Fenton's repair - what is it??

[HannahUK]

Ever since I first had sex (about 3 years ago), I've had constant pain when my boyfriend enters me.
I've seen numerous specialists and they all seem a bit vague about the problem.
The last one I've seen has advised me to undergo a Fenton's repair operation and says she feels this is the only thing that could help me.
She told me to go away and look it up on the internet and get back to her if I decide to go ahead.
Trouble is I've been on loads of websites and I can't find anything about it!!
Has anybody had this and can tell me more about it or maybe where I could get the information from??
Thanks :)

[JoAnnaRF]

I yahoo'ed Fenton's procedure and this was the only hit I got. Hope you can find something there that will answer your questions. I do suggest that you find a doc that answers them instead of sending you off to reasearch it on your own. Good luck!

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/pregnancyandchildbirth/204905.html

[IWantToBeAMom]

I found this online, maybe the other name will help lead you in the right direction.  But definitely get tough with your doctor and demand some answers!

"I am due to have an operation next week and part of the procedure I believe is called a Fenton's Repair. I think this is also know as a Fentons Release.
I am having this procedure done as there is a tear in the skin which is unable to heal at the entrance to the Vagina, it is know as the 'Hood' .

This procedure involves cutting the skin in a diamond fashion and stitching it so it does not reoccur again. I am not a doctor but this had been explained to me in simple terms. I hope it helps you in some way. "

[ladybell]

Uh I don't know what Fenton's repair is, but I do know your Doctor should go over the procedure w/u in detail. I am amazed that he/she would tell you to look it up on your own and then call. That is weird.

I just had to put my 2 cents in. I hope everything works out for u.

[becky77]

I have just had the fentons procedure done in the last two days due to having pain during sex. Apparently they are just widening the opening so that there is less friction during sex. I was told it was to be cut in a V shape to the perineum and stitched closed. It is done under general anesthetic and at the moment I cannot see or feel any of the stitches, which I think is good. I can't really offer more in the fashion of what the procedure is, but I can tell you all about the after math! Hope that helps.  

[mintyberry]

my doctor also suggested this procedure for me.  according to him, my husband cannot enter me because i have a small passage.

so please tell me about the aftermath....

[topff]

I have been experiencing sexual difficulties for as long as i can remember and i get a tear around the entrance to my  vagina every time i have sex which is sore and painful, the tear is consantly healing and repairing which has left scar tissue. After seeing many doctors and after a biopsy,  treatment with creams and even after been told its physiological and that i  have vaginismus.(which i know i dont have) I finally saw a gynecologist today who offered me a operation "fentons procedure" this is going to make the entrance to my vagina a bit bigger and get rid of the lump of skin i have and scar tissue. I would be very greatful if any one who has had this operation could help with how it has been since. i.e pain healing etc, has sex caused it to split again? Thanks so much

[lyz]

i had this operation on the 18th july this year and i have to say it was the best choice ive ever made, it was virtually painless and a total success i waited 4weeks before having intercourse agin, and although i was a little nervous it went great no pain and no tear. so i wish you all the luck and many good times after.

[Fuluio]

[Fuluio]

I suffered the same problems as you, and had the Fenton's procedure carried out in 2006. I went in as a day case, had a general, and came out a few hours later walking a bit like John Wayne. The procedure wasn't particularily painful, just sore.

Unfortunately within 24 hours the wound became infected, and it all went down hill from then. The infection caused a lot of discomfort, complications and took months to heal. Finally I tried to have sex, and it split, and became infected again. I have been advised that I must be one of the most unlucky people in the world, and for most women this simple procedure works very well. After 9 months, I was back to where I started, but with even more scar tissue...  

Being a glutton for punishment, I have had the surgery done again. Yes, I was nervous considering all the problems I had, but I have received regular checks, and advice from both my consultant and local GP. I have experienced some problems, it is uncomfortable, but I have no regrets in trying it again. It still hasn't healed, I'm taking things easy (and taking zinc and vitamin c supplements) to make sure it has every chance to work.

There are no guarentees with anything, but I would certainly recommend giving it a try.

My advice is to make sure you are in good health before surgery, talk to your GP or consultant about the chance of any complications such as infection, and find out what you should do if you have any concerns or worries. Make sure you know what the area looks like, before surgery and after, then if something doesn't look right you will be more aware of it. If there is an infection seek medical advice immediately, and ensure they take a swab to identify the type of infection so it can be treated appropriately.

