Looking for women to talk about their experiences

Hi there

I am a freelance journalist and vulvodynia sufferer and I am looking to write a long feature about the condition to pitch to womens magazines. When I first began to experience symptoms aged 19, I found it very difficult to get a diagnosis from doctors and had never heard of the condition myself. I would like to help young women like I was with their diagnosis by explaining the condition fully in an article.

I need some case studies - although I do already know some other sufferers who I will be interviewing. These people could be young women, post childbirth sufferers and post menopause sufferers. I want stories from people who's condition has been caused by all manner of things. I also need to talk to experts and support group members if anyone would be willing to discuss the effect that emotional support has on sufferers. Please do let me know if you would be interested in helping me out with an interview - I am available over Skype, email or phone at any time. My email address is eleanorfrancesslee at gmail dot com if you'd like to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Ellie Slee

I would love to share my experience in order to help others, how do I get in contact with you?

I've sent you a private message

I sent you one back, let me know if you didn't get it!

Hi, my name is Lyn and I live in Australia. I am 60, a fitness fanatic and a surviver of sexual abuse. The discomfort began less than a year ago and has made my anxiety and depression much worse. For the last couple of weeks I have tried managing without any exercise at the recomendation of friends to no avail but half a sedative three times a day does seem to be helping. I have seen a phsyiotherapist, a psychologist, a gyno and a pain specialist (plus others). They all seem to agree that lowering my stress would help but that is easier said than done. The Royal Women's hospital in Melbourne is working on the issue for young women but the post-menopausal women are not being included in the trials at this stage. The pain has reached the level of acid or broken glass and is making my life a misery but the sedative is helping although I worry about my driving reaction time. The internet seems to be almost the only place I can find people who have heard of the condition which again makes things more difficult. An ointment made from coconut oil and shea butter combined with some soothing essential oils that my friend has put together seems to be helping me and doesn't stain my clothes which is also beneficial. I would love to hear from others with their ideas on the subject and am happy to take part in your article if you would like my input. I look forward to hearing from you, best wishes, Lyn.

Lyn, You said that your taking a sedative, what is the name of the medication? I have vulva lichen simplex chronicus which causes burning pain, which in turn has caused depression. I take Lorazepam once or twice a day, just to calm me down. Also I have heard good things about coco nut oil, I think Im gonna try it.

take care

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Be careful with coconut oil, it has the ability to cause infection and yeast because it traps bacteria in and won't let your vagina "breathe" normally. Which can cause BV, yeast, etc etc. Not fun! And if you ingest it, very high in calories and can cuase you to break out. Just be aware of what you're putting where. It seems harmless, but in reality, can cause all other problems you might not want to play with.

Hi Alana Sweetie, Oh no, I have enough problems with YI and BI. Thanks for the heads up. I use A and D ointment. For some reason the A and D ointment makes my vulva feel a bit better and protects it from the darn sweat and any discharge I may have. My Gyno told me to use it, Ive used it for two years now, I hope its not gonna cause me any problems. uuugggghhh All I need is more problems with my burning bush, with Mrs. DoubtFire, with Vagisorous......I could go on and on. lol

Yeah ew its an oil probably not the best thing to put there