Re: A flurry of questions from a newbie

[Guest guest]

Hi Eva, and welcome to the group, though sorry you have to be here. Since being on the group for six years now, I've read stories too where 'some' women cannot have sex at all, it's not everyone, but most of us have had/or do have issues with painful sex. There are so many variables when it comes to this... You asked if you should still hope for this to go away... I say, YES...but it might take trying different things until you find the 'right' combination for you. Several of us do use the Lidocaine before sex, I use it myself...and it does seem to help, but only after I began using topical estrogen to 'rebuild' my vulvar tissue. Estrogen doesn't work for everyone, but for some it's been a big help. Some have successfully used diet, anti-depressants and Physical Therapy, etc. I'll try to dig up some info for you. Our group owner, Dee, is having trouble with her computer right now. But she has been a 'wealth' of info

for us. Do you like the doctor you are seeing? Does he/she seem knowledgeable? You can always ask others if they know anyone who treats v. pain in your area. You will learn a lot from this group....just keep in mind that sometimes the group is really active and at times a little slower. Just keep posting, though... best wishes, ~Chelle

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the response!

I already do have issues with painful sex (at the moment, I can't get

beyond a few, er, moments without having to stop), so I know that's

more than a possibility--it's a reality. I guess I'm just hoping that

those issues can be resolved enough for me to regularly tolerate sex,

particularly since the only treatment I've tried thus far is lidocaine.

I feel my doctor is generally knowledgeable as a gynecologist, but I

also feel that he only told me the very basics about this

condition--and possible treatment--particularly now that I'm doing

more research on my own. I've seen a list of recommended doctors for

vulvar disorders that gives one in my area, and I'm considering going

there, but I guess I'm nervous of spending my (rather limited at the

moment) funds on another doctor's visit if the answers turn out to be

the same.

Would estrogen conflict or otherwise interact with typical oral birth

control, such as Ortho-Tricyclen Lo (which I'm currently taking)? And

what do you mean by rebuilding tissues?

Thanks again,

Eva

>

> Hi Eva, and welcome to the group, though sorry you have to be here.

Since being on the group for six years now, I've read stories too

where 'some' women cannot have sex at all, it's not everyone, but most

of us have had/or do have issues with painful sex. There are so many

variables when it comes to this... You asked if you should still hope

for this to go away... I say, YES...but it might take trying different

things until you find the 'right' combination for you. Several of us

do use the Lidocaine before sex, I use it myself...and it does seem to

help, but only after I began using topical estrogen to 'rebuild' my

vulvar tissue. Estrogen doesn't work for everyone, but for some it's

been a big help. Some have successfully used diet, anti-depressants

and Physical Therapy, etc. I'll try to dig up some info for you. Our

group owner, Dee, is having trouble with her computer right now. But

she has been a 'wealth' of info for us.

>

> Do you like the doctor you are seeing? Does he/she seem

knowledgeable? You can always ask others if they know anyone who

treats v. pain in your area. You will learn a lot from this

group....just keep in mind that sometimes the group is really active

and at times a little slower. Just keep posting, though... best

wishes, ~Chelle

>

[Guest guest]

Eva,

An important thing to start exploring is if there is anything causing

the VV. For example, some people have VV because of a vulvar skin

condition like lichen planus (which is me) or because of a pelvic floor

nerve problem, etc. So just numbing for intercourse won't help those

things, you have to treat the root of the problem.

Lidocaine didn't do a thing for me. I have had the most success with

physical therapy - you may want to join the Happy Pelvis group to

explore this further. I mean, there are people who haven't been able to

have intercourse again, but I would say eventually most people do, but

it can take a really long time to find the right combination of

treatments. I have been working on this for four years...still can't

have sex yet. I am hopeful to be trying by the end of the year....it

just takes time. Acupuncture didn't work for me (well, it was relaxing,

but it didn't take away the pain). But it might work really well for

some people. This condition involves a TON of trial and error,

generally speaking - there are nerve pain meds, tricyclic

antidepressants, a ton of different topical things, dietary changes,

etc. Spending time on here reading will be what's best for you - I have

learned SOOO much from the posts and files here.

