Some words of wisdom?

Hi there. I'm new here and thought I'd share some of my experiences.

I was finally diagnosed with Vulvodynia (Provoked Vestibulitis) about 6 months ago, although it took quite a while to get there. My symptoms first started about 2 years ago, and I thought at the beginning that I just had thrush. I'd had thrush a few times before so just used one of the over the counter treatments as usual. When it didn't clear up, and in fact got worse, I went to the GP who diagnosed a further yeast infection of the skin on the vulva, rather than internally, and gave me a prescription for Canseten Hyrdocortisone cream.

Sadly, that didn't help either, so then went for a full STI screening at the GUM clinic. They also came back with nothing, and just gave me stronger oral prescription for thrush. This was about 8 months after the symptoms first began.

A couple of months later, my GP prescribes a corticosteroid cream and Lidocain ointment for pain management. When the steroid cream still didn't help, she referred me to a specialist in Vulva disorders, who diagnosed Vulvodynia and I've been taking Amitriptiline ever since, although I am still trying to find the right dosage.

I've done a lot of my own research, and in addition to the medication am taking quite stringent lifestyle measure to try and prevent any further discomfort, and, now that I know what it is, it seems a lot easier to deal with.

My main problem now is the massive effect it's had on my sexual relationship with my partner. We've been together for four years, and, before the pain started, we had a brilliant sex life. Unfortunately, the pain is absolutely worst for me on intercourse, and, although using the Lidocain before hand does seem to help, I find the planning it involves to be a bit of a mood killer.

My partner is wonderful about the diagnosis, and is very understanding about the issues I face, but he's so anxious not to appear to put any pressure on me that, combined with the fact that my interest has been a bit diminished, our sexual interaction has been reduced to pretty much zero.

This, for me, is one of the hardest things about the condition. I wondered if anyone has any similar experiences, or words of advice on how my partner and I might be able to progress with this?

By the way - I think the start of this forum looks great and it's very encouraging to have the opportunity to talk to other women in the same predicament. Keep up the good work ladies

Hi meg, thanks for sharing your story. I too used to get reoccuring thrush before I developed vulvodynia. With regards to the sexual problems I would advise that for the moment take the focus completely off intercourse. I have had to do this in the past when I have been too sore (I'm single at the moment). Just concentrate on light touching, massage, kissing basically everything u two enjoy but without the pressure of intercourse and worrying about it hurting.
The aim of this is to associate sexual acts wiv pleasure rather than pain and to get the sex drive revved up again. Hopefully this can then lead to relaxation and enjoyment which in turn on days where u feel able intercourse will be easier to attempt.
see how this goes and I wish u luck.
Sebby xxx