His and Her Health

Are you born with Vestibulitis or is it something that can develop throughout your life? I have extremly painful intercourse and I have seen a PT for pelvic floor dysfunction, but sex is still very painful.

Were you diagnosed by your Gyn? What did he/she do for you in the way of treatment.

I go to a PT for my pelvic floor muscles and I had one Dr. that told me I had vestibulitis. I was prescriped lidocane for that. I also have a estrogen cream. I have seen over 10 Dr.'s for my problem and I think I may have the ubundance of nerve problem that Dr. Golstein mentioned on the 20/20 special. I just wanted to know if you are born with vestibulitis and the nerve problem or is it something you can develop. I have been dealing with painful sex for 5 years.

I had pain free sex up until 5 years ago

You are not necessarily born with Vestibulitis. I see many women whom never had pain and at a certain point began having pain. So yes you can develop it.

Thanks Niva. I am so determined to find a solution for my problem. I wish I could have the surgery today! I'm so tierd of being misdiagnosed and presrcibed medication for a problem that I don't even have. The 20/20 special was such a eye opener for me. I have a wonderful understanding husband, but it is so unfair for us not to have enjoyable sex anymore. I have 5 partners in the past and never had paiful sex with them, but just before I got married I develeped this excruciating pain during sex. Any info would help

I was told my vestibulitis is caused by PFD. Can you explain how this happens. How can pelvic floor muscles cause the pain on the vestibule area? Please explain the whole process for me, thank you

I had painfree sex for many years too and then shortly after I got married, I started having constant vulvar burning, swelling, stinging, pain, etc. I was first diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosis which is now in remission, but my 2nd diagnosis was Vulvar Vestibulitis. We tried having sex recently, and it was excruciating again. Warm Aveeno baths and Estrace cream, ice packs, emu oil or vitamin e oil give me some relief.

Thanks for your help Sunshine. Is your pain located inside your vagina at the opening?

I'm nervous to use Estrace because I have heard it is known to cause cancer. Has anyone else hear that too?

From my understanding the estrogen creams are safer than the know oral estrogens linked to cancer.
As for some of the other questions/concerns: some the pelvic floor muscles, especially in the superficial area, are going through and attach close to or at the vestibule. this is how PFD can cause vestibulitis.

Interesting. Niva where is the vestibule located? It's hard to see the exact location on the vagina diagram. Is it in the inside or the very opening of the vagina? Thanks

Vulva refers to all external genitalia. The vestibule is the area between that and the vagina (internal); yes the opening/entrance to vagina.

This forum is the BEST! If it wasn't for you ladies & Dr. Goldstein I think I would go crazy.

Hi Niva

Which superficial muscles attach close to the vestibule?

I would like the names because I am going to ask my doctor about botoxing them.

thank you!