Vulvodynia - How it Started for Me

Well, the dryness in the vaginal area I have had for a long time. I did avoid wearing tight clothes, always wore cotton underwear and basically could love with this.

But then, I had a reaction to some laundry detergent. Not realizing my husband changed the one we were using, he bought a brand called Purex and he ended up with an inflammation on his rear end that took about a month or so to clear up. At the time, I did not correlate the burning sensation I was having to his outbreak. But afterward, we did correlate that both started at the same time he switched detergents. His outbreak has cleared but unfortunately my reaction is still ongoing.

First I thought it was a yeast infection and treated it but the itchiness and burning did not go away. Then I went to the doctor and had a urine culture done that showed the presence of a bacterial infection - and was given antibiotics for that. After taking the antibiotics, I still felt somewhat itchy. My doctor recommended using a hormonal cream - which I did not want to do - having not done well in the past with any hormonal supplements. So she suggested trying Replens for the dryness. Well, that seemed to make this even worse. So again, I called the doctor and asked to have another urine culture to see if I had urinary tract infection or kidney infection or maybe a yeast infection from the antibiotics. But again, everything was normal.

So now I am not sure really what to do. If I use Vagisil, it does taking the itching away. But I am not sure how frequently you can use that cream. What have others done?

Hi catarific,

There are a few things you could try. One thing that my doctor recommended for me was using crisco down there. I know it sounds weird, but she told me to put it in the fridge to keep it cool and put it down there to soothe me and give me some lubrication. I never tried it, but her other patients did and it helped them. I usually just put some lube down there to keep me moisturized. Another thing I saw a women on this site post was coconut oil. I've only used coconut oil in my hair, but It's supposed to be good for you're entire body. It might be worth trying out as long as you aren't allergic or something. Before trying anything though, please consult your doctor!

-Jen

Hi Catarific
I use organic coconut oil in a jar, which i bought from Tescos. It is completely pure and i does help with the itcing and is very soothing. I also use Aveeno oatmeal bath and shower oil every day in the shower, which cleanses and moisturises down below and it really helps too soothe the vaginal area, especially if having a flare up, which i have most days now. I find that if you use the coconut oil and lidocaine 5% ointment together, it takes the initial burning effect away, when first applying the lidocaine to your vulva. The coconut oil is very runny once you apply it, as dont put it in the fridge as will go too hard! Keep in a cupboard. Also i buy cotton sanitary pads once applying the coconut oil, so that it doesn't stain your knickers. Also lidocaine 5% ointment applied to a cotton wool ball and put inside the vagina in bed at night, really soothes the area. It did help with the pain of sex at first, but doesnt help me in that area now unfortunately. Hope some of these things help you and you find some sort of relief. X