Aa
clitorodynia???
i was wondering if anyone on here had clitorodynia..i've been struggling with yeast/bv for 3 months and now that i am yeast/bv free i have a constant aching pain in my clitoris. i was told by an afterhours nurse to try a hydrocortisone cream on it to soothe it, but when i went in today and got checked out i COMPLETELY forgot to tell the nurse that I had used it- she said she saw some discharge or remants of the metro-gel that i had used for bv under the clitoral hood and cleaned it out- she said she was sure that's what was causing the pain and that the nerves were just irritated..however, i completely forgot that I used that cream and that is probably what she found under there and cleaned out- the pain started before i used the cream so it makes me think the pain is unrelated to what she cleaned out, especially since its still painful. i've been reading a lot and have found vulvodynia and clitorodynia and am now wondering if that is what i have. i am so scared that i will have permanent nerve damage by the time i get it figured out or that this is something that will never go away..it is unbearable and it makes me think that if it doesn't go away i will never be able to have a sexual relationship again..i actually had an appointment with a specialist for tomorrow but then cancelled after my follow up for bv with the nurse today- what she had told me and found made complete sense, until of course i got home from work and realized that the cream is probably what she found..now who knows when i'll be able to get in again. any words of advice would be greatly appreciated!
** Virgin, and no sexual activity. and no infections. I saw a gyno and was told that I was being irritated to the soap, fabric softer or the tightness of my clothes. I wear loose fitting cotton underwear. I had mentioned to them that i was experiencing mainly pinchy like sensations where inner labias meet clit. I had cleaned there almost everyday in a warm bath, and I was told not to clean so deaply because vagina is self cleaning and it has a certain PH. But with the small amount of build up that I am to allow, I feel as if I had a small piece of toilet paper between the clit and left inner labia. It was a sensation like minor pin like pokes, I'd hardly call it pinching. But more like a dragging of a fine needle too, just like something was there. So I had gently cleaned only that side off build up, and no longer had that feeling when I was sitting. But sometimes during the time of ovulating and or just before my period, when I walk I can get a scraping like skratch, like a dragging of the two tissues against eachother, and it is quiet painful. It only happens during a couple steps that I take, and it fades away when I slow down my walking. This is the most form of pain I can get. Is this because I cleaned the build up away a day ago? Or is it because I am expecting my period any day now? Oh, I can sometimes be slitghly itchy but I dont feel the need to skratch or rub it away. My secretions are normal, im told. PLease answer, thanks!! Any suggestions as to what this can be and/or what I can do to make it better please? Can it be clitorodynia?
I just purchased a gel-filled cushion from Amazon just to be able to sit and eat my meals. I has a cutout and will not compress so you can use it a an extended time. Also, my urogynocologist gave me a prescription for diazipram(sp) suppositories to insert vaginally which give me some relief. Any relief is welcome. Also laying down with a heating pad helps me. Good Luck
I also have the same problem you have for the past 7 months and had been to 3 doctors. I can't even sit to eat my dinner. I have invested in a gel-filled cushion with a cutout at the front which helps tremendously. I have also been to a therapy specialist who recommended a vibrator which will ease the muscles and nerves in the area. That also helped, however, no one I have seen can cure this problem. I was told that it has to work itself out naturally. Could last 2 months or even 2 years. If you find a treatment, please let me know.
I had clitoral and vulva pain for about 24 hours until I figured out what my problem was. When I first starting having pain, I immediately turned to the internet for answers. I had 2 yeast infections in a matter of a month. I guess when I was showering or bathing, I was cleansing really good to clear the caked on yeast in the vulva area. I had clitoral pain, burning, vulva pain and sensitivity kind of like being aroused all the time. If my clothes even touched my clitoris, extreme pain. Very painful. I remember a gentleman telling me he had penile pain and thought it was soap in his urethra. So I got to thinking, maybe I have soap under the hood of my clitoris. When I got home after that painful 24 hours of pain, I got in the tub. I positioned myself, the clitoral area, under the running faucet and pulled the clitoral hood back as far as I could and rinsed it out with clear water. It worked. No more pain, sensitivity or burning. I was so thrilled because I thought this was going to be longterm and a major problem. I'm sure this could be done in the tub or shower but this was the quickest way I could think of to determine if soap somehow got under the hood. Try it.
I know exactly these symptoms, and have had them in "waves" for about two months. I have found the following treatments/therapies useful in significantly reducing the pain, and am confident that the symptoms will all eventually cease in time.
Hatha Yoga (stay away from Bikram, Hot, or Power Yoga as these will fire the nervous system). A class or teacher with a practice that really integrates breath will bring immediate relief, and if practiced regularly will eventually balance the nervous system and bring the vagina/clitoris back to a resting state.
Acupressure- I go once a week, and I found a woman in Fair Oaks California (Laura Long) who actually had this years ago. Immediately helpful and she gives you very simple tools for the time in between appointments. She also recommends acupuncture for those individuals who may respond to this type of therapy.