Good Luck

[den20]

since i lost my virginity, i have always had pain during sex. after 4 years of pain and being looked at by many doctors etc. they finally said that when i lost my virginity mie didn't stretch, it ripped. so i am due to have the fenton procedure in a week n a half. i am very worried. but i know it will be worth it in the end.

[firecracker2510]

I had this procedure several years ago and am a little confused with some others comments about it???  I can only imagine the Fentons Procedure is simply a medical term for skin removal as my op was nothing like some have described.  
I experienced discomfort with sex, riding a bike, wearing tights or any other garment with a seam inc. tight jeans and was advised this would help.  My procedure involved having my inner labia trimmed, due to produsion from the body, which is fairly common and perfectly normal but can cause discomfort to some.  It was done under general anasthetic and a quick in and out operation.  I feel it only fair to warn you though it was very painful from the moment I woke up.  I felt i had been kicked by a muel - and not just once!!!!
The, so called, disovable stitches didnt disolve and by day 7 i could barely stand as they had pulled so tight it was too painful.  I booked an appointemt with my GP to have the stitches removed, not pleasent and the air was blue, but the moment they were out I could have danced home i was so relieved.  
Was it worth it??? YES! I no longer get caught up during sex, the bike rides are pain free and i can wear what i want.  The recovery was painful but for the sake of 2 weeks i would say if it causes you a problem it is worth the that for the benefits.
Hope it help  GOOD LUCK  

[boxing]

Hi there having read your comments i feel i can relate to you .Can i explain mine to see if you can agree /For 14 yrs i have pain during sex .It stings and at times bleed even afterwards going to the loo can be painful as well .Sometimes it can be very tender for a few days .Ive been stretched before and this didnt work so with what youve gone through do you think having this done will make a big difference .Thankyou sooo much  yvonne

[mech853]

i had this procedure in 2007 and after 4 weeks i was having less painful intercourse, it worked for about 6 months and then it started to hurt again i saw my gp who explained the scar tissue had built up, hence taking me back to square one with the entrance being too small, i went back to my surgeon who said she would not operate again as it may build up again - she gave me numbing cream and told me to put it on 15 mins to numb the pain, as you can imagine i was less than impressed, i am seeking a second opinon today, however i have read on the itnernet that people have the fentons repair after giving birth splitting and getting sewn up while the scar tissue is stressed so it builds up and they have fentons so that they are relaxed and therefore they can stitch carefully for the scar tissue to not build up. so as far as im aware my surgeon was **** and i just hope this second opinon will help me!

[d08]

I am due to get Fentons procedure in October.. My sister is a nurse and specialises in theatres she asked one of the surgeons in her work place  what he recommended for someone who suffers with pain during intercourse , he basically said this fentons would be the best and has a very high sucessful rate.. I had a baby threee and a half years ago but have always had this discomfort through any form of intercourse.. Took me about six years to ask for help as its not the most easiest thing to talk to your gp  about.. anyway after speaking to the gyny she is full sure this is a very sucsessful procedure and quite simple.. She did say i'd need to take one or two days off work but after listening to some stories not sure its gonna be too easy.. Would love to know if this has improved anyones sex life as my poor partner is being too nice yet is looking forward to a positive outcome !! Good luck to those getting this soon..

[sarah792008]

Hi everyone, After years of painful intercourse, and it being more or less impossible for the last 2 years due to painful tearing of my enterance, i have FINALLY undergone the fentons procedure.
I had the procedure as a day case on 6th August 2006, and before the surgery i was very nervous & scared of what recovery would be like.
I have to say tho, it is the best thing i have ever done. I was home by 2.30pm, and just took it easy for a few days.
Immediately after surgery i had NO pain, and was only a little uncomfortable for a few days. I had some bruising for about 4 to 5 days which ached a little after moving about a lot, but still not 'pain'.
It has now been just over 3 weeks since my op, and i am back to normal, and had pain free intercourse for the first time yesterday.
If anyone is having similar problems and has been recommended fentons procedure, please do not worry about it!!! It is the best thing i have ever done.
Just be sure to take it easy for a few days, and keep the area really clean to prevent infection. I also had salt baths regularly after the first few days. this will help keep it clean & help healing.
Hope all goes well for everyone, and outcomes are as succesful as mine.

