New member - Any advice?

[Guest guest]

Hi Girls,

I just joined the group a few days ago and have been reading all of

your postings. It is really eye-opening to see how many women are

experiencing vaginal pain! I really never even knew these conditions

existed until I started having V pain about 7 months ago. Like many

of you, I went to several doctors and was tested for all kinds of

things. I was given yeast creams, antibiotics, suppositories, etc.

but of course none of that helped. I have two main symptoms...one is

itching, which is more like an internal feeling that comes and goes;

I have no reddness or inflammation on the vulva. The other is a

tightness of the pelvic floor muscles which is a constant discomfort,

but can really be felt when I try to do a kegel. I finally found a

doctor that was willing to listen to what I was complaining about and

she suggested I do physical therapy. She said I should try that first

to see if it worked before going on any meds, and I agreed. I have

been in physical therapy for four months now with a therapist

specializing in pelvic floor disorders. She has done a lot of

manipulation on my tailbone and sacrum (which didn't actually hurt

before but do now), internal trigger-point release work, and given me

exercises to strengthen my core and pelvis. I also tried the

biofeedback, but it didn't work for me (kegels increase the itching).

I really do like this therapist and think she is knowledgeable, but I

don't know if the therapy is actually working. Some days I feel a

little better and think it is, but it's been four months now and I'm

still having the same symptoms and now pain in my tailbone. How long

does therapy take to work if it is going to? I have not tried any of

the meds many of you have mentioned. Although I like this doctor (a

GYN at USC), I'm not sure how much she knows about Vulvodynia and

pelvis floor disorders. I wouldn't even know what meds to suggest and

I am also afraid of the side effects. If any of you have had the same

symptoms as me, I would really appreciate any advice you could offer.

Thanks so much for your help,