Meditation-to slow and balance the mind (repeating phrases like "i am healthy, i am pain free, i am comfortable). The brain is in charge of sending signals to the nervous system, so it is an essential element to address in the healing process. (5-10 min each day).
Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements-For those of you who do not want to be physically active, there are other routes for soothing the nervous system and relaxing the nerves. I have not personally tried this approach, but the research I did with a specialist brought these results: B Complex (for anxiety associated with the pain), Magnesium-1200mg/day max (to soothe the nervous system) Start with 400-600mg/day. If diarrhea starts, lessen the dosage until it passes and stay with the adjusted dosage.
Any blend that serves as a muscle relaxer (to relax pelvic floor/PC muscle tissues and resolve the pain). Check your local health food store, Trader Joes, or this website to order these very helpful treatments. http://www.elliottsnaturalfoods.com
Most of all DON'T worry. This is not a lasting condition if handled properly, and you will have enjoyable sex again. These are not "quick fixes", but have faith and know that they will work. Be sure to ask when purchasing any of the supplements about side effects and dosages.
Hatha Yoga (stay away from Bikram, Hot, or Power Yoga as these will fire the nervous system). A class or teacher with a practice that really integrates breath will bring immediate relief, and if practiced regularly will eventually balance the nervous system and bring the vagina/clitoris back to a resting state.
Acupressure- I go once a week, and I found a woman in Fair Oaks California (Laura Long) who actually had this years ago. Immediately helpful and she gives you very simple tools for the time in between appointments. She also recommends acupuncture for those individuals who may respond to this type of therapy.
Meditation-to slow and balance the mind (repeating phrases like "i am healthy, i am pain free, i am comfortable). The brain is in charge of sending signals to the nervous system, so it is an essential element to address in the healing process. (5-10 min each day).
Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements-For those of you who do not want to be physically active, there are other routes for soothing the nervous system and relaxing the nerves. I have not personally tried this approach, but the research I did with a specialist brought these results: B Complex (for anxiety associated with the pain), Magnesium-1200mg/day max (to soothe the nervous system) Start with 400-600mg/day. If diarrhea starts, lessen the dosage until it passes and stay with the adjusted dosage.
Any blend that serves as a muscle relaxer (to relax pelvic floor/PC muscle tissues and resolve the pain). Check your local health food store, Trader Joes, or this website to order these very helpful treatments. http://www.elliottsnaturalfoods.com
Most of all DON'T worry. This is not a lasting condition if handled properly, and you will have enjoyable sex again. These are not "quick fixes", but have faith and know that they will work. Be sure to ask when purchasing any of the supplements about side effects and dosages.
As clitorodynia is probably a subset of vulvodynia I would really encourage you to find a good vulvodynia specialist. Hopefully to find you have easier to treat problem.
1 Comments
What was your symptoms? I’m currently trying to figure it. I have a doctors appt next month.
I find it helpful to read what all of you have written. I am 50 and didn't realize I might already be nearing menopause, but it appears that's at least part of my problem with vulvar pain. For those of you close to that age, consider that dropping estrogen levels can cause dryness, itching and pain in your vagina and vulvar areas, and that there is a remedy -- estrogen. Topical estrogen is considered safe (isn't absorbed into the bloodstream like oral estrogen is).
Three months ago I had what I thought was a UTI, which is a rarity for me. I had discomfort in the bladder and frequent urination, but the culture was negative. My primary care doc gave me 14 days of cipro, which I believe was a disaster, because it killed all my good bacteria. (I now take probiotics; wish I'd known to take them along with the cipro.) After finishing the cipro, burning pain in my vulva and vagina flared up overnight, FAR worse than any UTI symptoms. Diflucan did nothing. Tests for UTI, yeast and vaginal infections have all been negative. Went to a gyn and got steroid cream, which did nothing, but the gyn said this vaginal thinning/drying/chafing is typical of menopause. I suffered for another month before I did enough research to coax her to prescribe Estrace (estradiol) cream. After only a dose or two, the burning pain faded somewhat so it's not horrible 24/7 anymore. I'm told it'll take a month to get full relief, and I'm on day 10, so I'm trying to be patient. I do have some periods each day when I feel rather OK, but the pain comes back. I use lots of ice packs, including in bed at night.
Like all of you, sitting is awful, as is the rubbing of anything at all on my labia. I use a doughnut pillow when I can. I insert K-Y jelly into my vagina using a tampon applicator, and that helps a lot. I use vitamin E and A&D zinc oxide ointment on my vulva several times a day. Messy, but somewhat helpful, temporarily. The cool dampness is better than chafing/burning.
A friend told me that taking estrogen cream or suppositories cleared up her vaginal chafing in two months. My vaginal symptoms are definitely better, no doubt from the Estrace, and now I'm thinking I should ask about lidocaine for the vulvar pain. Estrace is supposed to work on the vulva and urethral opening, too, but the friction in those areas is probably making it tougher for the Estrace to work real well, at least for now.
