Hello I'm new :)

Hey

I'm really glad I found this forum. You do tend to feel so alone with this condition don’t you? I don’t feel any of my friends or family would understand (and to be fair there’s some things I wouldn’t want to talk to them about) I'm 26 and I've had vulva pain for what must be about four years. I kept thinking it was thrush, constantly. Everything was so dry (it gets worse if I’m stressed). Anyway, that thrush test came back negative and I was referred to a consultant because I get vaginal spasms too. They had to knock me out to do a smear test! Anyway, so I have totally avoided relationships and sex for nearly four years (as I'm sure many of you have). I had an experience before that where the pain was so horrendous penetrative sex was impossible. It was my partner at the time who suggested I visit my GP. Ultimately the relationship didn’t last because of this problem and I felt so embarrassed and ashamed by the whole thing, I’ve given up. I really loved that my partner and I feel this condition robbed me of a great relationship. I mean there’s only so much patience a guy can have, right? My Mother (who really doesn’t understand) thinks that if I meet the right person, it will all magically fix itself and he might even come with me to get the problem sorted – meanwhile, in the real world….
Anyway the consultant has suggested that I try loads of moisturising cream in the area, I was prescribed a non-scented one but this isn’t really working. I’m used to having sensitive skin and so I don’t use scented products anyway. The other route he suggested is putting me on pills that normally people who have depression and epilepsy are given. There is NO WAY I am taking those. I’ve heard such bad press about those types of pills and plus he said ‘ooh they only make you a bit drowsy’. Really? A guy I know was like a walking zombie on epilepsy tablets, he couldn’t help it..he needed to take them for his actual problem. Surely there is some other natural way to ease or overcome this? I was thinking of Buddhist pain meditation. I’m going to try the dilators and numbing gel for the spasms and I’m going to have a chat with my GP next Friday about it all. I didn’t feel the consultant was very sympathetic to the problem…certainly not on an emotional level.
Sorry if this post was a big ramble. I didn’t realise how angry I am that the choice seems to be, take these tablets or face a very lonely life.
Does anyone have any advice or similar stories…

Hey!

I'm Charly! I just joined this evening! Reading your story, it was like reading about me! Its good to know theres a place like this people can share their stories and know your not alone .

I know what you mean about always thinkings its thrush, and then being told your thrush free! I went through a faze of buying pessary and creams like every couple of weeks!

I am dry too! Its so horrible! I'm only 24! I've tried so many things! Lubricants burn! Although, I have found that Sensilube works well, as it doesn't burn, and you can get that in most chemists and stuff. But its no use if you get spasms. I get those too! And I have recently been given a dilator, so I am hoping it works (fingers crossed). Numbing gel is a good start as it lubes and then numbs it. Just give it a little while to settle in! Its also very runny! lol. Gynaes say I need to RELAX lol. Its hard though when it hurts so bad!

I have used Bio-fem which is useful for comfort, and I often put a few drops of tea tree oil in my bath, as its good for soothing burning pain. I have also put apple cyder vinegar and baking powder in the bath when I am raw, sore and burning. Its unusual what you can put in there, but they can offer relief from pain. I found this on other on-line sites.

I am thinking about trying Yoga and different diets, as I get urinary burning too

I hope all goes will with your GP next week

P.S. I tried those pills for over a year and they didnt help! I just ended up sleepy all year . I was so adamant in not taking them, but I was made to feel like I had no option! I felt like I wasted a year of my life!