[teen3]

I was really pleased to read all these comments as I have been searching to the answer for painful sex for many years and heard only today from a private consultant that he could solve my problem with this procedure.  Thanks for all the comments, it is very reassuring.

[Nina81]

Well i am amazed by all the people out there suffering with the same problems as me, because at times it feels like i am the only one, especially when i am treated like an alien at the hospital! I am due to have the fentons procedure on Monday and i have to say that i am so scared, not just because of the op and the pain, but more the fact of what if it doesn't work? I think i would rather die than go through another 4 years of painful sex with my partner, having once enjoyed it so much.
This is my last hope, i have had painful sex due to Endometriosis, i have had constant thrush for 2 years (altho its not thrush, do you think they can figure out what it is?) Vaginismus, which i have had counselling for and to top it off every time my boyfriend enters me i split and bleed. Does anyone else have all these symptons?
Do the doctors or friends or anyone know how hard it is in a sexless relationship, the guilt, the why me question? My partner has stuck by me, but sometimes i think it would be easier if he hadn't.
Any way back to the Fentons, why is there so little information, my doctor couldn't find out anything about it, the hospital had no leaflets, and even the gynaecologists couldn't advise me, after ringing his secretary 3 times i gave up. So i guess its going in blind folded and hope for the best! Wish me luck! All my love to all the other ladies out there suffering! x I'll let you know what happens in my next post!

[Nina81]

Also from my experience of doctors and hospitals, always get a second opinion, because some doctors just don't know what they are talking about, they voice there opinions, but that is not medical fact! We know our bodies and we know when they are not right, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

[patsy4]

I have just had Fentons procedure yesterday afternoon at 3.30pm.  I came home and cooked dinner for the family and so far no pain.  
It was amazing that not even my GP knew what was wrong with me - she thought it was a hormone problem, so gave me estrogen creme to rub in for the past 2 months - it didnt work!  I ended up with a Gyno who took one look and said this is a common problem and explained how he would cut and sew - and he added "you can have sex twice a day after this"  .  I am 60 years old, so wont be doing that!  But to everyone out there who has a problem with intercourse, get it fixed - lets enjoy life to its fullest.  I have alot of faith that this will work for me.  Will keep you posted.  Got to tackle the ironing now!

[need_answers_now]

I am about to have fenton's in less then two weeks. And I wish it was today! I have had a painful sex life that comes and goes (but mostly stays) for about 7 years. Maybe more. I am not that scared of the operation but like many others, what if it doesn't work? Or what happens if it goes back to the way it has been for so long.I am sick of asking my partner for an ice pack after sex because it hurts so much. I'm 28 and just want a normal sex life!!! My partner has been extremely patient but this and my other medical condition has caused a lot of problems for us both.  I am extemely lucky as he was in the medical profesion and has seen alot of different medical cases, he always says that 'it's nothing' I know he is just being kind sometimes. I'm just lucky I guess to have 2 major problems!  We have been together for three years and I know beyond a doubt that he is the man for me. I hope Fenton's repair can repair my sex life! It's hard to be in a relationship and not feel that closeness that comes from making love. Instead when you have this condition you feel guilt and have sex anyways which leads to pain. And feelings of guilt for the male, if you do indeed tell him that, this time it hurt. Anyways, good luck to all the ladies out there who are going get this done. And for the ladies who are wondering if this is for them then what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?

[DoreenML]

I had a Fenton 13 days ago and basically, as it was like a wall blocking my vagina, it's as though the wall has been knocked down. I had it under local anesthetic. The surgeon made a split down the middle (like an episiotomy) then flattened out the flesh sideways, like in origami, and stitched it down either side of the wall so it's now flat.  Hope that all makes sense!  It was10 days before I could sit down properly but gave my husband a chance to wait on me.  There was very little bleeding, which has now stopped, and over-the-counter painkillers were sufficient for the few days I needed them.  I've had a look down there and, although it looks a little peculiar, with a ridge running in the opposite direction now, it looks healthy and I'm optomistic that our sex life with again be as active as before.  

[rusty147]

hi
I had fentons in 2000 after a poorly healed scar following child birth. The thing is that i feel it looks so weird, as if the inner lips have been removed and the tube like opening of the vigina (vagina) sits exposed.  The opening is still too small and i still feel pain during sex.  i,m going to have it looked at again but i,m real nervous.  has this happened to anyone else? hope i,m not putting anyone off as i know it works the vast majority of the time.

