vaginal burning from semen
an5...@anon.penet.fi
Hi, my girlfriend and I have a problem. Most times when we have sex everything
is fine but once in a while my semen gives her a burning feeling in her vagina.
She used to have this almost all the time with her old boyfriend. But with me
since it isn't all the time I believe it may be something I ate. I do take
higher than average doses of vitamins and not everyday so this may be it. I
have yet to confirm a causal like though. If anyone has experienced this before
please let me know. It's very important to us.
Please reply via e-mail.
Thanks in advance,
Matt
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:
: Hi, my girlfriend and I have a problem. Most times when we have sex everything
: is fine but once in a while my semen gives her a burning feeling in her
: vagina.
: She used to have this almost all the time with her old boyfriend. But with me
: since it isn't all the time I believe it may be something I ate. I do take
: higher than average doses of vitamins and not everyday so this may be it. I
: have yet to confirm a causal like though. If anyone has experienced this
: before
: please let me know. It's very important to us.
:
: Please reply via e-mail.
:
: Thanks in advance,
:
: Matt
Yes, this sounds kinky, but I saw on TV that certain foods can affect the flavor
and fertility of semen. The only example I remember is that caffeine can make
it bitter. I'd be surprised if any foods could affect that enough to cause
inflamation.
The only other thing I remember hearing is that some women actually develop an
allergic reaction to semen. Alergy reaction severity can vary based on a number
of factors. (e.g., imagine someone who seems to be allergic to certain foods
only short on proper sleep, nutrition, or after being exposed to lots of dust).
I'd suggest she see her ob/gyn physician and get some real facts instead of
off-the-wall guesses like these.
Charles J. Flammini
your problem......maybe if the articles ive been reading are true....
Chicago
There may or may not be some information regarding this on
sci.med.prostate.prostatitis. I have taken the liberty of
cross-posting the thread.
Brad H, MD
Eileen Matichuk
There are many kind of yeast creams that would help, but she should get a
culture taked first.
In article <4hta5n$j...@un3.satlink.com>, dan...@satlink.com wrote:
> an5...@anon.penet.fi wrote:
>
>
> >Hi, my girlfriend and I have a problem. Most times when we have sex
everything
> >is fine but once in a while my semen gives her a burning feeling in her
vagina.
> >She used to have this almost all the time with her old boyfriend. But with me
> >since it isn't all the time I believe it may be something I ate. I do take
> >higher than average doses of vitamins and not everyday so this may be it. I
> >have yet to confirm a causal like though. If anyone has experienced
this before
> >please let me know. It's very important to us.
>
> We are 3 advanced medicine students. We are quite sure that the
> problem doesn't have anything to do with anything that you eat. We
> suggest that your girlfriend go see a gynecologist.
> By the way the vitamins supplements are useless if you are a young man
> and have a fairly balanced diet. It could even cause adversal effects
> on your health.
> - Alejandro Lopez Osornio -
> La Plata - Argentina
>
> dan...@satlink.com
> (write 'Ale' in the subject)
Jeffrey Paul Schaefer
Are you sure its the semen?
While male ejaculate has a potpouri of various substances, I
don't recall it to be caustic. Perhaps, the discomfort is from
reduced lubrication or an underlying vaginitis?
JPS
Phoebe
>Hi, my girlfriend and I have a problem. Most times when we have sex everything
>is fine but once in a while my semen gives her a burning feeling in her vagina.
>She used to have this almost all the time with her old boyfriend. But with me
>since it isn't all the time I believe it may be something I ate. I do take
>higher than average doses of vitamins and not everyday so this may be it. I
>have yet to confirm a causal like though. If anyone has experienced this before
>please let me know. It's very important to us.
My husband and I had this same problem. It was not as occasional as
yours appears to be and my GP treated me for thrush (on several
occasions) before referring me to a consultant. I must confess that I
eventually became too sore for intercourse and my husband could not
believe that there was a physical problem (as no other girlfriend of
his had experienced these problems) but thought I was avoiding sexual
contact!
The consultant made and examination and diagnosed a form of excema and
prescribed Betnovate cream. It was considered that the excema could
be stress related, and there were many stresses at the time. However,
this was a problem we could well have done without.
As a side issue (that may or may not be relevant) I am allergic to
yeast and yeast products (bread, pastries, pizza, etc) whereas my
husband's prefered diet was the above. I don't know whether there was
a transfer of allergens, as this was never tested.
By the time I was improved from the condition, my husband was
unwilling to continue the physical relationshp and this brought
inevitable pressures on the marriage, which finally ended a year
later.
Keep pursuing answers to this problem. Barrier contraceptives may be
the interim solution but may not solve the problem.
Good luck.
--
Phoebe
__________________________________
"If you can understand everything, you must be misinformed."
(Japanese Proverb)
Michelle Egan
>My husband and I had this same problem. It was not as occasional as
>yours appears to be and my GP treated me for thrush (on several
>occasions) before referring me to a consultant. I must confess that I
>eventually became too sore for intercourse and my husband could not
>believe that there was a physical problem (as no other girlfriend of
>his had experienced these problems) but thought I was avoiding sexual
>contact!
>The consultant made and examination and diagnosed a form of excema and
>prescribed Betnovate cream. It was considered that the excema could
>be stress related, and there were many stresses at the time. However,
>this was a problem we could well have done without.