The amazing thing about all this is that I *have* been able to have intercourse fairly comfortably. I use lots of K-Y in and around my vagina, and my husband is careful and gentle. That was a big relief, knowing that I can still enjoy sex. It's the day-to-day sitting (and even some walking, if chafing is going on) that's driving me crazy.
The other thing I've been pursuing is chiropractic treatments. When the chiro adjusts my hips, which are connected to the pubic bone, I do experience some relief. That makes sense, since any nerve interference in the lower spine or hips can cause pain in the pelvis. Physical therapy probably accomplishes something similar, and it's a safe and painless approach.
I've considered the low-oxalate diet, but it's so restrictive that I haven't stuck with it. I'm not willing to give up heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fruits, unless I have better evidence that a strict low-oxalate diet will really work. Does it take months and months to see results?
With lidocaine, how long does the numbness last? It does seem that my nerve endings are working overtime, and I would like a break from that intensity, at least until the estrace thickens the vulvar skin better.
If it's any encouragement, I do think that we will all find some resolution to our problems. In years past, I've suffered from debilitating pain on several occasions -- migraines and sciatica, to name two. When you're in the middle of the pain, it seems as if you'll NEVER feel better and it affects everything you do, which is depressing. In every case, though, a solution somehow emerges eventually. The pain may still show up now and then, but I can manage it well, so it doesn't affect my life much. I'm looking forward to this vulvar pain going into the same category; I'm just trying to be positive and keep looking for solutions and be patient with the treatment I'm currently undergoing. When I'm feeling really discouraged, I use some of Christiane Northrup's affirmations, and that at least makes me a bit more optimistic.
Thanks all for your ideas and encouragement! It's good that we're talking with one another and sharing ideas.
Three months ago I had what I thought was a UTI, which is a rarity for me. I had discomfort in the bladder and frequent urination, but the culture was negative. My primary care doc gave me 14 days of cipro, which I believe was a disaster, because it killed all my good bacteria. (I now take probiotics; wish I'd known to take them along with the cipro.) After finishing the cipro, burning pain in my vulva and vagina flared up overnight, FAR worse than any UTI symptoms. Diflucan did nothing. Tests for UTI, yeast and vaginal infections have all been negative. Went to a gyn and got steroid cream, which did nothing, but the gyn said this vaginal thinning/drying/chafing is typical of menopause. I suffered for another month before I did enough research to coax her to prescribe Estrace (estradiol) cream. After only a dose or two, the burning pain faded somewhat so it's not horrible 24/7 anymore. I'm told it'll take a month to get full relief, and I'm on day 10, so I'm trying to be patient. I do have some periods each day when I feel rather OK, but the pain comes back. I use lots of ice packs, including in bed at night.
Like all of you, sitting is awful, as is the rubbing of anything at all on my labia. I use a doughnut pillow when I can. I insert K-Y jelly into my vagina using a tampon applicator, and that helps a lot. I use vitamin E and A&D zinc oxide ointment on my vulva several times a day. Messy, but somewhat helpful, temporarily. The cool dampness is better than chafing/burning.
A friend told me that taking estrogen cream or suppositories cleared up her vaginal chafing in two months. My vaginal symptoms are definitely better, no doubt from the Estrace, and now I'm thinking I should ask about lidocaine for the vulvar pain. Estrace is supposed to work on the vulva and urethral opening, too, but the friction in those areas is probably making it tougher for the Estrace to work real well, at least for now.
The amazing thing about all this is that I *have* been able to have intercourse fairly comfortably. I use lots of K-Y in and around my vagina, and my husband is careful and gentle. That was a big relief, knowing that I can still enjoy sex. It's the day-to-day sitting (and even some walking, if chafing is going on) that's driving me crazy.
The other thing I've been pursuing is chiropractic treatments. When the chiro adjusts my hips, which are connected to the pubic bone, I do experience some relief. That makes sense, since any nerve interference in the lower spine or hips can cause pain in the pelvis. Physical therapy probably accomplishes something similar, and it's a safe and painless approach.
I've considered the low-oxalate diet, but it's so restrictive that I haven't stuck with it. I'm not willing to give up heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fruits, unless I have better evidence that a strict low-oxalate diet will really work. Does it take months and months to see results?
With lidocaine, how long does the numbness last? It does seem that my nerve endings are working overtime, and I would like a break from that intensity, at least until the estrace thickens the vulvar skin better.
If it's any encouragement, I do think that we will all find some resolution to our problems. In years past, I've suffered from debilitating pain on several occasions -- migraines and sciatica, to name two. When you're in the middle of the pain, it seems as if you'll NEVER feel better and it affects everything you do, which is depressing. In every case, though, a solution somehow emerges eventually. The pain may still show up now and then, but I can manage it well, so it doesn't affect my life much. I'm looking forward to this vulvar pain going into the same category; I'm just trying to be positive and keep looking for solutions and be patient with the treatment I'm currently undergoing. When I'm feeling really discouraged, I use some of Christiane Northrup's affirmations, and that at least makes me a bit more optimistic.
