Unexplained vaginal pain

I'm trying to find out the cause of vaginal pain that I have had now for around 18 months- 2 years.

I am 22 years old and have been taking the Yasmin contraceptive for two years.

The pain comes from any touch, even light touch to the opening of the vagina up to an inch inside me on all sides. It is a sore sort of pain.

It is NOT due to a lack of ausousal and lubrication. Although this was initially assumed to be the cause, steps to counter that didn't work AND six months after having no sex and forgetting (and stopping worrying) about the pain, I was touched again when very well lubricated and aroused and out of no where the pain came back.

I have had a smear test, swabs and a consultation with a gynochologist who all said everything appeared perfectly healthy. The gyno did mention some small scar tissue by the opening of my vagina, however it was in a different location to where the pain is and he didn't think it was relevant.

Any suggestions? I'm out of ideas.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Your symptoms sound consistent with vulvar vestibulitis.  This is a poorly understood condition which is difficult to treat and not always easy to diagnose either.
An examiner can sometimes find very tender pinpoint areas of the vestibule (vaginal opening) that appear red and are tender to the touch when probed with a Q tip.
There are many different treatment approaches, from antibiotics to interferon.  Surgery has also shown a benefit in some cases.  Your best bet is to find a physician who specializes in the condition.
Good luck!
Dr B