I am so glad to know I am not the only one with this problem. I can't
tell you how many arguements this has caused between my husband and I
the last few years. I can especially relate to 1) not wanting sex
because it's not enjoyable when I'm in pain and 2) him not believing
there may be something physically wrong and accusing me of being
frigid and denying sex. When I had an exam 3 years ago, I described
my problems to my OBGYN who found no "physical" reason why this
burning sensation was occuring. I know I do suffer occassionally
(especially in the winter) from psoriasis and am wondering if this
could be related? In any event, I'll definately check into the cream
you mentioned when I go to the doctor later this month.
Thanks!
Michelle
PS - I'm really bad at remember to take my pills and usually screw up
every month. Which means we use condoms as a back-up method rathering
than taking the change I won't get pregnant. While I don't trust
condoms as my only source of birth control, it takes care of the semen
"burning sensation" problem!
Stan
Dean Edell, M. D. who has a great nationally syndicated call-in/fax-in type
radio program (beginning live in San Francisco, CA at 1 PM to 2 PM PTZ) has
talked a few times about women actually being allergic to the semen of their
sex partner. Give him a call: 800-548-8255 (FAX: 415-986-4716; he'll read the
question and answer on the air so you might want to tell him your phone
number in case a local station by you doesn't carry his program).
Incidentally, the lifelong damage and harm resulting from "infant
circumcision" (which is a euphemism for male genital/sexual mutilation, or if
you like to be less horrified by the reality of it, "Penile Reduction
Surgery") has awful effects- sexual dysfunction- for the man and also for the
woman. So much skin is missing from the partial/man-made/man-damaged penis
that the woman is chafed and irritated by intercourse with the dowel-like
penis. Circ also destroys a man's natural lubrication. For info on the facts
about circ, about its lifelong harm and damage and about the normal intact
penis and its functioning during sex, go to this Web site:
http://theorem.math.rochester.edu/nocirc/nocirc.html
Stan
--
________________________________________________________________
Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.
- Horace Mann
Phoebe
>I am so glad to know I am not the only one with this problem. I can't
>tell you how many arguements this has caused between my husband and I
>the last few years. I can especially relate to 1) not wanting sex
>because it's not enjoyable when I'm in pain and 2) him not believing
>there may be something physically wrong and accusing me of being
>frigid and denying sex. When I had an exam 3 years ago, I described
>my problems to my OBGYN who found no "physical" reason why this
>burning sensation was occuring. I know I do suffer occassionally
>(especially in the winter) from psoriasis and am wondering if this
>could be related? In any event, I'll definately check into the cream
>you mentioned when I go to the doctor later this month.
I'm pleased too. At times I thought I was going crazy trying to
explain this phenomenon.
>PS - I'm really bad at remember to take my pills and usually screw up
>every month. Which means we use condoms as a back-up method rathering
>than taking the change I won't get pregnant. While I don't trust
>condoms as my only source of birth control, it takes care of the semen
>"burning sensation" problem!
Have you considered contraceptive by injection? You might be able to
try a mini-dose to rule out any allergic reaction.
Phoebe
>There have been reported cases of semen allergy as well as transmission
>of allergens such as penicillin in seminal fluid. I encourage you to see
>a Board Certified Allergist as this can have an obvious effect on your
>relationship.
I wish I had such optimism. It takes an age to get any sort of
referral in the UK. The resources are so stretched and its quite
exhausting to keep pressuring for more help. The best option here
seems to be to learn it all for yourself first, and then see if you
can obtain the necessary treatment afterwards.
Not a cynic - merely a realist.
Jobe West
I saw your message. I am desperate. I have had mild to severe vaginal
burning and frequent urination for two and l/2 years. There is a gnawing,
crazy feeling around my urethra that sometimes goes up into my bladder.
It is with me 24 hours a day. It worsens with food allergies or
medications Sex is impossible and has been for the last year and a half.
It only increasesthe burning. .
I have been to 16 doctors over the past two years. I have had gynos tell
me that it was all in my head. I have also had two doctors tell me that
it must be a chronic condition (even though they can't see anything) and
that it will probably never get better. I have been allergy tested. I
have now lost 22 pounds. I am on an anti-candida diet where I eat only
vegetables and meat. I am so depressed, it
is really hard to focus on anything anymore. I have been keeping a
journal of what I eat, etc. to try to find out what the problem is. When
the doctors gave me
Diflucan and/or Nizoral (assuming it was Candida), that only made me
worse.
Seven day creams do nothing for me. I may, however, as my doctor now
about the Betnovate Cream.
I avoid wheat, milk, corn, soy, tomatoes, potatoes, citrus strictly. That
helps
some, but the problem still won't go awayl. I also became allergic to my
makeup
this year. I got severe headaches and earaches from my hairspray and
mascara. Try losing your sexuality and your looks all in one shot. It's a
real demoralizer.
I am so sorry about what the problem did to your marriage. I know how
awful
this problem is. To lose the one you love over it had to be really
terrible. I only
hope that I can find a solution before it happens to my husband and me.
I have been wondering if stress could be a contributor to this. The past
seven
years, I was a primary caregiver for my father who has Alzheimer's and my
mother who s battling bone cancer. On top of that, I finished up an
advanced degree, quit a job I was miserable in, gota new job (which I
hate) and got married.
