Should I See a Specialist ($$$$)

Hi Everyone!

I am a 43-year old who has been suffering from varying levels of burning and irritation for the last six months. I was recently diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis after multiple tests and cultures for yeast and STD's. This was appropriate as I stupidly engaged in unprotected sex and there was some tearing involved. I have been to mulitple doctors and the only thing that has shown up in blood tests is HSV-1. The vaginal culture was negative - indicating that like 80% of the population I have been exposed the cold sore virus. I feel lucky, but am still beating myself up about being such an idiot. My symptoms are worst @ Day 7 of my cycle (the house is on fire) with inflammation and swelling of the lower vulvar area. I am contemplating going to see a specialist who deals with vulvar disorders, but the initial consult is $1500! I have been prescribed Mycalog (steroid/yeast cream) and Estrace, but neither have really provided any relief. I am appreciative of your thoughts, and am grateful to the people who built and maintain this forum! THANKS!

I would say get your pelvic floor checked, that frequently shows up as problems in the lower section of the vulva.

I would suggest getting ALL your hormones tested and don't use creams down there at all please.

You will want your E1, E2 E3 Progesterone testoserone SHBG, LH, FSH etc etc just see if anything comes out even slightly out of wack. Estrogen is the biggy. Vulva pain can be caused by lack of it which is frequent in women over 40.

A couple of ladies on the IC network forum found estrogen cream helped their IC and VV.

Hi - im sorry you had to find us. But its great we can be here for one another.

I would suggest doing some research about drugs used for V. Like; amitriptyline, gabapentin, neurontin, lyrica etc etc....

Then go to you regular doctor/family doctor with the information in hand, and ask for a treatment plan. Hopefully, your doctor will be willing to listen and help you.

If not, then you may have to see a ''specialist''. These too are sometimes not helpful. Mine was terrible.

Its most important to receive a diagnosis, which is the first hurdle, then you can look inot options for treatments. Its hit or miss with this disorder.

Be patient. Have faith.

I wish you luck

I had an appt with my regular Ob-Gyn and have decided to go ahead and see a specialist. We have a center in our area that specializes in vulvo-vaginal disorders and my appt is in 3 weeks. I will keep you posted. Thanks for your feedback and support!