[myfanwy]

I am 51, just gone thru menopause and  a year ago sex started to be painful. Suddenly the vagina would feel like it tore and  might even bleed. The gynaecologist says I have a build up of tisse at the entrance  which is rare for someone who has not had stitches or tears during childbirth. I am wondering whether he has diagnosed me right.Anyone else  over 50 had this? Also gynaecologist said better having it done under general anaesthetic than local, but I am a coward and  am thinkin of having a local anaesthetic. Opinons please. I would be very grateful.

[sr12345]

I have 32 years and having sex since 22 , with my only one boyfriend, always have painful intercourse.
Went to a GP and told me that I have to relax .
Listen to you guys I am release I tought I was the only one , thankfully I have a wonderfull man besides me and understand me all this years.
My new GP is going to do me a FENTON'S in 2 weeks(probably have a nice xmas present...ah,ha,ha), and I am so happy that there is a solution for me ,it break my confidence down,and hope it help me...

[Lila1977]

I gave birth July 2008 and experienced a 2nd degree tear.  My Dr. did not do the delivery or tear repair; I gave birth on a weekend when he was not on-call.  I apparently healed poorly and/or lost stitches which resulted in excess scar tissue build up on my perineum.  When my legs are closed, the scar tissue comes together in a ridge.  I have resumed working out at the gym (running, eliptical) regularly during the past few weeks.  The tissue is now inflamed, red, and sensitive... now I am considering joining the YMCA just so I can swim for exercise as the friction caused by my normal routine is too much.  I would love for this scar tissue to resolve by itself, but I'm not very optimistic because there is so much tissue that needs to go away.  My Dr. says he won't touch it before 6 months which would be about Feb. 2008.  To make matter worse, I'm convinced the on-call Dr. sewed the surface tissue of the entry to my vagina too tight.  My husband and I have only had sex one time and it was uncomfortable and painful without excess lubrication... like the entry to my vagina is too small.  I'm scared of sex these days, which isn't right.  After reading about Fenton's Procedure and above posts, does this sound like a procedure I could benefit from?  I am starting to be hopeful again for a normal looking crotch and painless sex.      

[Angie91]

I'd just like to say thank you first of all to everyone who has contributed to this forum - I found this forum when I was faced with the possibiility of having Fenton's procedure myself and was not really sure what to do, and it helped me to a) decide it might just help after all, and b) to have the courage to go through with it!  So, by way of a thank you and to help all those other women out there who are having similar problems, this is my story:

Sex started getting painful for me in my early 30s.  At first it was bearable then after taking antibiotics for an ear infection it got dramatically worse and even a smear test became a major trauma.  My GP (after giving me thrush medication despite a negative test for thrush) referred me to a gyno who tested for thrush again (also negative), and performed a colposcopy which didn't help.  He decided I had vaginimus which I knew I didn't, and perhaps because I insisted it wasn't vaginimus, he eventually performed a laproscopy (an investigation of all your feminine bits) which showed (finally!) that I was tearing at my vaginal entrance.  He gave me some cream which is antifungal, antibiotic and contains a steroid to help heal the skin.  This certainly eased things but didn't get rid of it.

At this point, fed-up with being poked and prodded I stuck my head in the sand for about 3 years and me and my poor husband just got on with things as best we could.  That is until I needed another smear test when the whole thing came back to bite me - smear tests were still only bearly tolerable, and the first was unsuccessful due to not enough cells being collected so I had to endure a second one!  At that point my GP referred me to a different gyno who suggested Fenton's procedure.

I was dubious about this, mostly because I could not see why my vagina (which hadn't given me any trouble in my teens and 20s) now suddenly needed to be enlarged, and what did this have to do with what is certainly a fungal infection of some sort anyway?  Then I came across this forum and found that other women had had much the same symptoms and Fentons had helped them, so I gave it a go.  I had the op in December, the op itself and the aftermath were not as bad as I imagined.  I was healed in about a week, my stitches dropped out in less than 3 weeks, and best of all, last week I had painfree sex with my husband for the first time in about 8 years (I'm 41, I should add)!  I was amazed and pretty emotional!  Still can't believe it and it will probably take a few more times before I'll accept that I'm finally "fixed"!  I still need the anti-fungal cream as I found that when I left it off for 3 weeks after the op, the fungal infection started causing my skin to get really sore, but since Fenton's procedure has taken away the pain during sex, applying the cream to keep the fungal problem under control is a small price to pay for having my sex life back!