Melinda

[Guest guest]

Hi Eva, Welcome to the group. You are definitely in the right place.What type of pain do you have during sex? I have been doing acunpuncture for 8 weeks now, and it hasn't helped with the pain I have during sex (I have a deep muscular pain and a surface clitoral pain). It has helped with the daily external vulvar pain I have and the anxiety that comes with having VVS. Who are your recommended doctors? There may be people on this site who recognize the names to give recommendations so you don't waste any funds.Take care,Sheila

Thanks for the response!

I already do have issues with painful sex (at the moment, I can't get

beyond a few, er, moments without having to stop), so I know that's

more than a possibility--it's a reality. I guess I'm just hoping that

those issues can be resolved enough for me to regularly tolerate sex,

particularly since the only treatment I've tried thus far is lidocaine.

I feel my doctor is generally knowledgeable as a gynecologist, but I

also feel that he only told me the very basics about this

condition--and possible treatment--particularly now that I'm doing

more research on my own. I've seen a list of recommended doctors for

vulvar disorders that gives one in my area, and I'm considering going

there, but I guess I'm nervous of spending my (rather limited at the

moment) funds on another doctor's visit if the answers turn out to be

the same.

Would estrogen conflict or otherwise interact with typical oral birth

control, such as Ortho-Tricyclen Lo (which I'm currently taking)? And

what do you mean by rebuilding tissues?

Thanks again,

Eva

>

> Hi Eva, and welcome to the group, though sorry you have to be here.

Since being on the group for six years now, I've read stories too

where 'some' women cannot have sex at all, it's not everyone, but most

of us have had/or do have issues with painful sex. There are so many

variables when it comes to this... You asked if you should still hope

for this to go away... I say, YES...but it might take trying different

things until you find the 'right' combination for you. Several of us

do use the Lidocaine before sex, I use it myself...and it does seem to

help, but only after I began using topical estrogen to 'rebuild' my

vulvar tissue. Estrogen doesn't work for everyone, but for some it's

been a big help. Some have successfully used diet, anti-depressants

and Physical Therapy, etc. I'll try to dig up some info for you. Our

group owner, Dee, is having trouble with her computer right now. But

she has been a 'wealth' of info for us.

>

> Do you like the doctor you are seeing? Does he/she seem

knowledgeable? You can always ask others if they know anyone who

treats v. pain in your area. You will learn a lot from this

group....just keep in mind that sometimes the group is really active

and at times a little slower. Just keep posting, though... best

wishes, ~Chelle

>

[Guest guest]

First off, thank you once again to everyone who has responded! I have

a lot more replying to do, but I wanted to get this one done while I

had a break in class/work/club management.

The doctor I had recommended in my area was Dr T. Fleming Mattox,

Director of Urogynecology at the Center for Women's Medical. Anyone

have any opinions, experience, or other recommendations for the

Upstate SC area? I'd be willing to go as far north as Asheville, NC,

and as far south as Columbia, SC, if I had a REALLY good

recommendation. I could possibly go to ton, but not until I

have a break, and I'd rather not wait that long.

As to my pain during sex (or attempted sex), it's primarily a burning,

stinging pain at the entrance during penetration and with any movement

afterwards. Sometimes there's also a dull pain deeper inside the

vagina, but that's not as regular and doesn't bother me nearly as much

as the former.

Much gratitude,

Eva

> > >

> > > Hi Eva, and welcome to the group, though sorry you have to be here.

> > Since being on the group for six years now, I've read stories too

> > where 'some' women cannot have sex at all, it's not everyone, but most

> > of us have had/or do have issues with painful sex. There are so many

> > variables when it comes to this... You asked if you should still hope

> > for this to go away... I say, YES...but it might take trying different

> > things until you find the 'right' combination for you. Several of us

> > do use the Lidocaine before sex, I use it myself...and it does seem to

> > help, but only after I began using topical estrogen to 'rebuild' my

> > vulvar tissue. Estrogen doesn't work for everyone, but for some it's

> > been a big help. Some have successfully used diet, anti-depressants

> > and Physical Therapy, etc. I'll try to dig up some info for you. Our

> > group owner, Dee, is having trouble with her computer right now. But

> > she has been a 'wealth' of info for us.

