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Fenton's repair - what is it??
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 :)
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 :)
Hiya,
I'm 18 and had the procedure about 2 months ago now. At the time I was convinced it was the solution to all my problems but now after waiting the correct time and massaging as instructed I am still having issues. A new tear has occurred which isn't as bad as the first (before the op) but is still very uncomfortable. I'm going to go back to my GP as I can't go on like this for much longer. From other comments it seems that the Fenton's procedure works miracles for some women but it unfortunately I can't say the same yet whilst still having painful sex.
I'm 18 and had the procedure about 2 months ago now. At the time I was convinced it was the solution to all my problems but now after waiting the correct time and massaging as instructed I am still having issues. A new tear has occurred which isn't as bad as the first (before the op) but is still very uncomfortable. I'm going to go back to my GP as I can't go on like this for much longer. From other comments it seems that the Fenton's procedure works miracles for some women but it unfortunately I can't say the same yet whilst still having painful sex.
Hello,
I remember reading this thread when I was booking in my Fenton's Procedure so I thought I'd come back and share my experience with those who might be in the same boat as me.
I'm 26, never had a child and the reason I underwent FP is because I would tear during sex (it probably started occurring frequently in the last year, I've always been tight down there). It was causing a lot of anxiety for me when it came to sex, I was originally misdiagnosed with Vulvodynia.
I went into surgery on Friday and it's now Wednesday (6th day in). The surgery was quick. I was in at 8am and home by 10:30am. I would describe the pain as a pulling, throbbing pain, it's more uncomfortable than anything. I was given lignocaine which is a soothing creme for the area and paracetamol/codeine for pain (it'll also knock you out :D)
The paracetamol/codeine tablets pretty much had me sleeping through the first 4 days, and I couldn't really move about without hurting (rolling over was painful). The tablets also stopped me from going to the bathroom (which I was dreading) so definitely buy some Movicol (or other gentle kind of laxative - metamucil, prunes, licorice etc, do not get the aggressive laxatives, they'll cause you grief, trust me). I also had to go buy some haemorrhoid relief suppositories. My whole downstairs area was a hazard zone haha.
Oh also get an ice pack (and make sure it's small enough to fit in your underwear, my nurse recommended using a condom, I didn't understand why at the time, but I had a full size ice pack and had to squeeze it between my legs lol) the ice pack will help immensely with the swelling.
They say you'll be walking about day 2 or 3, I wasn't walking around until day 5 and even then it's more of a waddle haha. I took the week off work as I've only just begun sitting today. My surgeon said it'll be fully healed in 3 - 4 weeks. So I'll come back and let you know how everything goes :)
I remember reading this thread when I was booking in my Fenton's Procedure so I thought I'd come back and share my experience with those who might be in the same boat as me.
I'm 26, never had a child and the reason I underwent FP is because I would tear during sex (it probably started occurring frequently in the last year, I've always been tight down there). It was causing a lot of anxiety for me when it came to sex, I was originally misdiagnosed with Vulvodynia.
I went into surgery on Friday and it's now Wednesday (6th day in). The surgery was quick. I was in at 8am and home by 10:30am. I would describe the pain as a pulling, throbbing pain, it's more uncomfortable than anything. I was given lignocaine which is a soothing creme for the area and paracetamol/codeine for pain (it'll also knock you out :D)
The paracetamol/codeine tablets pretty much had me sleeping through the first 4 days, and I couldn't really move about without hurting (rolling over was painful). The tablets also stopped me from going to the bathroom (which I was dreading) so definitely buy some Movicol (or other gentle kind of laxative - metamucil, prunes, licorice etc, do not get the aggressive laxatives, they'll cause you grief, trust me). I also had to go buy some haemorrhoid relief suppositories. My whole downstairs area was a hazard zone haha.
Oh also get an ice pack (and make sure it's small enough to fit in your underwear, my nurse recommended using a condom, I didn't understand why at the time, but I had a full size ice pack and had to squeeze it between my legs lol) the ice pack will help immensely with the swelling.
They say you'll be walking about day 2 or 3, I wasn't walking around until day 5 and even then it's more of a waddle haha. I took the week off work as I've only just begun sitting today. My surgeon said it'll be fully healed in 3 - 4 weeks. So I'll come back and let you know how everything goes :)
Hey Anne
Excellent that you are seeing a dermatologist soon. My appointment is in May also, so i'll let you know how that goes. They did send some skin away to check for lichen sclerosis when i had my op, and apparently it came back negative, but will be good to see what the dermatologist says about that too. I got the report from the specialist i saw and she notes that the skin is very thin, has little elasticity and tears easily. I knew it already made it very real seeing it written up like that. So frustrating.