Thanks all for your ideas and encouragement! It's good that we're talking with one another and sharing ideas.
I am 26 years old and I am in India.For past 10 months I have been having pain in clitoris. Initially I had an infection in clitoris area (minor itching sensation and some pain and burning but it was bearable) and the problem went away after one week of antibiotics.
For next 4 weeks I had no problem. then one day I wore a new tight jean and I started having pain in clitoris area. This time no itching and burning only stinging and aching pain mainly on clitoris and sometimes on labia minora. I have undergone many courses of medications, seen many specialists and still the problem persists. I changed from wearing "small" size panty to XL only cotton and stopped wearing jeans or trousers all together. I wear loose traditional indian salwars.
The pain is sometimes severe, sometimes bearable and discomfort all the time. Pain is usually triggered by touch/contact with fabric. On some days even walking and sitting is so painful. Just bending forward in sitting position is enough to trigger the pain. sometimes just a brush of the panty with the clitoris is so painful. It is worst during periods when use santiray napkins. And occasionally there is pain even without any touch. I have been suffering with this for 10 months now.. went to 3 gyns and all of them felt there is no infection (to look at) and still gave me antibiotics, medication for yeast infections and many other experimental medication.
Finally the last gyn I went to prescribed sitz bath and licodaine but she
did not mention "clitorodynia/vulvodynia". I read about it myself on net. I dont like using licodaine as relief is temporary and so I stopped using it. I dint like the idea of fooling the brain either. now I am wonder if I should start using it again.
To compound this problem, I have a history of Poly Cystic Ovaries and irregular periods and it was controlled when I lost weight to reach a BMI of 23 from BMI 27. and now suddenly, in parallel to this pain, my periods though regular have very less bleeding, decreasing with every period.. Some doctors also suspected enlargement of clitoris (I feel its looks bigger than before but I am not so sure :-( or I dont know if its swelling though there is no redness or any visible infection)
Then 4 months back i started getting another problem. coccyxdynia. Atleast this was diagnosed unlike my pain in clitoris!. But this is also very painful and I can hardly sit now. I have taken treatment( physiotherapy, laser and ultrasound treatment, local corticosteroid injections) for this and got some slight relief. I am told it will go away overtime.. Now I can sit for max 10 mins and then I cannot sit again for next 1 hour.
In the midst of all the pain all over the pelvic region I started going into depression with all suicidal thoughts. I am so fed up with doctors telling
me to "forget" my pain and that its all psychological and stuff. It feels
like someone is poking a needle there and how can i forget it? I was
referred to a psychartist and given medication for depression. its tricyclic antidepressant - which i read on net can help clitorodynia and vulvodynia so in a way i decided to take the medicine as it may help me.. I am still taking it, its been 3 weeks no relief as yet.
Then recently a new doctor i visited suspected cystitis. and ultrasound also suggested it. Now since 3 weeks I also have some pain in urethral opening. I dont know if it is due to the pain in clitoris or something else. urine test indicates no infection. Now i am going to undergo a urethrogram and a cystoscopy to check my bladder. I am wondering if it is interstitial cystitis(IC) that I read about in net and if clitoral pain is related.
But I alarmed that not one doctor mentioned "nerve related pain" or clitorodynia or vulvodynia though they all tell me I dont have any infection based on all tests. and I am also told skin there appears normal. to me the pain feels like a "nerve pain". Medical field in India is quite developed with people visiting for treaments from other countries... still no one has heard of clitorodynia??
I am so confused and right now I have pain all over - clitoris, coccyx and urethra.. I have decided to go ahead with the cystoscopy but i am still confused and depressed.
I have a steady boyfriend of 5 years and he knows about all this and is supportive. But I am unmarried and a virgin (thats common out here where premarital sex is still rare).I am now so scared that this will never go away and will wreck my marital life. right now I am trying to overcome the depression and learning to accpet all this.. everything I normally do are now not possible. I hardly go out except to workplace and to meet my boyfriend. I cannout wear my favorite clothing as anything fitting is painful.. and I cant go to restaurants movies or anywhere.. I keep comparing myself to how I was one year back and what a miserable wreck I have become.
I cant stop crying.. sometime I feel ok and start thinking i will deal with this, then i get the stinging pain and the crying starts again..
I now wondering if yoga will help. has anybody got relief from yoga??
For next 4 weeks I had no problem. then one day I wore a new tight jean and I started having pain in clitoris area. This time no itching and burning only stinging and aching pain mainly on clitoris and sometimes on labia minora. I have undergone many courses of medications, seen many specialists and still the problem persists. I changed from wearing "small" size panty to XL only cotton and stopped wearing jeans or trousers all together. I wear loose traditional indian salwars.