I'm worried to death about this. Do you know any good doctors in the Ohio
area.
I'd travel. If anyone else reads this, please respond!!! I am desperate.
P.S. One doctor told me not to use "soap" on the vagina--so I use a
coconut cleanser bar I got at the health food store You might try that
(it helps). My tongue has also developed an irritation that comes and
goes (that was misdiagnosed by one of my doctors as "thrush.") I use warm
saline washes on that, and it helps a lot!!!
Steve Emerson
: My son (5 yrs old) has varying degrees of allergies and asthma. He has
: a problem with recurrent sinus infections, off the antibiotics for a
: couple of weeks and he's infected again, and the pediatrician thinks
: it's time to have allergy testing done. We see an allergist on a
: regular basis and he has never brought it up. I'm wondering if this is
: a logical step regarding the sinusitis. Do allergies have a
: signifiacnt effect in causing sinusitis or is this a problem that
: should dealt with by an Ear Nose and Throat docotor? We did see an ENT
: regarding this a couple of years ago and he didn't seem to think there
: was a problem. I would appreciate any and all advice or opinions on
: this matter.
At least, consider taking him off all milk and dairy products.
They cause excess mucous for many.
Could he be possibly be reacting to a chemical in the house?
I recently heard a Dr. on NPR who wrote a book called
"Sinus Survival". The Dr. said air pollution is one possible
cause of sinus inflammation. If the inflammation blocks
the mucous drainage, then infections can develop.
The Dr. said antibiotics may only make the problem worse.
And allergies are indeed another possible cause of sinusitis.
Also look for the book "Is This Your Child?" by Doris Rapp.
My young nephew has allergies and his mother removed the carpeting
in his bedroom and put a barrier cloth over his pillow to prevent
dust from getting into/out from the pillow. This would
follow positive allergy tests, obviously. But the chemicals in carpeting
do bother some people, especially if it's relatively new.
--
seme...@teleport.COM Public Access User -- Not affiliated with Teleport
Public Access UNIX and Internet at (503) 220-1016 (2400-28800, N81)
mar...@cobra.uni.edu
> burning and frequent urination for two and l/2 years. There is a gnawing,
> crazy feeling around my urethra that sometimes goes up into my bladder.
> It is with me 24 hours a day. It worsens with food allergies or
> medications Sex is impossible and has been for the last year and a half.
> It only increasesthe burning. .
>
> I have been to 16 doctors over the past two years. I have had gynos tell
In line with some of the other responses here - have any of your 16 doctors
been urologists? Your story sounds awfully familiar: I went through several
years of that kind of misery, also trying out the M-E-V-Y diet for candida,
etc. My wonderful family doctor, at her wits' end but believing in my symptoms
although all the gynecologists could find nothing, finally sent me to a female
urologist who tried a cystoscopy and discovered she couldn't even get the scope
in because my urethra was so small (possibly caused or aggravated by scarring
from repeated yeast infections). I was a sceptic. I couldn't believe SO MANY
symptoms could be explained by a narrowed urethra. But after 5 years with NO
PROBLEMS at all, I'm a believer. (Well, I *do* still get a yeast infection
every time I cave in and take a nice, hot bath. . . but I treat it right away
and it actually responds to treatment!) The solution for me is fairly easy - I
go in about every 3 or 4 months for a "dilatation" - widening of the urethra.
It's NOT painful if done correctly and only takes about 10 minutes. [The
*first* time it was an ordeal and took numerous visits to gradually get it
enlarged to a normal size. But maintenance of it now is easy. There is also a
permanent surgical "fix" but as long as the quick and conservative method is
workign for me, I'll avoid the surgery.]
Based on my own experience, along with the others who've responded with
suggestions of vulvar disorders and cystitis, I'd sure seek out a good
urologist for a thorough workup!
Good luck!
Camilla Cracchiolo
: Phoebe,
: I saw your message. I am desperate. I have had mild to severe vaginal
: burning and frequent urination for two and l/2 years. There is a gnawing,
: crazy feeling around my urethra that sometimes goes up into my bladder.
: It is with me 24 hours a day. It worsens with food allergies or
: medications Sex is impossible and has been for the last year and a half.
: It only increasesthe burning. .
Sounds an awful lot like either vulvar vestibulitis syndrome or
pudendal nerualgia. The cause of these conditions is not a candida
infection, so anti-fungals don't work and may worsen the condition.
lots of MDs, even gyns, don't known s*** about either condition. It took
3 years and a lot of research on my part to get my own case diagnosed.
You need a specialist in vulvar pain disorders. Vulvar vestibulitis
sydnrome, BTW, is associated with another disorder called 'burning mouth
and tongue syndrome'. Not in your head, and no wonder sex hurts like
hell.
I'm sending you the vulvar pain FAQ by e-mail.
--
"The trick is to keep an open mind, without it being so open
that your brain falls out."
Camilla Cracchiolo, RN cam...@primenet.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shrine of the Cybernetic Madonna BBS 213-766-1356 Los Angeles
CFS/Fibromyalgia/AIDS support * General medical information *
Politics * Church of the SubGenius * Skepticism & Science
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Camilla Cracchiolo
requests for the FAQ. It's been a while since it's been posted. So here
it is:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VULVODYNIA AND
VULVAR VESTIBULITIS SYNDROME
v1.04
by Camilla Cracchiolo, RN
copyright 1994
This document may be freely reproduced for non-profit purposes.