The potential autoimmune condition is called vulvodynia. Apparently half the medical community thinks it's a chronic pain condition (pain thats initially in your head but then becomes reality) and the other half thinks it's an autoimmune condition. Basically even a light touch causes burning, cutting pain. It's a condition that can be localised (around the entrance, like me), or general to the whole area, and can be constant or provoked. Not nice.
Thats good to hear about the probiotics. Pinetarsil is a soap alternative thats meant to not irritate your skin at all. The specialist thought it was worth a shot.
Excellent that you are seeing a dermatologist soon. My appointment is in May also, so i'll let you know how that goes. They did send some skin away to check for lichen sclerosis when i had my op, and apparently it came back negative, but will be good to see what the dermatologist says about that too. I got the report from the specialist i saw and she notes that the skin is very thin, has little elasticity and tears easily. I knew it already made it very real seeing it written up like that. So frustrating.
The potential autoimmune condition is called vulvodynia. Apparently half the medical community thinks it's a chronic pain condition (pain thats initially in your head but then becomes reality) and the other half thinks it's an autoimmune condition. Basically even a light touch causes burning, cutting pain. It's a condition that can be localised (around the entrance, like me), or general to the whole area, and can be constant or provoked. Not nice.
Thats good to hear about the probiotics. Pinetarsil is a soap alternative thats meant to not irritate your skin at all. The specialist thought it was worth a shot.
Hi,
Thanks for responding Stacey! It helps to have someone to at least understand how I feel. And to understand that I have good reason to be scared about all of this. I also though of reading myself about this. But since I have no idea what the doctor is going to do exactly, or if this is even a routine procedure (has a name), it's rather difficult to look up success rates, or how it 's performed or why?. There are just to many unknowns.
Our medical system is probably like your system except you cannot see doctors privately. You can see some types of specialists privately. For example, you want ages spots removed or a boob job (bigger ones) ALL cosmetic stuff, you could see a private doctor.. but for any surgeries or other specialists you have to go through our public health care system. I actually found out today that if I want here in my town I will have to wait 6 months to see the dermatologist.( he comes every 3 months but I will be out of town on the exactly days he comes in 3 months and I can't cancel this trip). However, I learned today that I can go to see a dermatologist 7 hours away in May. So I am going to do that. Book the appointment and drive there. I agree. I definitely want to see the dermatologist before I have any surgery! and I am sooo frustrated also. How can I make a decision when I have no idea if this has been done before?, what the results are? if the doctor will even be able to successfully do this (since she hasn't done it before)? and what's even wrong (specifically). Living in a such a small town and remote area doesn't help! Less people means less experience for doctors. There may be many people like us, but many suffer in silence also.... There is a sex therapist there also so I am gonna try to book an appointment with her also. If I can! Definitely the Dermatologist though! Maybe the sex therapist will be able to inform me on the dilators. She is a private doctor. But I'll pay the money for any help I can get. AT least I can say I tried that route. I do have blue yes, and I'm European. I don't have blonde hair but 85% of my family does! I have Swedish and British ancestors. and What condition is that? The autoimmune condition on the skin?? I used A LOT of Topical Yeast Infection Creams before this issue started! I always had them. Now that I take a pro biotic, It seems to have helped that issue. What is pinetarsel?
Well I am glad you found out what is causing that bit of discomfort you were talking about! And I hope the dermatologist can give you some info on the lichen sclerosis. Had you ever had a biopsy done before from that area. I also wondered about that myself for me! But When my gyno did the first surgery, she said she sent away the tissue removed and it came back to just be scar tissue. I would assume if I did have that condition, it would show up when they tested that tissue. However, I do notice a whitish look to the skin. I think though it's the scar tissue I'm seeing. But the dermatologist will be able to confirm that I hope (for both of us).
As for another surgery! GOSH! It's unreal how difficult it is to have a solution to this issue... It's almost unbelievable! What is a Woodruffs repair? But if it will work, it's worth it! I am sorry I have 101 questions! Best of luck and keep me updated!
