definitley past desperate

-Aprox. 3 years ago I began to have burning during intercourse. Saw numerous gynos-always tested negative for STDs etc. (saw lots of shoulder shrugging)
-have been on depo-provera for aprox 4 years
-have reoccuring yeast infections
-no bad odour
-I don't use soap or other irritants
Aprox. 3 mths ago I started to have intense pain of the vulva, saw a gyno, was treated for yeast w/ monistat. BURNING HAS NOT GONE AWAY. +aprox. 2months ago I started getting red bumps that turned into white looking blisters-very painful. xylocaine 2% helps most of the time for short periods. Went to Dermatologist had biopsy-came back -tive for anything. He thinks Lichen Slerosis but symptoms not quite right. Doesn't look like it. Regardless was put on ultravite oitment (hardcore steroid)twice a day. No help so far.
-I also started on Elavil as I heard it can help with chronic pain of the vulva, too early to tell.
-The bumps are doing a cycle, vulva is red and very irritated, small red bumps appear, get bigger then turn into white looking blisters, then seem to just dissapear.-cycle lasts 1-2weeks.
-I put a needle into one of the blisters and nothing came out.
-My current cycle of bumps seems to be less painful then the last.
My mother always said I was unique, well I have spent countless hours researching and seen many docs but none know whats going on. I am beyond frustrated and feel hopeless.
Any suggestions/ideas you have in regards to what I have would be much appreciated.
-pain definitely lessons when I don't move for a long time.
Please help.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The condition you describe is sometimes called vulvodynia (genital pain.)  Unfortunately, I have no experience evaluating or treating this puzzling and hard-to-treat condition.  Sometimes a combined medical-psychological approach helps.  I suggest you seek out either a dermatologist or gynecologist with a special interest in this condition, even if it means traveling to another city to consult someone in an academic medical center.

Sorry I can't offer more specific advice, but your question goes beyond my expertise.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff

[Riley101]

Hi Jen,

Just wanted to let you know that I had something very similar to what you are describing that i suffered for years. I had intense burning and itching. I was treated for a bacterial and yeast infection, nothing helped. I went to several doctors no one could diagnose. I went to Univeristy of Michigan Hospital which specialize in this type of disorder. They diagnosed me with vulvadynia. I began using Elavil and started a special diet and after a weeks the symptoms went away. Find a doctor that specializes in this. Many time you will have to go to a teaching hospitals. I think it has something to do with high uric acid in the the body which can cause crystals which are microscopic but can cause small cuts which result in burning and itching