Hi! I'm new and looking for some answers!

Ok. I have a long story but I've become so depressed and desperate. I'm really thinking it could be Vulvodynia but I'd like people's opinions.

Sorry in advance for the long details but it's been a long haul and a very frustrating situation to deal with. I just want to give as much info as possible for anyone who has some advice.

I would like to first point out that I had been on Solodyn (an antibiotic for acne) for a little over 7 months and have stopped taking it at the start of these issues. A little over 2 months ago, I started getting a raw, burning sensation on the external part of my vagina. I tried OTC yeast infection medications to no avail. I went to the gynecologist and was given Diflucan for one day and they took a culture of the inside of my vagina. Took the meds and it did nothing. The pain was still there and the test results concluded I had a resistant strain yeast infection. I was given more meds including more Diflucan and then Terazol. The pain remained. I took another culture and they said the yeast was gone. They gave me more yeast meds anyway and took another culture. The next culture had proven that the yeast was back. This scenario happened at least one or two more times before the yeast seemed to go away according to swabs. Problem? My pain is still there and now there seems to be thinning of the skin on the outside of the vagina. They also found a cut on the inside of the hood of the clitoris. They have tested me for all STD's including Herpes 1 and 2. They also did a full test of fungal infections and bacterial infections, as well as tested the urine for bladder issues. All negative.

They currently have me on Premarin Estrogen to see if that works (which I am currently not using due to the fact that I'm on my period). Before my period I've used it for about a week and a half. It confuses me considering I'm only 27 and shouldn't have low estrogen problems. The problem seems to be isolated on the very top of the clitoris and the tips on the beginning of the hood. It feels irritated and tender.

I've considered Vulvodynia but my doctor said if that were the case the condition would improve with the Premarin. I should point out that sex, from what I can tell, doesn't seem painful with penetration, but if the clitoris is rubbed a little too harshly (this was tested only by my vibrator and my fingers due to the fact that I won't have sex with my boyfriend in this condition. I wanted to see if painful sex was a symptom) it's tender. Tampons also don't seem to bother me. The clitoris is the main culprit here. I use Ivory as advised by my Dr. but have switched to Dove for no perfumes. I don't douche and I have non-perfumed washing detergent. I am using AZO Yeast to prevent further reinfection, Tea Tree Oil with Vitamin E (just started a couple days ago), and eat yogurt.

It seems to me that the problem has gotten a bit better but it's isolated to the clitoris. Is it possible it's getting better? Thank you all of you who have read this and taken it seriously. <3

Just because sex isn't painful doesn't mean vulvodynia should be ruled out. There are women, like me who can have sex just fine but have a burning raw feeling any other time. Vulvodynia is just a term used when all other diagnoses have failed, usually when swabs/sti tests become negative and any derm problems have been ruled out. Basically just means unexplained vulva pain.

Just as you have stated, there are many women on this site whose doctors claim its yeast and prescribe countless rx's even though swabs are negative. Also your doctor said if its vulvodynia then that cream should clear it up? Or lessen the condition. There are many ladies here who have tried cream after cream and often times the cream will make things worse, there are some who have tried countless things without relief going on 10+ years.

Not to sound like a downer, but every ones cause is different so what works for one may not work for another.

I hope you find relief soon and hope to see you around the boards.