So, my advice is, if this sounds like you, give this a go!   Its a good idea to make sure (as others on this forum have suggested) that you are as fit and healthy as you can be before you go in, and when you come out make sure you rest up and keep everything really clean - I showered twice a day for a week, (substituting the occasional salt bath sometimes), and on the advice of my gyno, I used a hairdrier (on a low heat and blow setting obviously!) to dry the area really well and therefore minimise the risk of infection.

I hope that this is the end of my story.  I'm really glad now that I went through with it.  The op and the recovery was definitely worth it, so go for it!  And good luck!  

[HH7]

Hi,

Glad to hear of so much success after Fenton's! I had this procedure last week as I have been diagnosed with lichen sclerosis which causes the opening to narrow, and skin to split. Got my fingers (and legs!) crossed now for a good result.

[Lizzyg]

I am having the Fentons procedure on the 10 th of Feb and I thank you for all your comments.  My story is a little different.  I had cancer of the vulva and had to have raditaion which scarred the opening of my vagina and made sex extremely painful. I used dilators to try and stretch it but this didn't work.  I am mostly worried about the pain after but most of you seem to get over it OK.

[myfanwy]

Well I posted hear a few weeks ago. Since then I went ahead and had Fentons procedure witha local anaesthetic -have to say that was easy, cos I hardly felt anything. In fact  I only needs pain releif for 2 days too. However, the gynaecologist discovered  areas of very white skin in the vaginal area and biopsied it. She said she thinks I have Lichen sclerosa - an autoimmune  problem affecting the skin, mainly the vagina. She says I have had it for a long while, and that the vagina can actually close completely  if not treated! Apparently it  often escapes diagnosisis. It is most likely to occur in ladies  of 50 +year old  but can occur younger. That is why I am posting it here- to hopefully prevent  someone else from  going undiagnosed. Symptoms are very white skin or white spots of skin in the vulva, anal region, sometimes with soreness and itching, and finally splitting of vagina or anus. Pleasant eh! haha. ( Have to say I am English caucasion, so not  easy to see the white but this is a definite snowy white) I am so releived to be diagnosed. Apparently, with treatment it can  respond completely. I have to use steroid cream twice a day for 3 months then just as and when the problem re occurs (fingers crossed).

[Booin]

I had the procedure done 4 days ago under epidural. I have been with my boyfriend for 4 years. We have never succeeded in having proper penetration. I saw my family GP several times with no success. I then saw a few specialised female doctors who just told me to have lots of sex through the pain - very helpful. I saw doctors in the UK when I was living there (I'm from Ireland) who were more helpful but with no success. I have spent a fortune privately on gynaecologists, dermatologists, psychologists, homeopaths (and no I don't believe in homeopathy!) and hypnotherapists. All I got out of all of that was the sense that it was all in my head and a series of heavy blows to my self-esteem and my wallet.

Finally this year I tried one last time with a doctor in my college health centre where I'm a mature student. I explained what I'd been through and how it got me nowhere and she called me back three days later to tell me she found a GP who specialised in the area. That specialist doctor took one look at the entrance to my vagina and saw the problem. She referred me to a surgeon who saw the same thing and booked me in for the surgery. I hope it will work when the swelling goes down - I need to feel normal after all this. Don't get me wrong, chronic pain always leaves some sort of mental scar but so does being made to feel like you're imagining a problem when you're not. It's not like it's easy to talk about so I don't know anyone who would willingly make it up.  How could so many doctors miss a problem like this? I just don't understand it.

Anyway, just keeping the pain at bay with painkillers and anti-inflammatories, sitting on a rubber ring helps, as does putting a frozen wheat pillow on the area to keep down swelling and taking salt baths every day. I'm also taking zinc and vit c, a multivitamin and omega oils. It's not fun, it's not glamourous but it does the job. Good luck to all of you going for it. :)

[Jules8908]

I've read the comments everyone has posted.  What I need to know is this.  Has anyone out there had the procedure some time ago?  I would like to know if they have experienced additional scar tissue after the Fenton's Procedure.  I'm glad to know that, unfortunately, I'm not the only one with pain upon penetration.  I've thought I was crazy!  Now I see there a lot of other women like me.  I'm 47, just started having pain 9 months ago.  I've been told it is due to webbing at the vaginal entrance from scar tissue.  Anyone out there have experience with this after having had Fenton's more than a year ago?