*New in this edition: Info on the U.S. National Vulvodynia Association
CONTENTS:
I. What are vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome?
II. What are the signs of vestibulitis?
III. Who gets vestibulitis?
IV. What causes vestibulitis?
V. How is vulvodynia/vestibulitis diagnosed?
VI. How are vulvar pain syndromes treated?
VII. Coping strategies and self help tips.
VIII. Resources for women with vulvodynia.
IX. Books that may be helpful.
X. References.
I. What are vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome?
Vulvodynia is a medical term that means 'painful vulva'. The
term can cover a wide variety of vulvar pain syndromes,including
various infections and skin disorders. However, the term is
frequently used to refer to vestibulitis, or Vulvar Vestibulitis
Syndrome (VVS) , which is an inflammation of the vestibule, or
opening to the vagina and the tissues immediately around the
vaginal opening. This condition is also sometimes called
'vestibular adenitis'.
Vulvar pain syndromes which may have been vestibulitis have
been written about in medical books since at least the late
1800s. In 1889, Dr. A.J.C. Skene wrote a "Treatise on the
Diseases of Women" wherein he described a disorder that was
characterized by an 'excessive sensitivity' of the vulva. He
stated that itching was absent, but when 'the examining finger
comes in contact with the hyperesthetic part, the patient
complains of pain which is sometimes so great as to cause her
to cry out'. He treated this condition by surgically removing
the affected area. However, he noted that this provided only
temporary relief.
In 1928, Dr. H.A. Kelly wrote about a condition characterized
by 'exquisitely sensitive deep-red spots on the mucosa of the
hymenal ring' as a frequent source of painful intercourse.
However, this condition appears to have then been ignored in
medical journals until the early 1980s, when Dr. Edward
Friedrich began reporting on it. (1,4) Since 1983, more than
20 studies have been reported in the medical literature. It
is unclear whether this is because this illness is increasing
in incidence, or whether physicians are now simply recognizing
the symptoms of vulvodynia in their patients due to being
better informed. It's possible that both things are happening
together.
II. What are the signs of Vestibulitis?
Vestibulitis can range in severity from mild to severe. In
mild cases, a burning or stinging sensation is noted during
intercourse or when tampons are inserted; upon touching the
area with a cotton swab, pain is felt when the hymen and inner
vaginal lips are touched. There may or may not be visible redness
and swelling. In severe cases, the pain can be agonizing, and
much of the vulva can be reddened, swollen and very inflamed.
Often, there is hypersensitivity along the edges of the inner vaginal
lips and the pain can be so severe that it makes walking difficult.
A constant itching or stinging sensation in the grooves between
the large and small vaginal lips is commonly reported; some women
cannot stand to wear underwear for this reason, because the slightest
touch to the area results in excrutiating pain. Other signs include
pain or discomfort upon touching the pubic hair; a feeling of pain
or discomfort all over the vulva; sensations of 'parchedness' or
drying, and 'drawing' sensations, either all over the vulvar skin
or only in certain spots. These sensations may extend to the rectal
area or the skin of the perineum. The clitoris can become involved,
becoming painful or hypersensitive and there may shooting pains
from the clitoris up the abdomen. (2,3)
Urination can become agonizing. A few women report symptoms
that may seem more consistent with a urinary tract infection,
such as frequent or painful urination. In fact, vestibulitis
often occurs in combination with inflammatory problems of the
urinary tract such as interstitial cystitis or urethral
syndrome. (5,6)
Many cases are initially diagnosed when women who have pain
with intercourse consult a doctor. Other cases are often detected
only after many failed attempts, either by the woman herself
or by her physician, to treat what appears to be a chronic vaginal
bacterial or yeast infection. It's very important to seek a proper
diagnosis from a physician or other qualified health provider such
as a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. This is because
there are some very serious conditions that can cause similar
symptoms. Unfortunately, many physicians are still not well informed
about vestibulitis and a woman may find that she knows more about
the condition than her physician! One place to seek care is
from a gynecologist on the teaching staff of a major medical
research center, since these doctors tend to be the best informed
about new medical research, and may also have access to experimental
treatments. However, the Vulvar Pain Foundation has received
numerous complaints about doctors in major medical centers and so
specifically does NOT recommend major medical centers as a first
choice of care. My own recommendation is to get in touch with
the Vulvar Pain Foundation and/or the National Vulvodynia
Association (listed in the resource section) and find out if they
know of a good doctor near to you.
Among the conditions that must be distinguished from vestibulitis are:
psoriasis, allergic or irritant reactions, various fungal infections;
certain immunologically caused skin diseases which can cause vulvar
ulcers or inflammation; a number of systemic diseases (including
lupus, pellagra, and Reiter's Disease among others); pain due
to genital warts or infection with the virus that causes them,
(Human Papilloma Virus or HPV); common vaginal infections caused
by candida ('yeast'), trichomonas and bacteria; genital herpes
infection; spasm of the vaginal muscles (vaginissmus); vulvar
irritation due to medications such as corticosteroids; and
certain cancers. (2)
III. Who gets Vestibulitis?
Very few studies have been done that give any information
about the incidence of this disease or which women are most
likely to get it. Dr. M.F. Goetch, of Good Samaritan Hospital
in Portland, OR, attempted to find out what percentage of
patients in a standard OB/GYN practice have vulvar pain and
what the variation in normal vulvar sensation is. Dr. Goetch
tested 210 patients over a six month period of time by
questioning them for symptoms and then administering a
'swab test'. 78 women (37%) showed some signs of vulvar tenderness
and 31 (15%) fit the clinical definition for Vulvar Vestibulitis
Syndrome. These women were then given a questionaire to see
if any common characteristics could be identified. A total of
50% had longstanding pain, most since their teenage years.
