eat. Also does anyone know any doctors in central illinois that are specialists in vulvodynia? My doctor knows what it is but he hasn't had much experience in treating it. CommentHi, again, to everyone, I wrote about 2 weeks ago for the first time about my vulvodynia problems. I have burning and itching in the entire vulva and vestibular areas. In my last post, I said that I'd be seeing my gyn doc in 2 weeks and the appointment was yesterday. I happened to see another doctor in the practice. She is not sure if I have vulvodynia or not. She won't rule it out but she said that upon examination, I have NO lactobacilli in my vagina. (Thankfully, no yeast or bacteria, either.) I also have NO lactobacilli in my digestive system. I am on a very potent oral probiotic for my digestive system and I'll start a vaginal probiotic tomorrow. Has anyone heard of this type of situation? Can a person have burning and itching like one has with vulvodynia but not actually have it because there is no lactobacilli in the vagina? Thanks and good luck to everyone for posting and for helping. CommentRory there has been alot of info regarding cytolitic vaginosis here, read the entire last guestbook as well as the site vulodyniasupport.com and once there look for someones post by the name of Dusty. You must have just missed the posts here on this or have not read the other guestbooks. For the girl who is going to use the probiotic suppositories, where are you getting these? So, you have no bad bacteria either? Usually if you have no good bacteria, you have alot of the bad. Interresting. A really great probiotic is from www.customprobiotics.com There is a number there and you can talk to the site owner, Harry. Hes very helpful. CommentDear Sue Denton, Thanks so much for responding. I did get your e-mail. I experience vaginal dryness also. Mostly though I experience pain after sex but only during certain times of the month. Thant's why I think it's hormonally related. I can't use KY because I too feel like I have tiny papercuts and using KY makes it sting and then I have no interest at all in sex. We have been using vasoline which has helped in one regard. I don't hurt or feel the stinging/burning/itching sensation until about 1 minute after sex. Again this is all cyclic. I am fine in the middle of the month (day 13-17) and can use KY and no pain at all. Thank you for the website for low oxalate diet. I will look it up. So far I have not noticed that certain foods make it worse. Also, why calcium citrate? Why not calcium carbonate? I ask that only because I have been taking the carbonate type. Also, when you say you use crisco, I'm assuming you mean the liquid type??? I can't use the KY during sometimes of the month because it has propolene glycol and it stings on my thin skin. After sex I am bruised and turn very red...again only during certain times of the month. Well thanks again for responding to my e-mail I know mine is not a spasm--it is strictly skin related. And it is definitely cyclic. Any one else out there have the same problem??? CommentHi, and thanks for your response about the website to buy probiotic suppositories. I wish I had your information before calling my pharmacy yesterday. They ordered Advanced Probiotics by Solgar and I will start them tonight. However, I'll check out this website and talk to the person you mentioned. Yes, it is confusing to have NO good bacteria but still have nothing "bad" going on. This has been the case for about 3 months now. I just don't get it and I am very confused about what is happening. I don't know if having no good bacteria can lead to vulvodynia symptoms or not. No one I've talked to seems to know. My gyn doctor yesterday asked to take a third round of zithromax. I took 2 rounds of it in the late summer for an overgrowth of bad lactobacilli (lactobacillosis?) and that wiped the bacteria. I decided not to take more of it because I am afraid of what might happen next if I do. I am also on a very potent probiotic for my gut which also has no good bacteria. Has anyone every heard of anything like this? Thanks. CommentHi everyone. I have just been diagnosed with v.v and my gynacologist has put me on Ovestin tablets (oestrogen). He has told me to use them just 3 times a week, as I am breastfeeding. I am 30 yrs old and have just had my second beautiful daughter by repeat c.section 5 months ago. I have had painful sex on and off for ten years but always put it down to thrush which I would get canestan treatment for and then would seem to be ok for a while. Since having my second daughter I have been totally unable to have sex at all and have just been diagnosed with this. I still have a sneakin |