[den20]

hey, i had the fentons procedure in march 08, but that was only after using the amielle comfort. It is a self treatment for painful sex and post vaginal surgery. they are dilators. it is quite uncomfortable to use them, but i personally found them to work and make things slightly easier. but because i still had painful sex etc they decided on the fentons procedure.
i'm not trying to worry anyone, just trying to help - after the procedure i have had trouble going for a wee properly. i had the hospital last week because they wanted to do a cystoscopy, but they had trouble doing it due to the urethra being too tight. they are investigating the possibility of scar tissue preventing me from being able to wee properly. has anyone else had this at all? if so, it is worth chasing up.

[sd777]

I'm considering surgery - that wasn't specifically referred to as Fenton's repair by my doctor - but called a perineoplasty. After researching Fenton's repair, it sounds like what my doctor was explaining to me, where she'll cut out a diamond shape and stitch up up horizontally. I'm 31, no kids, and have had tearing at the 6 o-clock position during intercourse. Too painful, and haven't had intercourse for over a year. To make matters more complicated, I had a small vulvar cyst near the 6 o-clock position, which after 2 years of doing nothing, has sort of burst and is now a sort of skin-tag-like thing of granulation tissue. I've been told this tissue is painful (and it is, somewhat, although I don't mess with it and no intercourse), and should be removed. So I'm hoping this surgery would help (to both remove the granulation tissue and enlarge the opening, which has always had a skin layer stretched over it at the 6 oclock position). I'm very scared about the procedure though, and my doctor suggested general anesthesia. Is there anyone else on here who has had this done for a similar problem, and what was your experience with recovery time and success? Is the area with stitches sore for a very long time? Did you have to use dilators to get back into shape? I never had the primary reason for tearing diagnosed, although I was thinking it could be a hormone issue - but haven't had any other signs (no birth control pills, and periods are regular). I'm hoping that once things are stitched back up that the same problem doesn't emerge after the tender tissue is removed... Any more comments from those with similar experience would be greatly appreciated. This thread has been the best I've found for this particular problem, and I hope people continue to contribute to it.

[ctg09]

Hi Ladies - I hate to hear of so many of us having pain but after many tears and sleepless nights of thinking I'll never be able to have sex again it is reassuring that there is a procedure that may help. Seems most are positive. I have a dr appt this week to determine what to do in my case. Had 4th degree tears, episotomy (after childbirth 4 months ago) and also had to go for an additional procedure for a recto-vaginal fistula that is still healing though done 3 months ago. It was from that procedure I found that I have pain when my hubby and I try to have sex. Specialist has suggested "physical therapy to numb the area"...I don't want to be numb??? I hope I can too be normal and enjoy that part of my life again. Good luck to everyone.

[fj2009]

Hi

I have also had this problem ever since I started having sex but, like a lot of people, once I finally had the courage to try and get it sorted I kept getting fobbed off by GPs. I finally had the Fenton's op in autumn 2007. They offered me general anaesthetic but I opted for a local instead as I didn't want to be knocked out unless necessary.

The op itself was fine and I healed really quickly. I was back in work two days later. I was single at the time so I didn't have a chance to test it out but have now realised that it didn't work. I was really upset as the surgeon implied it had almost a guaranteed success rate. I have since tried using stretching techniques which has helped to some degree but I'm going back down the route of trying to have another op.

Again, my GP has tried to fob me off and has suggested that I have another condition. She sent me off to look this condition up on the internet and I know I don't have it! It's really frustrating and I'm starting to lose faith in GPs. I am going back next week to see her and get referred to a surgeon. Hopefully, they will get it sorted out once and for all because it is really frustrating. I am worried about it creating extra scar tissue and making the situation worse. Can anyone advise on this? Does anyone have any other suggestions rather than go down the surgery route?

[hopeful15]

Hi
My problems started after delivery my healthy baby boy 1 yr ago. I had quite bad bleeding from the birth and my gynae had some probs stitching me up (episiotomy done). 3 mths post-delivery my husband and i tried to get intimate and he couldn't penetrate fully as i had quite intense pain. We went back to my gynae who told me that my muscles were still injured and strained during childbirth so take it slow and rest for a longer period of time before trying again. This went on til bout my baby was bout 6mths, and still no progress. We went back to my gynae who still gave me the same advice, rest....It was getiing pretty frustrating as i knew it was way too long for my muscles down there still to be injured from childbirth. A good-willed friend told me i might be suffering from vaginismus and after readind up on this condition, i thought i may hav secondary vaginismus.