Their symptoms did not suggest any cyclical pattern and,
interestingly, 32% had a female relative who either had
pain with intercourse or who found tampons painful. This
raises the possibility that some genetic predisposition for
VVS exists. (7) Another study, done in London, indicated
that most of the women affected by this were Caucasian, and
most likely to be in their thirties. (8) Although no one
knows exactly how many women suffer from vulvodynia, the
Vulvar Pain Foundation estimates that between 100,000 and
150,000 women in the US alone suffer from this condition.
(9,10)
IV. What causes Vestibulitis?
That's the big question that researchers are trying to answer:
right now, no one knows. It may have one or several different
causes. There are quite a few factors associated with vestibulitis
and several authors distinguished between 'acute' VVS and
'chronic VVS'. In the first case, it was often possible to find
a precipitating cause such as infection, whereas in the women with
chronic cases it was very difficult to determine what had caused it.
Some cases of vulvodynia may be due to compression or
disease of the pudendal nerve, one of the main nerves that
relays sensation to and from the genitals. The name for this
is dysthetic vulvodynia, or pudendal neuralgia. However, this
probably does not contribute to vestibulitis, and often has a
different characteristic pattern of sensation. Women who have
pudendal neuralgia usually complain of tingling, itching or
burning sensations. These women do not usually experience
more pain when urinating; women with VVS, on the other hand,
can find urination to be extremely painful.
Some women may have vestibulitis as part of bladder and/or
urethral inflammation as seen in interstitial cystitis or
urethral syndrome. The lining of both vagina and bladder
arise from the same tissue during fetal development; thus when
one becomes inflammed, the inflammation may spread easily to
the adjoining areas.(6)
There may be some association between vestibulitis and Human
Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection: this is one of the controversies
about this condition. In one study, 13 women with symptoms of
vestibuliitis, who also developed white patches when the tender
areas were washed with acetic acid and viewed under blue light,
had biopsies of the affected areas. The tissue samples were then
sent for DNA analysis to see if HPV was present. 11 of the 13
women showed signs of HPV.(11,12) However, other studies
suggest that HPV infection is actually rare in VVS. (13,14)
Some researchers have found that HPV infection is often
completely without symptoms, and may even completely regress
or vanish without treatment. A characteristic skin condition
called 'papillomatosis' is often found along with HPV: it
looks like tiny ridges in the skin and often can only be seen
with a microscope. This is often seen in women with
vulvodynia; however, it can also be seen in people who have
inflammed skin without HPV and even in some people who have no
symptoms at all. It's important to remember that many women with
vestibulitis show no signs of HPV, and the vast majority of women
with genital warts will never go on to develop any vulvar pain
syndromes.
An association with chronic candida infection has been found in
a couple of studies (13,23). This is important because women who
have VVS have often had many courses of treatment for vaginal
yeast with imidazole family anti-fungals. These drugs have
generic names that all end in 'azole'; clotrimazole (marketed
in the US as Gyne-Lotrimin vaginal cream); ketoconazole (Nizoral
oral tablets); miconazole (marketed as Monistat vaginal cream),
fluconazole (marketed as Diflucan oral tablets). It's not
clear whether these drugs actually can cause vulvodynia or if
they are just associated with it because VVS is often mistaken
for a chronic yeast infection. However, women should take the
package labelling for over the counter vaginal anti-fungal
creams seriously; if your problem doesn't clear up after the
time period allowed, it's time to see a doctor. Physicians
should not try course after course of antifungals in
their patients: if antifungals and antibiotics don't help
after a few trials, referral to a specialist in vulvar
pain disorders is probably indicated.
One study implicated early use of oral contraceptives and an
early age of first sexual intercourse as risk factors and suggested
that this could indicate the involvement of hormonal factors.(14)
One study found that 17% of its subjects had a type of bacteria
called ureaplasma in their Bartholin's glands.(13) The Goetch
study noted that several of the women studied had recently had
a baby and that others were infected with Group B streptococcus.(7)
Another medication implicated in VVS is flourourcil, an
anti-cancer drug that is also being used to treat stubborn
genital warts. The Goetch study noted that the two worst
cases were seen in women taking this drug. Systemic
corticosteroids, given for serious autoimmune diseases, and
topical corticosteroids (often used to treat persistant vulvar
itching) are also a possible cause of vulvar pain. Topical
corticosteroid creams in particular may cause thinning and
sloughing off of the top layers of skin where they are
applied. Both systemic and topical corticosteroids can also
cause worsening of undiagnosed infections by counteracting the
immune response that causes inflammation, but that also fights
the infection as well. There are also anecdotal reports that
some women develop VVS after taking Accutane. This needs to be
further studied.