The pain is sometimes severe, sometimes bearable and discomfort all the time. Pain is usually triggered by touch/contact with fabric. On some days even walking and sitting is so painful. Just bending forward in sitting position is enough to trigger the pain. sometimes just a brush of the panty with the clitoris is so painful. It is worst during periods when use santiray napkins. And occasionally there is pain even without any touch. I have been suffering with this for 10 months now.. went to 3 gyns and all of them felt there is no infection (to look at) and still gave me antibiotics, medication for yeast infections and many other experimental medication.
Finally the last gyn I went to prescribed sitz bath and licodaine but she
did not mention "clitorodynia/vulvodynia". I read about it myself on net. I dont like using licodaine as relief is temporary and so I stopped using it. I dint like the idea of fooling the brain either. now I am wonder if I should start using it again.
To compound this problem, I have a history of Poly Cystic Ovaries and irregular periods and it was controlled when I lost weight to reach a BMI of 23 from BMI 27. and now suddenly, in parallel to this pain, my periods though regular have very less bleeding, decreasing with every period.. Some doctors also suspected enlargement of clitoris (I feel its looks bigger than before but I am not so sure :-( or I dont know if its swelling though there is no redness or any visible infection)
Then 4 months back i started getting another problem. coccyxdynia. Atleast this was diagnosed unlike my pain in clitoris!. But this is also very painful and I can hardly sit now. I have taken treatment( physiotherapy, laser and ultrasound treatment, local corticosteroid injections) for this and got some slight relief. I am told it will go away overtime.. Now I can sit for max 10 mins and then I cannot sit again for next 1 hour.
In the midst of all the pain all over the pelvic region I started going into depression with all suicidal thoughts. I am so fed up with doctors telling
me to "forget" my pain and that its all psychological and stuff. It feels
like someone is poking a needle there and how can i forget it? I was
referred to a psychartist and given medication for depression. its tricyclic antidepressant - which i read on net can help clitorodynia and vulvodynia so in a way i decided to take the medicine as it may help me.. I am still taking it, its been 3 weeks no relief as yet.
Then recently a new doctor i visited suspected cystitis. and ultrasound also suggested it. Now since 3 weeks I also have some pain in urethral opening. I dont know if it is due to the pain in clitoris or something else. urine test indicates no infection. Now i am going to undergo a urethrogram and a cystoscopy to check my bladder. I am wondering if it is interstitial cystitis(IC) that I read about in net and if clitoral pain is related.
But I alarmed that not one doctor mentioned "nerve related pain" or clitorodynia or vulvodynia though they all tell me I dont have any infection based on all tests. and I am also told skin there appears normal. to me the pain feels like a "nerve pain". Medical field in India is quite developed with people visiting for treaments from other countries... still no one has heard of clitorodynia??
I am so confused and right now I have pain all over - clitoris, coccyx and urethra.. I have decided to go ahead with the cystoscopy but i am still confused and depressed.
I have a steady boyfriend of 5 years and he knows about all this and is supportive. But I am unmarried and a virgin (thats common out here where premarital sex is still rare).I am now so scared that this will never go away and will wreck my marital life. right now I am trying to overcome the depression and learning to accpet all this.. everything I normally do are now not possible. I hardly go out except to workplace and to meet my boyfriend. I cannout wear my favorite clothing as anything fitting is painful.. and I cant go to restaurants movies or anywhere.. I keep comparing myself to how I was one year back and what a miserable wreck I have become.
I cant stop crying.. sometime I feel ok and start thinking i will deal with this, then i get the stinging pain and the crying starts again..
I now wondering if yoga will help. has anybody got relief from yoga??
2 Comments
Hi!! I just read your post and I can identify myself with you completely. I know this was made years ago and you probably won’t see this but if you do could you please tell me how was your healing journey or if you ever heard from your pain. I’ve been having pain for months and I’m getting very depressed because I feel like I will stay like this forever. Please of you see this I would like to know how you’ve been!
Hi Meldionne. I hope she comes back to answer you but we still want to support you. What would be helpful is if you start a new question outlining what is going on with you. When it started, what your symptoms are and what doctors visits have resulted in. We'll try to help as best we can and at least offer some ideas.