We went to seek a second opinion and this gynae did say that my vagina is abit tight but may help with dilators and op is a last option. O and i had quite alot of vaginal discharge which was tested negative for bacteria or whatever. Nevertheless, i was given pessaries to dry up the discharge. It didn't help much. The gynae didn't tell me i needed fenton's. But he did tell us to try 'slowly'. By this time it was about 7-8 mths post delivery.

My husband was encouraging and say we should "try harder" and maybe it would work. He found gynae no. 3 online who specialises in vaginal surgery. He cofirmed that mine is not a case of vaginismus but have fibrotic tissue down there due to bleeding during childbirth and excess stitching.  I am scheduled for fenton's op under GA  in 3 days and am rather apprenhensive as there are bad feedback as well. I am fearful that the scarring will get worse. Nonetheless, i have to give this a shot and try to be optimistic about the outcome.

Well, sex is part of a relationship and i do hope to regain back this part of it. This forum has helped me to understand my condition better and am glad to know that i am not the only one suffering from this complication. Do hope to give updates about myself after the procedure. Wish me success!

Hopeful

[kelz1983]

i am due to have the fentons procedure in the next few months as i am totally unable to contemplate sex/ using tampons etc...nothing will work for me and i feel that this is my last ditch attempt to have a somewhat more 'normal' life, all i want is a partner and kids and it really upsets me that i feel so different to even everyone on this message board. I went for an ultrasound scan today and am now just waiting on a date for the surgery. I am worried incase it doesn't work, or incase it is agony. Any responses would be very welcomed, thanks, p.s..i am 26.

[redpath]

Like many of you I have found very little information about Fentons procedure.
I am very lucky and have HAD a successful op and feel like new. I had my procedure after a 3rd degree tear with 1st child and 2nd degree tear with 2nd, so obviosuly leaving alot of uncomfortable scrar tissue.
My query is about having a 3rd child and what advise other women were given about having a vaginal delivery after this procedure was done. My consultant simply said at the time 'i should do ok'.
I feel very appreciative that my procedure has healed really well.

[salongirl70]

This has been the most information I have found on the whole web. This is a great message board. I have gotten worse over the years with this problem. Just this year at my annual exam the Dr. I am now using took a look at it and told me the surgery would help. It's funny he didn't use the work fenton's or any other word but whatever! I'm just excited about it. I am saving the money. It is fairly pricey and I have no insurance, but knowing I have a choice is liberating. I have read so many good outcomes here that I am even more motivated. Thank you!

[dante319]

I have the fentons procedure done twice in the last three years .i was diagnosed with litchen scelersosisby a fantastic clinic at bournemouth hospital ,i have to regulary use steroid creams to prevent soreness and splitting.I have just had the second op as i closed up  again ,quite painfull this time as 8 stitches and a need of antibiotics ,but anybody out there who has probs please seek help and dont let them fob you of that its in the mind or you are frigid .There are a lot of us out there with the same probs who know what you are going through .

[moonstone1]

I lost my virginity when I was 21 and it was agony, it took a very long time to reach that point. After that I discovered smears were impossible, and I went through a succession of nurses and gynaes. One mentioned doing a Fenton procedure, but he said this to his assistant not me, and I never found out what it was, no one seemed to know. That was back in 97 at a guess could've been earlier. I cancelled the op because no one could tell me what it was. I even asked counsellors, one specialising in Vaginismus last year as up till now that's what my pain causing problem has been diagnosed as. She couldn't find anything about Fenton either and she had friends in Gynae. Except for losing my virginity that has been my one and only time, many painful failed attempts followed, which didn't help. I've had longterm relationships but eventually they've gone, a man can only tolerate doing outercourse for so long. So I am thrilled to finally find something about Fenton and read the success stories on here. I'm 40 now and I can relate to how women feel on here, muddling through life putting up with it. I tried dilators but again no instruction was given just a tube of KY. So I wonder if I can get this procedure done, find a decent man and quickly have the baby I've always wanted but been prevented of having thanks to pain and agony and a distinct lack of knowledge amongst the medical profession.