The Fibromyalgia Network mentions that vulvodynia is often
found in women with fibromyalgia syndrome, which is a muscular
pain disorder of uncertain etiology, and which is related to
chronic fatigue syndrome. Abnormally high levels
of a neurotransmitter involved in regulating pain sensation,
called Substance P, have been found in people with FMS and it's
possible that at least some cases of VVS are due to
abnormalities of the pain perception mechanisms in the body.
(15) It's interesting that genetic factors in VVS were
suggested by Goetch, (7) because FMS is believed by many
researchers to also involve genetic predisposition. The
Vulvar Pain Foundation has also received several letters from
women who have both vulvodynia and a rare pain condition called
Burning Mouth and Tongue Syndrome. Whether there is a connection
between this illness and VVS is not known, but is definitely
a subject that should be further researched. A packet of
information on Burning Mouth and Tongue Syndrome is available
from the Vulvar Pain Foundation for $10.
There is also the possibility that abnormally high levels of
urine oxalate may be involved. Drs. Clive Solomons, M.H. Melmed,
and Susan Heitler have suggested that oxalate may be irritating
the vulvar tissues during urination, and are currently conducting a
study to see if neutralizing oxalates by taking oral doses of
calcium citrate is of value to treat VVS. (16) One study mentions
alterations in vaginal pH as another common finding.(11)
V. How is Vestibulitis diagnosed?
There is no specific test for VVS per se. The diagnosis often
involves looking for redness, swelling and/or pain, and ruling
out other illnesses. There are a number of tests that should
be done to both rule out other illnesses and to look for
infection or another treatable cause of the symptoms.
First, a physician or other practitioner should do a careful
visual inspection of the area, looking for obvious
ulcerations, genital warts, herpes sores, inflammation of the
Bartholin's glands (at the base of the vaginal opening) or
inflammation of the Skene's ducts on the external vulva. He
or she should take vaginal slides and cultures to rule out
common and uncommon vaginal infections. In addition to slides
for trichomonas, bacteria and yeast, it is important to rule out
sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Any unusual secretion from the Bartholin's or Skene's glands
should be cultured, and a pap smear should be taken if any
genital warts are noted. It may also be necessary to culture for
unusual organisms such as ureaplasma or mycoplasma.
The practitioner should take a cotton-tipped swab and gently touch
various areas of the vulva to see if the pain can be localized to
one area. Often, women who have previously described the pain as
around the inner vaginal lips will find that the pain is actually
in the hymen itself when the swab is used. The practitioner should
also wipe the vulva with a mild solution of acetic acid (read
here: vinegar and water) and then view it under a blue light to
see if any areas turn white. Frequently, these are areas which have
been infected with the HPV virus, and it may be necessary to
examine these areas with a culposcope (a special kind of
microscope that lets the practitioner view the cells while
still in place) to check for both signs of the virus and for
cancer, since HPV is implicated in both cervical and vulvar cancers.
Depending on what is seen, a biopsy may be needed.
V. How is vulvodynia/vestibulitis treated?
Unfortunately, for most women with VVS, there are no magic
cures. Sometimes an infection that will respond to medication
is found, such as ureaplasma, candida, or strep. In a lucky
few, it clears up on its own after 6 - 12 months. Some women
develop vulvar pain as part of the hormonal changes of menopause.
This particular problem often responds to estrogen creams or
estrogen replacement therapy.
But for many women, the treatment is symptomatic, to try to reduce
the pain. A prescription anesthetic, xylocaine jelly, may be
helpful if applied directly to the sore areas. There is also an
over-the-counter anesthetic preparation called Lanacaine, which
sometimes is useful, particularly before sexual contact. Topical
corticosteroids are often prescribed for vulvar itching, but seem
to be of little help in VVS.
Several studies have treated women who show also signs of HPV
infection with interferon, (which strengthens the immune
system), with some success.(17,18,19) However, the relapse
rate is apparently quite high, and at least one study suggests
that interferon may work better on women who do *not* have
signs of HPV infection.(11) These researchers suggest that
interferon may work, not by killing HPV, but by a general
anti-inflammatory property. In addition, interferon is
extremely expensive and quite difficult to get ahold of.
Some gynecologists are treating VVS with hormones applied
topically to the inflammed area. Usually, these doctors are
prescribing progesterone, but some are also using estrogens or
testosterone. In the Fall 1994 issue of the Vulvar Pain Foundation
newsletter, Dr. John Willems reports that he is having success
with a kind of topical estrogen cream called Estrace. Estrace
is a 0.01% solution containing a particular estrogen called
estradiol. Willems works with many patients who have had
laser excision of the vestibule with poor results. Willems
believes that Estrace thickens or toughens the skin, and
increases blood supply. He tells patients to apply it with the
finger to the painful areas. He emphasizes that the patients he
treats do not have clinical estrogen deficiencies nor are they
menopausal.(25) The author has been having good results with
estrogen vaginal creams in a higher dose than Dr. Willems is
using: she takes it in the doses normally prescribed for
menopause. Again note, the author has been suffering from this
condition since age 30 and is still pre-menopausal. Because
many women with VVS find vaginal creams
to be painful (possibly because the cream base contains
compounds like parabens and alcohols), some physicians are
mixing a 10% solution in a petroleum gel base instead of using
the standard preparations. Some women find even this to be too
painful; however, the petroleum gel preparation can be diluted
to a 5% solution using heavy mineral oil, which may be more
easily tolerated. Injection of hormones directly into the inflammed
tissues should be avoided because most women find this to be too
painful. Some women also find compresses made from prophyllin
powder (a prescription medication) to be soothing.