Thanks for responding Stacey! It helps to have someone to at least understand how I feel. And to understand that I have good reason to be scared about all of this. I also though of reading myself about this. But since I have no idea what the doctor is going to do exactly, or if this is even a routine procedure (has a name), it's rather difficult to look up success rates, or how it 's performed or why?. There are just to many unknowns.
Our medical system is probably like your system except you cannot see doctors privately. You can see some types of specialists privately. For example, you want ages spots removed or a boob job (bigger ones) ALL cosmetic stuff, you could see a private doctor.. but for any surgeries or other specialists you have to go through our public health care system. I actually found out today that if I want here in my town I will have to wait 6 months to see the dermatologist.( he comes every 3 months but I will be out of town on the exactly days he comes in 3 months and I can't cancel this trip). However, I learned today that I can go to see a dermatologist 7 hours away in May. So I am going to do that. Book the appointment and drive there. I agree. I definitely want to see the dermatologist before I have any surgery! and I am sooo frustrated also. How can I make a decision when I have no idea if this has been done before?, what the results are? if the doctor will even be able to successfully do this (since she hasn't done it before)? and what's even wrong (specifically). Living in a such a small town and remote area doesn't help! Less people means less experience for doctors. There may be many people like us, but many suffer in silence also.... There is a sex therapist there also so I am gonna try to book an appointment with her also. If I can! Definitely the Dermatologist though! Maybe the sex therapist will be able to inform me on the dilators. She is a private doctor. But I'll pay the money for any help I can get. AT least I can say I tried that route. I do have blue yes, and I'm European. I don't have blonde hair but 85% of my family does! I have Swedish and British ancestors. and What condition is that? The autoimmune condition on the skin?? I used A LOT of Topical Yeast Infection Creams before this issue started! I always had them. Now that I take a pro biotic, It seems to have helped that issue. What is pinetarsel?
Well I am glad you found out what is causing that bit of discomfort you were talking about! And I hope the dermatologist can give you some info on the lichen sclerosis. Had you ever had a biopsy done before from that area. I also wondered about that myself for me! But When my gyno did the first surgery, she said she sent away the tissue removed and it came back to just be scar tissue. I would assume if I did have that condition, it would show up when they tested that tissue. However, I do notice a whitish look to the skin. I think though it's the scar tissue I'm seeing. But the dermatologist will be able to confirm that I hope (for both of us).
As for another surgery! GOSH! It's unreal how difficult it is to have a solution to this issue... It's almost unbelievable! What is a Woodruffs repair? But if it will work, it's worth it! I am sorry I have 101 questions! Best of luck and keep me updated!
Ohhhhhhhhhh thats sounds so terrible! I really don't understand your health system at all! I'm currently on our public health system, but i'm free to see whoever i want privately and just pay (which is what i did to see the specialist). The specialist was really good actually, although it wasn't exactly what i wanted to hear. She had a look and said unfortunately not everything has healed completely, and also a small hole/tunnel has been created which may be harbouring infection. She said the only way to deal with this is more surgery. She also said my skin has very little elasticity and a whitish tinge, which may mean i have lichen sclerosis. I've booked in (privately - so will cost heaps but at least it's quick) to see a dermatologist who may be able to help with this. The specialist i saw said she thought i may have an autoimmune condition which is most likely to have been triggered by the use of topical thrush medication many years ago. She advised not to put anything topical on my skin, and to use pinetarsel instead of soap. She also said that the skin condition i have seems to only ever occur in european women with blonde hair and blues eyes. Would this include you also? She's currently given me dilators to help stretch the skin in the area, but has warned i may require more surgery. Potentially a Woodruffs repair?
Ahhh i'm so frustrated for you about your situation. How can you make a decision without being properly informed. Maybe do doe research by looking at journal articles into the success rates of the procedures? Although everyone's different so it doesn't help hugely. I would definitely say try to see the dermatologist first before you consider surgery, as they may know whether you skin is likely to be able to handle it or not. ***** that it means waiting though. Maybe you could try something like dilators as well and see if your skin can handle gentle stretching (seeing sex is generally pretty rough on the area). My specialist did recommend that once i can tolerate the size 3 dilator my partner and i should start having sex again, as apparently the skin gets weaker when not being used.
