vestibulitis, you say...
Apr. 15th, 2009 05:57 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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vaginapaginaWell, I went to the doctor and was told I have vulvar vestibulitis...
So, despite having had dyspaurenia (painful sex) upon entry since I first attempted about... 6 years ago now, when I recently went to the GYN (been almost 2 years, I normally go every year but no more insurance ._.) and was diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis it hit me pretty hard. I've been extremely depressed and prone to random bouts of crying. The condition was not new to me, as I'd come across it rather frequently in my research for my issue, but it was still difficult having the doctor say it so definitively. Currently I'm taking Diflucan (aka fluconazole) and using Nystatin (an antifungal ointment) but I've seen no improvement thus far (not that I was really expecting that). I think if anything my girl parts are even angrier, it feels drier and chafe-y.
As anyone with this condition or similar knows, doctors can really suck the big one. I can't tell you how many I've seen in the past that have flat-out not listened to me. The doctor I am currently seeing seems to be a lot better, but I have my doubts. Part of it is because of my distrust of doctors, part of it is because of what transpired during my visit. I had the typical erythema (redness caused by inflammation) at 5 and 7 o'clock on the vestibule (entry area of the vagina), although I read on one site that this is not necessarily an indication of VVS. I had some minor discomfort with that super-sweet Q-tip test, but he was pushing pretty hard on one side. I explained how I had been on BCPs since I was 14 (I am now 23 but stopped the last pill in Sept. 08), first several different combo pills, then most recently the POP (progestin only pill), and had found that being on these pills can disrupt your hormones and lead to a degree of vaginal atrophy. Though, I said, my problem is moreso the posterior fourchette--the 6 o'clock spot on the outside of the vestibule (like the 'skin' part rather than the mucosa) tears every time and it is supremely painful.
He sort of ignored the birth control pill/hormone idea I put forth, as well as the outer tearing, and suggested (I wrote on my forms that I would like to discuss BC) that I take Yaz. Um... what? I asked if that would exacerbate my condition, and he said no. Now, I do realize I don't have an MD or PhD, but I can't tell you how many hours I've spent researching this. I have read a few accounts from others suffering VVS that they had trouble getting their doctor to accept the hormone/pill/estrogen issue. I'm perfectly willing to be wrong, but with this kind of condition I feel like no stone should be left unturned. Seeing as how I was on the pill for 4 years before I tried to have sex, I'd think that would be long enough for it to mess with my hormones. The last doctor I went to that prescribed the POP (most likely not knowing of its potential to exacerbate atrophy) was going to give me estrogen cream after I tried a 'home remedy' sort of thing first. I kind of regret not getting to go back to her :-\
So, I'm not really sure what I am asking here. Heh. I know there's been other posts on this topic but I'd hope you would not begrudge me mine. Staying up til 2 am researching and crying and feeling hopeless is not fun. I want to keep moving forward and stay positive. I have another appt with this doctor in less than 3 weeks, so I may update again then. I guess at this time I will probably end up having to see another doctor. I plan on moving late next month so I'll have to investigate the upstate (eastern) NY area. I wouldn't mind tips on that either.
I guess any advice or words of encouragement (ie 'doctorz suxx,' will accept that, lol) would be helpful at this point. Sorry for the slightly didactic quality to my post, I thought if someone were reading this that isn't familiar with the condition and its related terms, that they'd appreciate some extra info.
Much love, from my vagina to yours.
So, despite having had dyspaurenia (painful sex) upon entry since I first attempted about... 6 years ago now, when I recently went to the GYN (been almost 2 years, I normally go every year but no more insurance ._.) and was diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis it hit me pretty hard. I've been extremely depressed and prone to random bouts of crying. The condition was not new to me, as I'd come across it rather frequently in my research for my issue, but it was still difficult having the doctor say it so definitively. Currently I'm taking Diflucan (aka fluconazole) and using Nystatin (an antifungal ointment) but I've seen no improvement thus far (not that I was really expecting that). I think if anything my girl parts are even angrier, it feels drier and chafe-y.
As anyone with this condition or similar knows, doctors can really suck the big one. I can't tell you how many I've seen in the past that have flat-out not listened to me. The doctor I am currently seeing seems to be a lot better, but I have my doubts. Part of it is because of my distrust of doctors, part of it is because of what transpired during my visit. I had the typical erythema (redness caused by inflammation) at 5 and 7 o'clock on the vestibule (entry area of the vagina), although I read on one site that this is not necessarily an indication of VVS. I had some minor discomfort with that super-sweet Q-tip test, but he was pushing pretty hard on one side. I explained how I had been on BCPs since I was 14 (I am now 23 but stopped the last pill in Sept. 08), first several different combo pills, then most recently the POP (progestin only pill), and had found that being on these pills can disrupt your hormones and lead to a degree of vaginal atrophy. Though, I said, my problem is moreso the posterior fourchette--the 6 o'clock spot on the outside of the vestibule (like the 'skin' part rather than the mucosa) tears every time and it is supremely painful.
He sort of ignored the birth control pill/hormone idea I put forth, as well as the outer tearing, and suggested (I wrote on my forms that I would like to discuss BC) that I take Yaz. Um... what? I asked if that would exacerbate my condition, and he said no. Now, I do realize I don't have an MD or PhD, but I can't tell you how many hours I've spent researching this. I have read a few accounts from others suffering VVS that they had trouble getting their doctor to accept the hormone/pill/estrogen issue. I'm perfectly willing to be wrong, but with this kind of condition I feel like no stone should be left unturned. Seeing as how I was on the pill for 4 years before I tried to have sex, I'd think that would be long enough for it to mess with my hormones. The last doctor I went to that prescribed the POP (most likely not knowing of its potential to exacerbate atrophy) was going to give me estrogen cream after I tried a 'home remedy' sort of thing first. I kind of regret not getting to go back to her :-\
So, I'm not really sure what I am asking here. Heh. I know there's been other posts on this topic but I'd hope you would not begrudge me mine. Staying up til 2 am researching and crying and feeling hopeless is not fun. I want to keep moving forward and stay positive. I have another appt with this doctor in less than 3 weeks, so I may update again then. I guess at this time I will probably end up having to see another doctor. I plan on moving late next month so I'll have to investigate the upstate (eastern) NY area. I wouldn't mind tips on that either.
I guess any advice or words of encouragement (ie 'doctorz suxx,' will accept that, lol) would be helpful at this point. Sorry for the slightly didactic quality to my post, I thought if someone were reading this that isn't familiar with the condition and its related terms, that they'd appreciate some extra info.
Much love, from my vagina to yours.
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Date: 2009-04-16 01:20 am (UTC)* Severe pain with pressure (for example: biking, exercise, tight fitting clothes ).
* Vaginal entry such as tampon use or intercourse.
* Burning, stinging, irritation, or raw sensation within the vestibular area.
* Vestibular redness
* The urge to urinate frequently or suddenly.
-cribbed from one of my bookmarks. Basically the "entry area" of the vagina is angry and doesn't play well with others. "Keep Out" sign and everything. hehe.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/990315ap/1547.html I've found to be a very good article (a bit on the old side, now, but after looking at so much stuff it's still useful).