I'm New Here so I Guess My Story is too.

I am 42 years old, I have suffered from Vulvo for almost 11 years.

My medical hystory has been normal I had 2 children. I have had 2 Episotomies. My plevic muscles were weak and my Uterus developed a lot of cysts after the last baby. I had vaginal deliveries both normal. I started experiencing a lot of internal pain during sex. My Gyno recommended a Hysterectomy when I was 30. I was ok with this my husband and I were done with having children. He had actually had a vasectomey done for me (He was sweet)

The Pain was immediately better. I did notice some vaginal itching and burning around the week I usually had my period. I also noticed I began to sweat in my vaginal area. I had never experieced this before. It was mild and I used some creams and it helped. I still have the Burning during my previous Menstral time to this day.

When I turned 34 I developed a large Cyst on my left ovary. Since I no longer menustrated my gyno suggested I remove it. I went ahead with the surgery. I currently have my right ovary and as Far as I know its working well.
(except for the darn mustashe that wants to grow)

Over the next couple of years the vaginal itching became worse, I developed a large fissure between my vulva and anus. It was all I could do to keep from scratching. I went back to my gyno several times. He prescribed steroids to help the fissures which eventually cracked and bled. He tested me for everything under the sun, Finally convinced it was my hormones he tested my estrogen and testosterone levels for 4 weeks and they were all normal. I did not suffer from Vaginal Dryness at this time.

I asked him if he thought it may be skin related he said no, however I made myself an appointment with a Dermatologist anyway to be sure. I have had some cystic acne as a teenager and took acutane for almost a year so I was thinking the acutane caused my problems.

The Dermatologist took one look at my skin and said you have Vulvodynia, I had been there 2 minutes! Gyno FIRED!

She prescribed me a very High dose of CLOB and gave me a diagnoses of LICHEN SCHLEROSIS/VULVODYNIA, I went home and read it online and was devastated at what she told me. Telling me that My vagina would close up eventually and I would not be able to find a cure (On a Brighter Note my hubby told me he would never let it close)

Fortunately I had been diagnosed early and the CLOB helped me tremendously, I only use it for a few days a month.

I am now 42 and over time vaginal dryness has become an issue, sex has always been difficult, I have found that using a skin balm in this area before sex usually helps, I usually hurt internally for a day or so after sex, so I have learned to take some motin or drink a little wine/beer beforehand to relax the muscles. My New Gyno also tells me to wash the area well and apply my cream after going to the bathroom. (I always have to go after sex anyway). Moisturization is also a key I use cetaphil Lotion in this area to keep it very soft.

I have a smell at times and I have asked my New Gyno about this however I never have any yeast or bacteria growing. I am perplexed about this. It makes me self Conscious at times.

My Husband has been wonderful it was not easy in the beginning so if anyone needs to talk I have been there. Its always best to be totally honest with your partner, They have to know that you love them and that they are still sexy to you and that your problem is not about them, but it does involve them. I think the one thing that bothers me about my hubby tho, He washes himself like I have a disease sometimes after sex and it bothers me. I wash too I mean we did before I had problems but I donno its somehow different.

I am now starting to have a lot of discomfort internally with sex, However my Gyno cannot find anything wrong.

I Hope someone can tell me something useful I do not have any friends that understand my problems they all think a pantyliner and a bottle of perfume will solve my Problem



I Hope to make some friends here

Hi and welcome. I'm sure another member had a hysterectomy and then mentioned a strange odour but I can't recsall who it was, it might be in a thread with hysterectomy in the title if you want to have a look for it. I have heard aloe vera gel is good for LS so it might be worth a try, there is a lube called Yes that contins it too. Have you considered you may have scar tissue and stuck fascia from the surgery? Might be worth a trip to a women's health physio to discuss that possibility. Anyway, welcome and I hope you find some posts of interest here.