Let me know how you go. I'll update again after my dermatologist appointment. I really really hope you can get some positive results soon
Ahhh i'm so frustrated for you about your situation. How can you make a decision without being properly informed. Maybe do doe research by looking at journal articles into the success rates of the procedures? Although everyone's different so it doesn't help hugely. I would definitely say try to see the dermatologist first before you consider surgery, as they may know whether you skin is likely to be able to handle it or not. ***** that it means waiting though. Maybe you could try something like dilators as well and see if your skin can handle gentle stretching (seeing sex is generally pretty rough on the area). My specialist did recommend that once i can tolerate the size 3 dilator my partner and i should start having sex again, as apparently the skin gets weaker when not being used.
Let me know how you go. I'll update again after my dermatologist appointment. I really really hope you can get some positive results soon
Hi Stacey! I hope you make some progress with the specialist and please let me know. I am glad to hear that you are healed though. Do you have pain only when you touch the area, or do you have pain off and on with no touching?
I honestly don't know if I am having it removed! I don't know if it's going to fix the problem, since the scarring extended back a way toward the opening of the vagina (like a line from the fourchette about half way up to the opening of the vagina) and I am not sure she is going to remove back that far (the whole scar will be removed) and all I am afraid it will only cause scaring at the base of the vagina (the stitches have to meet together somewhere in the middle even if she does stitch up the sides) which will also tear! I am very nervous to try anything else, since it didn't work last time and only made matters worse. And just like you said, why didn't she suggest this initially, and she, as far as I know, hasn't done this procedure before! I am scared it's not going to work and once the skin is removed there isn't anything further that can be done with it! so I went to my family doc (she was zero help) and I asked to be see a specialist who has experience with this issue or that procedure and she said she didn't know any and it would be just a stab in the dark to see one and maybe they have some experience with it. She also said that I can't see two at once (two gynos) and to pick one and she also said that I can't see a new gyno and also a dermatologist at the same time because it's "over loading the system"... soooooooooooooo supportive!! She was completely unhelpful! I explained how this is effecting me and she said nothing! I am currently on a wait list to see a dermatologist and I am going to see what he/she has to say about the skin there before I have the surgery (if I even decide to have it). and before I do have it I am gonna meet with my gyno and ask her the questions I have. Although, last time she said it wouldn't make it worse and it did. I am scared it is just going to make it worse AGAIN, especially since the gyno can't tell me if this will work, or any experiences of success that people with this issue have had by having this surgical procedure. I am not sure that makes sense! and it's going to take months and months to see a dermatologist. and I am honestly so sick of this situation, I want it fixed yesterday! But at the same time, I am scared to get the surgery and it only make matters worse! (like it did last time). No sure what to do from here, I just feel like giving up and just being alone for the rest of my life! Then I don't have to worry about it! :(
Please update me on your progress though! and Thanks for your response!
I honestly don't know if I am having it removed! I don't know if it's going to fix the problem, since the scarring extended back a way toward the opening of the vagina (like a line from the fourchette about half way up to the opening of the vagina) and I am not sure she is going to remove back that far (the whole scar will be removed) and all I am afraid it will only cause scaring at the base of the vagina (the stitches have to meet together somewhere in the middle even if she does stitch up the sides) which will also tear! I am very nervous to try anything else, since it didn't work last time and only made matters worse. And just like you said, why didn't she suggest this initially, and she, as far as I know, hasn't done this procedure before! I am scared it's not going to work and once the skin is removed there isn't anything further that can be done with it! so I went to my family doc (she was zero help) and I asked to be see a specialist who has experience with this issue or that procedure and she said she didn't know any and it would be just a stab in the dark to see one and maybe they have some experience with it. She also said that I can't see two at once (two gynos) and to pick one and she also said that I can't see a new gyno and also a dermatologist at the same time because it's "over loading the system"... soooooooooooooo supportive!! She was completely unhelpful! I explained how this is effecting me and she said nothing! I am currently on a wait list to see a dermatologist and I am going to see what he/she has to say about the skin there before I have the surgery (if I even decide to have it). and before I do have it I am gonna meet with my gyno and ask her the questions I have. Although, last time she said it wouldn't make it worse and it did. I am scared it is just going to make it worse AGAIN, especially since the gyno can't tell me if this will work, or any experiences of success that people with this issue have had by having this surgical procedure. I am not sure that makes sense! and it's going to take months and months to see a dermatologist. and I am honestly so sick of this situation, I want it fixed yesterday! But at the same time, I am scared to get the surgery and it only make matters worse! (like it did last time). No sure what to do from here, I just feel like giving up and just being alone for the rest of my life! Then I don't have to worry about it! :(
Please update me on your progress though! and Thanks for your response!
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