Drs. Solomon and Melmed advise patients to try a diet low in oxalate,
although no study results on this are available. The Vulvar
Pain Foundation reports that some women find relief by this
method. It's not possible to completely eliminate oxalate
from the diet and still obtain all the necessary nutrients.
However, there is no reason to believe that harm will result
from avoiding foods very high in oxalates, either. A list of
high oxalate foods, along with their other dietary recommend-
ations, is attached in section VII. These doctors have been
giving patients calcium citrate to see if neutralizing calcium
oxalate helps vulvodynia. They are using a complicated method
of charting the woman's peak times of oxalate production, and
emphasize that patients should not try calcium citrate as a
home remedy on their own, since it can be hazardous. However,
a few doctors tell women to try 1 to 2 tablets of calcium citrate
(marketed over-the-counter as Citracal) daily to see if it helps.
A few women report that this works for them. Do not increase dosage
of calcium citrate unless you are under a doctor's supervision.
This form of calcium is very easily absorbed into the body, and too
much can cause hazardous levels of calcium in the blood stream.
Risks of too much calcium include abnormalities of heart rhythm and
kidney stones. Drink a lot of water if you decide to try Citracal.
Fibromyalgia researchers suggest that an anti-depressant drug
called amitriptyline may be of benefit to those women who also
have FMS or who have vulvodynia involving neuralgia of the pudendal
nerve. This is because amitriptyline has pain controlling properties
independent of its antidepressant effects and is sometimes of value
in pain of neurogenic origin. However, no controlled studies have been
done of amitriptyline for vulvar pain. The Vulvar Pain Foundation
also mentions that physical therapy may be of some help: not only
do women often develop problems from the alterations of posture needed
to avoid putting pressure on the vulva during walking and
sitting, but it may be helpful by relaxing chronic tension in
the pelvic muscles as well. (21) Dr. Howard Glazer, a
psychologist in New York, claims that biofeedback and pelvic
muscle exercises involving relaxation and muscle strengthening
are helpful to some women with VVS. He proposes that vulvodynia
may persist after an initial infection that has resolved. He
belives that some women develop unconsious muscle tension in the
pelvis and that this contributes to muscle spasm and pain
perception. Again, there are no controlled studies on this in the
medical literature; however, this is in keeping with findings
in other chronic pain syndromes.(22)
As a last resort, surgically removing the affected area, either by
laser or traditional means, is helpful to some women. The most
optimistic studies report that 60-85% of women respond to
surgical excision of the affected area. (20,23) Other investigators
have not found such encouraging results, and warn that
approximately 10% of women may experience worsening of
symptoms after surgery. (24)
VI. Coping strategies and self-help tips:
Support:
Obviously, vulvodynia can interfere drastically with a woman's
life. Proper information and support are very important in
coping with VVS. The Vulvar Pain Foundation and the National
Vulvodynia Association (listed under resources in section VII)
both publish newsletters and maintain a list of local support
groups. I strongly recommend that women with this condition get
in touch with them. They are in contact with physicians who are
knowledgable about vulvar pain and may be able to put women
with VVS in touch with physicians in their local area. They
may also know of a VVS support group in your community.
Women with VVS may also want to consider psychological
counseling by a therapist experienced in chronic illness.
VVS, like all chronic pain disorders, can be extremely
debilitating. This illness, like any painful illness, can
interfere with many of the person's usual responsibilities;
family members or friends may become angry about having to
compensate for this. In addition, VVS carries the problem
that it is a disorder that is very intimate and personal; very
often, women are reluctant to speak about it. Because it
involves the sexual organs, a woman may feel great shame about
it. Her self-image can be drastically affected. She may feel
that she is 'less womanly' or no longer sexually attractive.
this. It can be quite exhausting and very demoralizing.
Sexual impact:
Vulvodynia can cause a terrible strain on marriages or other
sexual relationships because it makes many forms of sexual contact
difficult or impossible. It is very important for the medical
practitioner to validate the woman's experience. There are some
tragic cases where relationships have broken up because a physician
suggested that the pain was psychogenic and due to the woman
'subconsciously rejecting' her husband or lover. Good
communication between sexual partners is essential and
relationship counseling may be helpful. While vaginal
penetration is often out of the question, some people find
other methods of sexual expression that can take its place.
Xylocaine jelly applied to the sore areas can sometimes make
intercourse possible again. However, this doesn't work for
every woman.
Menstruation:
Another little discussed factor is the impact vulvodynia can
have on menstruation: what is a woman to do during her
menstrual period if she finds inserting tampons and wearing
menstrual pads to be very painful? Many women find that the
tampon string is quite irritating but that they can tolerate
the tampon if the string is either cut off prior to insertion,
or pushed far up behind the pubic bone. Some women find that
they can tolerate a brand of menstrual pad that has a cotton
cover but cannot tolerate pads with the more 'absorbent'
synthetic surfaces. All cotton cloth menstrual pads are also
available by mail order (details on how to obtain them are
given in the resources section). Another alternative is to
use a diaphragm or cervical cap to catch menstrual flow,
although some women cannot tolerate the stretching of the
vaginal opening necessary to insert them. The Vulvar Pain
Foundation reports that rolls of absorbent cotton can provide
a comfortable and highly absorbent alternative to menstrual
pads. You cut the cotton into strips the size of regular
pads, fold and place them in your underwear.
