His and Her Health

Today I was diagnosed with vuvular vestibulitis. It was a relief in a way after over 15 years of wondering if I was getting yeast infections, i I was allergic to latex, if I was allergic to semen, I got an answer which seems to make sense. I was very sensitive during the q-tip test and have the tell tell pain from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock in my vaginal opening. But there are other things that don't seem to fit, and I am questioning if the diagnosis is correct.

From my reading it seems like most womyn have vestibulitis on an ongoing basis. Mine comes and goes and there are certain events I can tie it to, the use of a condom, prolonged intercourse, in sufficient lubrication (either my own or lube), not enough foreplay, having my partner ejaculate inside of me. The presentation of my pain usually works like this; I have intercourse and either one or a number of the aforementioned circumstances are present. I begin to feel pain AFTER the intercourse, sometimes right after, other times not for many hours. Then I get the feelings that I have long associated with a yeast infection but it is only the 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock portion just inside my vagina that hurts. It burns, is red and puffy, obviously inflamed. This lasts in varying degrees of discomfort for from 4 to 14 days, during which sex of any kind is NOT an option. I do feel slight discomfort when inserting tampons, but only on initial insertion. I rarely if ever feel any pain, or develop any symptoms from stimulation with fingers or tongue, or even really with toys (though I have used very few insertable, preferring clitoral vibration).

I am actually hoping vestibulitis is my answer because it seems that I have a rather mild case, and having an answer at this point is far better than continuing to search.

Has anyone has a similar experience? Any advice? Ideas? Comments?


Thank you for you input

Bernice

I just got diagnosed with vestibulitis, today but I have had it for the last 6 months atleast. My doctor is telling me that he recommends 2 of the most successful procedures the Biofeedback procedure or surgery.

I was wondering if any one has had the Biofeedback and if it helped them?

Courtney,
As a physical therapist, I use biofeedback. I use more hands on/manual techniques w/patients like yourself. I personally think that this is even more beneficial. I highly suggest you seek a specialized PT and try this even before surgery right now.
niva

<small>[ 11-05-2008, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Moderator ]</small>

I have had vestibulitis for about 10 years now. Tried lots of treatments and ended up having the surgery: vestibulectomy. It didn't cure me or make it all go away, but at least the skin around the opening is "new" and sex and tampons are manageable.

I am now pregnant and am concerned about a vaginal delivery. I'm worried that it will irritate the vaginal skin graff and will cause inflamation (especially if I tear) and that I will go back to the same daily pain I had before my vestibulectomy surgery...

A physical therapist can help prepare you for delivery by working on the pelvic floor muscles, using dilators and manual therapy to help prepare the tissue for delivery, as well as educate you on relaxation techniques.
They can help you post-partum as well.