the same thing is happening to me i was 16 years old when i suddenly felt pain in my clitoris, and now i'm 20 years old and still have the pain ,at first it was coming and going but never 100% gone,but now its been about 2 weeks of great pain, i'm really suffering from it and it is untill now that i figured it out , it is clitorodynia because all my symtoms say so.my clitoris is swollen, and has white stuff that come out of it ,if i pull the hood of the clitoris back it hurts a lot and i see those white stuff and the swelling! nothing really helped me i did one culture and tured out negative,i put all the creams and antibiotics i was told to put but nothing seemed to help. ur all talking about lidocain but is it really helpfull??plz let me know if anyone has something that might help,i'm in desperate need for any info that might be helpfull!!thx
I have been suffering with the symptoms of what appear to be clitorodynia for a little over a year. Have been to two different ob/gyn's and one doc of internal medicine only to be told that they have no idea of what I have, not one of them even mentioned vulvodynia or clitorodynia. Found the info on clitorodynia myself online tonight. Does anyone know a good doc in the central fla area? I've been put on the lidocaine with little to no relief. I was just glad to finally be able to put a name to what I probably have. I intend to print some of the info I have found and hand deliver it to my doctor's. It sounds like there is a possible link to yeast based on all the comments. A good web site I found is Vagisil: V Views The Latest in Women's Health Issues.
I am 27 years old and after my very first yeast infection ever in late March 2008 I have developed what feels like a UTI. I have constant bladder pain, urgency and frequency. My urinalysis and urine cultures all came back negative. My urethra is irritated and I experience clitoral pain as well. My gynecologist diagnosed me with vestibular adinitis (aka vulvodynia) but I believe mine is clitorodynia as well. Could anyone tell me, did your symptoms possibly begin after the onset of a yeast infection also?
I will visit my urologist next week to rule out Interstitial cystitis (IC), but I'm so confused at this point as to what is going on.... I take AZO Standard daily to help prevent pain.
I will visit my urologist next week to rule out Interstitial cystitis (IC), but I'm so confused at this point as to what is going on.... I take AZO Standard daily to help prevent pain.
I am 36 years old. I have always enjoyed a wonderful sex life with my one and only partner, my husband. In the last month or so though I have had pain in my clitoris which I stimulate most times we have sex as we both enjoy the spoon position very much. I have been prone to yeast infections for most of my life, but nothing a little monistat couldn;t cure. I do not have Herpes, and other than two herniated discs in my lower back am in great health.
Today was the first time I am looking for an answer to what could suddenly cause this to hurt me. I have heard about this clitorodynia for the first time today and was wondering what causes it and if this could be what I have.
Any help or advice would be great.
Thank you, hrp1972
Today was the first time I am looking for an answer to what could suddenly cause this to hurt me. I have heard about this clitorodynia for the first time today and was wondering what causes it and if this could be what I have.
Any help or advice would be great.
Thank you, hrp1972
I had this problem 1994 and 1995. Started with yeast and went into chronic vulvar /clitoral pain. I had numerous cultures etc and tried everything for what I thought was yeast. Eventually it just went away.
I had a few repeat instances over the years-It seems like at times of great stress.
Now it is back again after I took antibiotics and diflucan for yeast.
What helped me before was physical therapy witha gyno-urinary physical therapist in Illinois.
It seems like the yeast does go, but sets off the nerves.
I was glad to find this forum and will be glad to help anyone with information.
Jo
I had a few repeat instances over the years-It seems like at times of great stress.
Now it is back again after I took antibiotics and diflucan for yeast.
What helped me before was physical therapy witha gyno-urinary physical therapist in Illinois.
It seems like the yeast does go, but sets off the nerves.
I was glad to find this forum and will be glad to help anyone with information.
Jo
can someone please explain to me just what is exactly clitorodynia? for a few years now i have never been able to touch my clitoris for more than 10 seconds before im in agony. an i cant have internal sex for any more than a minute because i feel its banging against something and also causes pain.. Help me please
kenziesmom,
I know my insurance covers the pt visits. For the biofeedback unit I have at home, I pay $50 a month (it costs$450). I think to try and get it covered by insurance there is something else they need to call it, they can't call it biofeedback. I don't know what term it was, something to do with neural training.
From my experience the lidocaine helped. It stops the pain, but it doesn't numb you up like novacaine. You can still feel everything, your just not pain.
Yes emsuc, your doc is right. From what I understand, after the repeated insults to the tenderest of tissues the nerves just keep going. In fact they grow more nerve endings in the area in response to the pain. You have to remember, we already have a lot more nerve endings down there than anywhere else in the human body. It sucks they are being used for pain instead of pleasure.
In my case, after repeated insults and non stop yeast infections or reactions or whatever (to be determined, the doc still isn't sure) I ended up with pelvic floor muscle tension that was through the roof. This muscle tension decreases the blood flow to the area which inhibits healing and the removal of the pain chemicals being produced by the nerves. Through the use of lidocaine and estrace (estrogen to help strentghen the tissue) and kegels with biofeedback, I was achieving a pain free existence.
I've had a set back from using olive oil as a lube and I am waiting for the tests results yet again. Though this inflammation is different from the uncomplicated vulvodynia.
The lidocaine won't hurt you guys, except for the initial burn which goes away in a few minutes. I was in enough pain that the burn was worth the hours of relief that it gave me. The plan is to continue with these things for 6 months and see how I'm doing. My doc said it took her at least 2 yrs to incoporate what she learned in pt to everyday moving and posture.
