Newly diagnosed

My story started when I noticed a burning sensation last year. My period was late and I wore a maxi pad in fear of my period starting unexpectedly. I got very irritated and eventually ended up with bacterial vaginosis (that I believe happened due to the maxi pads). When I went for my pelvic exam, I was diagnosed with the previous mentioned condition, but was told treating it would not heal my inflammation. I was told to use diaper rash cream, hydrocortisone, etc. Nothing helped. Fast forward to this year, I began seeing another doctor, an OBGYN. He prescribed a cream at first, which gave a little bit of pain relief the first few days, but discontinued when I realized it was not working. He said if this cream did not solve my issue, it would be time for a biopsy. He said it could be a number of conditions because vulvar issues do not present themselves the same way in each woman. This past appointment, last Monday, I had the biopsy. I cannot describe the pain I went through with the lidocaine injection. It was bearable, I did not cry, but I never want to have another one. I was absolutely miserable this past week. I received the official call that I have vulvodynia and will be referred to a specialist. I have been prescribed Gabapentin, which the side effects scare me, and my husband I both wonder how an oral medicine is going to help with the redness and inflammation. I am so very scared to never be the same again. I'm scared about the long-term effects of this medicine on fertility, because I am yet to have children. Sorry for the long post, and as much as I hate this condition, I am glad I have found a place where I'm not ashamed to talk to others about it. It's been hard this past year, because no one has understood my every day struggle. Thanks for reading.

Please let us know what your specialist says. Gababentin (Neurontin) is actually a seizure medication that has been discovered to help to numb nerves and decrease nerve pain. It is prescribed a lot for what we have. Also Lyrica is one of those that is newer but costs more. It is also prescribed for people with Fibromyalgia and Diabete nerve pain. You can look it up on the net, google it. It should tell you if it's been okayed if you get pregnant. Don't know anything about a long term effect for when you bet pregnant later. I imagine it doesn't change in Chromosomes so it should not affect a future pregnancy especially if you are already off of it. I can't imagine, though, pushing a baby out of my vulva burning like it does. Ouch. Or even getting pregnant for that matter. Good luck. Hope this helped and don't forget to tell us if your specialist has any new methods.

I am still waiting for my appointment to be scheduled. I do know that she will begin by prescribing medicine. Starting with one and going through about five. She has her full treatment plan listed online. Last resort would be surgery.

I have decided not to take the medicine yet if at all until I have my first child. I would prefer to have a C-section due to this condition, which I never thought I would ever say that.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm quite nervous and scared.