His and Her Health

A year ago, I posted a question for anyone who may have undergone a vestibulectomy and was looking at having a baby sometime after. I had the surgery done in 2005 and we conceived in 2007. I was fearful of a vaginal delivery causing tearing and such that would take me back to experiencing pelvic pain.

I wanted to post "the end of my story" and share what we decided and why, in case perhaps it helps someone else make a similar decision in the future.

After much deliberation, my husband and I decided that a C-section would be the best route to go, and my OB was 100% supportive of this after going over my medical history. In addition to having had VVS and a vestibulectomy, I have another minor condition that has caused pelvic floor weakness. Not only did I not want to jeopardize the successful surgery that finally allowed my husband and I to enjoy pain-free intercourse, but I also didn't want to risk damaging my weak pelvic floor and creating further weakness to recover from. That was my reasoning for choosing to have a C-section vs. vaginal delivery.

I was apprehensive, wondering if I'd made the right choice...but now, being on the other side of it with a beautiful 6 month old baby girl, I'm so glad that's what we chose. In fact, delivery and recovery were very easy for me. I had no complications and intercourse continues to be completely pain-free!! We plan on having at least one more baby and plan to have another C-section. It was the best decision for us and our set of circumstances.

It's been a long, long road from diagnosis to surgery, to recovery, to conception and then to delivery, but we're on the other side of it all now. I had an excellent surgeon and know that the blessing we are enjoying now both in terms of intimacy and starting a family are thanks to God answering prayer. I hope this is an encouragement to some of you out there. Don't give up. With VVS, pain can be a person's story for years...but it doesn't have to be the end of your story. Don't stop until you get the help you need...And, do your research well when looking for a specialist.

Esengo congratulations on your little princess. We are happy every thing went well for you. Thank you for the follow up on your original post it really does help others.

I remember searching to find any information on chilbirth after a vestibulectomy when I started thinking about getting pregnant and not being able to find any. I hope that I can help others who plan to have a vestibulectomy - AND children. Vestibulectomy became my only option after over a year of creams, drugs, and abstinence provided only partial relief. I worried about how it would affect my ability to deliver a baby, but knew that not having the surgery would be worse. My doctor told me that having a vestibulectomy would actually make vaginal delivery easier. I decided to go through natual childbirth classes and have a water birth. My delivery was smooth, lasting only 20 minutes (6 1/2 hours of labor total) and I had no tearing at all. I healed fine, and have had no pain aside from the normal amount expected with childbirth. Having a vestibulecomy was one of the best things I ever did. I have a beautiful baby girl now, and I am absolutely pain free.

branesbottom, thanks for your post . It really helps others who are not sure if the operation will help them.

That is great and inspiring!

Did the child birth add to the success of the surgery? My wife has had a vestibulectomy and is now pregnant. She is NOT pain free at all; maybe slightly better than before the surgery. We are planning on a vaginal delivery via natural child birth.

Any information would be great.

I just wanted every to know that I just published a paper on this subject in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The take home message is that vaginal delivery is very safe after vestibulectomy and the risks of bad tears are less than in women who have not had vestibulectomy. In addition, for the women who still have residual pain after vestibulectomy, the majority become pain free.

Unfortunately, many women are told that they should have a c-section because they had a vestibulectomy. If you are in that situation, please find another obstetrician.