:)
I know my insurance covers the pt visits. For the biofeedback unit I have at home, I pay $50 a month (it costs$450). I think to try and get it covered by insurance there is something else they need to call it, they can't call it biofeedback. I don't know what term it was, something to do with neural training.
From my experience the lidocaine helped. It stops the pain, but it doesn't numb you up like novacaine. You can still feel everything, your just not pain.
Yes emsuc, your doc is right. From what I understand, after the repeated insults to the tenderest of tissues the nerves just keep going. In fact they grow more nerve endings in the area in response to the pain. You have to remember, we already have a lot more nerve endings down there than anywhere else in the human body. It sucks they are being used for pain instead of pleasure.
In my case, after repeated insults and non stop yeast infections or reactions or whatever (to be determined, the doc still isn't sure) I ended up with pelvic floor muscle tension that was through the roof. This muscle tension decreases the blood flow to the area which inhibits healing and the removal of the pain chemicals being produced by the nerves. Through the use of lidocaine and estrace (estrogen to help strentghen the tissue) and kegels with biofeedback, I was achieving a pain free existence.
I've had a set back from using olive oil as a lube and I am waiting for the tests results yet again. Though this inflammation is different from the uncomplicated vulvodynia.
The lidocaine won't hurt you guys, except for the initial burn which goes away in a few minutes. I was in enough pain that the burn was worth the hours of relief that it gave me. The plan is to continue with these things for 6 months and see how I'm doing. My doc said it took her at least 2 yrs to incoporate what she learned in pt to everyday moving and posture.
:)
The way my doctor explained the lidocaine to me is that for some reason, whether it be multiple infections, hormonal imbalances, herpes outbreaks, trauma to the area etc., our nerves down there are firing for no reason. The brain thinks there is an infection or the like and our nerves are going crazy. The lidocaine is supposed to stop the signals to the brain that something is wrong down there and then the brain will stop sending the pain signals. I too didn't really believe this, not sure if I still do, but one of my best friends is an athletic trainer and I explained everything to him. He said it's hard to understand how the lidocaine will stop you from hurting once you stop using it, but he said they trick your brain/nerves all the time in his job. The use something called stim (sp?) on something like a pulled muscle. The stim somehow (i forget exactly how) sends a good message to the brain and then brain eventually stops sending the bad message and you heal faster. I know it's hard to understand, like I said, I still don't completely, but I feel that its something we have to take and run with and give it a try. I don't know what caused mine. I don't know if it was my initial infection 3 months ago, all the products that I was using to get rid of what i thought were infections, or herpes outbreaks. I know that these are probably something that I need to control as well to get myself healthy but the first step is getting the pain to stop and I'm hoping that the lidocaine will work.
I hear you, my dear. It does suck. I have, unfortunately, began to learn how to live with it. I haven't even started the lidocaine yet, because I am not big into taking medicine, and the thought of just numbing myself to rid of a problem seems odd to me. The diet is a more natural approach, but it doesn't leave many nutritious foods to eat! I am researching alternative methods. I've heard good things about biofeedback, but don't know if insurance covers that. Free Spirit, do you know the answer to that?
Hang in there emsuc, we'll get through this together :)
Hang in there emsuc, we'll get through this together :)
the specialist is squeezing me in today....i'm going to see dr. susan richman in CT who i've read has a lot of experience with vulvodynia and the like....i'm praying that it's not, but hopefully she can at least maybe tell me what is causing this pain/irritation. i will definitely let you guys know what she says...i know it will probably take multiple visits to get to the bottom of it, but i am hoping that she can at least give me something to numb the pain until we figure it out...do you think i should ask for lidocaine?
:( Yeah, I do. I've been dealing with these troubles for 2 years. I was officially diagnosed with vv early this past September. We still, are not sure what started all of this.
Everything points to a resistant strain of yeast that seems to be hard to capture with a culture. Only 1x out of the many times. I think for the first 6 months it was this yeast that caused white discharge, slight itch, sometimes internal burning, sometimes all over external pain. It settled to a pasty off white/gray discharge and 24/7 vulvar burning, that was the symptoms of vv.
In September I started lidocaine 1x day at night, and estrace 1x in the morning. I used a very small amount of each. They both burned at first, but I was in a lot of pain and the area was sore so I kind of expected that. At least with the lidocaine after 15 minutes or so of intense fresh burning, I found relief. I also started pt and biofeedback.
It was working! The pain was going away. In the first 2 weeks of October I rode my mt bike for an hr and had sex 3x!
Then I foolishly tried to make the crisco I was using as lube more slippery by adding olive oil. For the past 14 days I have experienced a lot of white chunky discharge, lots of all over external burning, some internal burning and a transient itch. First culture came back neg. But the clinic doc said, they can give you a neg even if you have a relatively small # of colonies because they consider that normal. My pcp did the first culture, the clinic doc sent a new culture yesterday asking for a colony count and strain typing.