> > >

> > > Do you like the doctor you are seeing? Does he/she seem

> > knowledgeable? You can always ask others if they know anyone who

> > treats v. pain in your area. You will learn a lot from this

> > group....just keep in mind that sometimes the group is really active

> > and at times a little slower. Just keep posting, though... best

> > wishes, ~Chelle

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

First off, thank you once again to everyone who has responded! I have

a lot more replying to do, but I wanted to get this one done while I

had a break in class/work/club management.

The doctor I had recommended in my area was Dr T. Fleming Mattox,

Director of Urogynecology at the Center for Women's Medical. Anyone

have any opinions, experience, or other recommendations for the

Upstate SC area? I'd be willing to go as far north as Asheville, NC,

and as far south as Columbia, SC, if I had a REALLY good

recommendation. I could possibly go to ton, but not until I

have a break, and I'd rather not wait that long.

As to my pain during sex (or attempted sex), it's primarily a burning,

stinging pain at the entrance during penetration and with any movement

afterwards. Sometimes there's also a dull pain deeper inside the

vagina, but that's not as regular and doesn't bother me nearly as much

as the former.

Much gratitude,

Eva

> > >

> > > Hi Eva, and welcome to the group, though sorry you have to be here.

> > Since being on the group for six years now, I've read stories too

> > where 'some' women cannot have sex at all, it's not everyone, but most

> > of us have had/or do have issues with painful sex. There are so many

> > variables when it comes to this... You asked if you should still hope

> > for this to go away... I say, YES...but it might take trying different

> > things until you find the 'right' combination for you. Several of us

> > do use the Lidocaine before sex, I use it myself...and it does seem to

> > help, but only after I began using topical estrogen to 'rebuild' my

> > vulvar tissue. Estrogen doesn't work for everyone, but for some it's

> > been a big help. Some have successfully used diet, anti-depressants

> > and Physical Therapy, etc. I'll try to dig up some info for you. Our

> > group owner, Dee, is having trouble with her computer right now. But

> > she has been a 'wealth' of info for us.

> > >

> > > Do you like the doctor you are seeing? Does he/she seem

> > knowledgeable? You can always ask others if they know anyone who

> > treats v. pain in your area. You will learn a lot from this

> > group....just keep in mind that sometimes the group is really active

> > and at times a little slower. Just keep posting, though... best

> > wishes, ~Chelle

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

First off, thank you once again to everyone who has responded! I have

a lot more replying to do, but I wanted to get this one done while I

had a break in class/work/club management.

The doctor I had recommended in my area was Dr T. Fleming Mattox,

Director of Urogynecology at the Center for Women's Medical. Anyone

have any opinions, experience, or other recommendations for the

Upstate SC area? I'd be willing to go as far north as Asheville, NC,

and as far south as Columbia, SC, if I had a REALLY good

recommendation. I could possibly go to ton, but not until I

have a break, and I'd rather not wait that long.

As to my pain during sex (or attempted sex), it's primarily a burning,

stinging pain at the entrance during penetration and with any movement

afterwards. Sometimes there's also a dull pain deeper inside the

vagina, but that's not as regular and doesn't bother me nearly as much

as the former.

Much gratitude,

Eva

> > >

> > > Hi Eva, and welcome to the group, though sorry you have to be here.

> > Since being on the group for six years now, I've read stories too

> > where 'some' women cannot have sex at all, it's not everyone, but most

> > of us have had/or do have issues with painful sex. There are so many

> > variables when it comes to this... You asked if you should still hope

> > for this to go away... I say, YES...but it might take trying different

> > things until you find the 'right' combination for you. Several of us

> > do use the Lidocaine before sex, I use it myself...and it does seem to

> > help, but only after I began using topical estrogen to 'rebuild' my

> > vulvar tissue. Estrogen doesn't work for everyone, but for some it's

> > been a big help. Some have successfully used diet, anti-depressants

> > and Physical Therapy, etc. I'll try to dig up some info for you. Our

> > group owner, Dee, is having trouble with her computer right now. But

> > she has been a 'wealth' of info for us.

> > >

> > > Do you like the doctor you are seeing? Does he/she seem

> > knowledgeable? You can always ask others if they know anyone who

> > treats v. pain in your area. You will learn a lot from this

> > group....just keep in mind that sometimes the group is really active

> > and at times a little slower. Just keep posting, though... best

> > wishes, ~Chelle

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>