One of her running theories is that I am hyper sensitive to vaginal yeast. This would be why relatively small numbers could send me into such distress.
This is were I stand (or painfully sit) today. Waiting once again for a damn culture to come back.
Everything points to a resistant strain of yeast that seems to be hard to capture with a culture. Only 1x out of the many times. I think for the first 6 months it was this yeast that caused white discharge, slight itch, sometimes internal burning, sometimes all over external pain. It settled to a pasty off white/gray discharge and 24/7 vulvar burning, that was the symptoms of vv.
In September I started lidocaine 1x day at night, and estrace 1x in the morning. I used a very small amount of each. They both burned at first, but I was in a lot of pain and the area was sore so I kind of expected that. At least with the lidocaine after 15 minutes or so of intense fresh burning, I found relief. I also started pt and biofeedback.
It was working! The pain was going away. In the first 2 weeks of October I rode my mt bike for an hr and had sex 3x!
Then I foolishly tried to make the crisco I was using as lube more slippery by adding olive oil. For the past 14 days I have experienced a lot of white chunky discharge, lots of all over external burning, some internal burning and a transient itch. First culture came back neg. But the clinic doc said, they can give you a neg even if you have a relatively small # of colonies because they consider that normal. My pcp did the first culture, the clinic doc sent a new culture yesterday asking for a colony count and strain typing.
One of her running theories is that I am hyper sensitive to vaginal yeast. This would be why relatively small numbers could send me into such distress.
This is were I stand (or painfully sit) today. Waiting once again for a damn culture to come back.
well, the specialist said that i have vulvodynia, or clitorodynia to be exact. again of course she does not know exactly what caused it. she said i have one of the more mild cases and prescribed lidocaine 2 times a day for 4-6 weeks and to try to wean off of it after that. she believes it will disappear for me. however, i am pretty scared and upset. i've read so many stories that women are not able to get rid of this. i'm afraid that because mine is on my clitoris that i won't be able to have ANY sexual contact or that the lidocaine will cause damage. I'm afraid that even if it does come back that a future yeast infection or herpes outbreak will cause it to come back and then maybe that time it won't go away. I'm afraid that if i do get to the point where i can have sex (and i'm only 22!) that any stimulation to that area will irritate it and start this all over again. she also believes that the vulvodynia is what is causing my internal itching. however, she didn't do a culture b/c she said all my other ones were negative- but i'm worried that maybe the internal problem is yeast or bv that is just not showing up on cultures. she didn't test the skin or anything and i'm worrying that maybe she should have done that. i know she's a specialist and i've heard a lot about her and that i should trust her but i'm just worried that this won't ever go away or if it does that it will come back. i also have to stick to a low oxalate diet :( she seems to think it will go away but i've heard so much about how it doesn't. my question is....has anyone heard of anyone where they were able to successfully wean off the meds and return to normal????? this stinks :(
did your pain start all of a sudden? mine just started one day and has not gotten any worse or any better. it definitely gets worse as the day goes on and the more i sit. the only way i can get to sleep is by holding an ice cube in a washcloth on the area. have you had any success in treating the pain?
I really think you need to search out a vulvar pain clinic. All of your symptoms just scream that out to me. I would hesistate to use steroids. From what I've read, it can just make matters worse.
kenzies mom,
When the doc told you to use lidocaine, did they suggest anything else? Lidocaine does just numb the pain, but what a wonderful numbness it is. You have to find out why you are in pain. Is it muscle tension, over grown nerves. Those kind of things. Have you been to a pt to check out muscle/skeletal alignment/tightness issues? All of these things have to be looked at.
Sometimes, I really really hate being a woman.
kenzies mom,
When the doc told you to use lidocaine, did they suggest anything else? Lidocaine does just numb the pain, but what a wonderful numbness it is. You have to find out why you are in pain. Is it muscle tension, over grown nerves. Those kind of things. Have you been to a pt to check out muscle/skeletal alignment/tightness issues? All of these things have to be looked at.
Sometimes, I really really hate being a woman.
I thought I had a UTI when everything began. I was treated with many antibiotics, which I believe made things worse. I also have a lot of cramping and discharge at times, which may be something else. But yes, I do have trouble sitting at times. I have to be careful not to wear anything too snug around that area, or I hurt. Bike riding is not a favorite of mine either. Sex can be a nuisance as well. I pretty much engage on those days when I'm feeling okay! Do you urinate a lot? I sure the hell do! I just had a test done where they had to insert a catheter, and it stung like a b****. I guess the urethra can become inflamed with vv as well. I haven't started the lidocaine yet. I really need to, but the thought of numbing things down there makes me nervous! Yoga helps me. I don't feel 100% better, but it is relaxing and it gets the blood flowing everywhere. I'll let you know if I have any success with the lidocaine, once I'm brave enough to start using it!
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