Cleanliness and hygiene:
Rinsing the vulva with plain water several times a day helps
some women. A special bidet, that removes the need to wipe
with toilet paper and which delivers both a rinse and an air
dry, is available from Lubidet USA. Their phone number is in
the resource section. One woman reported to the Vulvar Pain
Foundation that she carries a small squeeze bottle of water
in her purse and uses it to rinse herself after urination.
Carefully avoiding all potential irritants on your underwear,
such as laundry soaps and bleaches may help. Some women find
that they can tolerate underwear washed with a mild, non-perfumed
soap such as castile soap, and run twice through the rinse cycle.
Others simply do without.
Many women who must wear pantyhose or stockings for work, wear
brands with a cotton crotch over all-cotton underwear. They
then slit the pantyhose crotch to relieve binding. Other women
rely on old fashioned garter-belts and stockings. A product
called Scantihose was designed to avoid bumps or ridges in
clothing, and comes completely up the leg, unlike older
stockings that can't be worn with shorter skirts. Ordering
information is in the resource section.
Many women find that perfumed soaps, or even completely plain
soaps, aggravate the irritation. This may also be true of
colored or scented toilet paper as well. Some women
find tub bathing to be possible if they avoid all bath oils
or perfumes; others find that any tub bathing worsens the
situation and only take showers. A hand held shower massager
is preferable to an overhead nozzle; it makes it much easier
to wash away any soap residue that may remain after washing.
Natural glycerin soap may be helpful, as it has no residual
drying effects and Aveeno Oatmeal Soap has also received
positive reviews. One woman I know discovered that using distilled
water to wash the vulvar area rather than tap water relieved some
of the irritation. She speculated that perhaps the chlorine in the
tap water contributed to her condition. One gynecologist
advises his patients to keep the vulva very dry: he tells women
to first wash with distilled water and pat the area dry; to then
use a hand held blow dryer (on cool please!) to further dry the
skin and to then apply cornstarch.
Pain relief and difficulty with urination:
It may be possible to relieve pressure on the vulvar area when
sitting by placing a notepad under yourself, in such a way
that the edge elevates the pelvis. A type of pressure relief
cushion called an Isch-Dish may be helpful. (Source is listed
in the resources section.)
A few women find that ointments such as A & D Ointment or Desitin
are soothing. They can also be quite helpful, as can vaseline,
in protecting the inflammed tissue during urination. Another
way to help painful urination to pour a cup of water over the vulva
while urinating: this dilutes the urine and helps to wash away any
irritating residue. It also helps to sit slightly forward
when urinating, as this directs the stream straight down and
it does not touch the skin.
The Vulvar Pain Foundation mentions that some women find
applying warm soaked tea bags to the vulva to be soothing.
Some women put the tea bags on menstrual pads to hold them
in place. Others take sitz baths in which tea bags have been
soaked.
VII. List of Foods High in Oxalates
Drs. Solomon and Melmed recommend complete avoidance of all
foods high in oxalate. These include:
Beer, berry juices like raspberry juice, tea, cocoa, Ovaltine,
beverage mixes, baked beans in tomato sauce, peanuts and
peanut butter, pecans, soybean curd (tofu), all berries,
concord grapes, citrus peel, rhubarb, tangerines, chocolate,
vegetable and tomato soups, fruit cake, grits, wheat germ,
black pepper (beyond a teaspoon a day), beans of all kinds,
beets, celery, chard, collards, dandelion greens, eggplant,
escarole, kale, leeks, mustard greens, okra, parsley, green
peppers, sweet potatoes, rutabagas, spinach, summer squash and
watercress.
They recommend that foods with a moderate amount of oxalate
should be eaten in moderate amounts, no more than two half-cup
servings a day. This includes:
Coffee, cranberry, grape, orange and tomato juices, sardines,
apples, apricots, black currants, sour cherries, oranges,
peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, Italian prunes, chicken
noodle soup (dehydrated), cornbread, sponge cake, canned
spaghetti in tomato sauce, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, corn,
cucumber, green peas, iceberg lettuce, lima beans, parsnips,
tomatoes and turnips.
In addition, they recommend that women with VVS take no more
than 250 mg of Vitamin C a day, because it is a chemical
precursor of oxalate. They also state that there is
some evidence that drinking small amounts of milk or eating
dairy products *with meals* (emphasis in the original) helps
in reducing the amount of calcium oxalate to the body.
VIII. Resources
The Vulvar Pain Foundation
Post Office Drawer 177
Graham, North Carolina 27253
USA
(910) 226-0704
Membership is $30 per year, which includes a quarterly
newsletter. For $5 more, you can obtain copies of all back
issues.
The National Vulvodynia Association
P.O. Box 19288
Sarasota, FL 34276-2288
USA
(941) 927-8503
(941) 927-8602 FAX
The Fibromyalgia Network
5700 Stockdale Hwy, Suite 100
Bakersfield, CA 93309
USA
(805) 631-1950
Membership is $15 for US residents, $17 for Canadians and $20
for all others, includes bi-monthly newsletter.
The National Chronic Pain Outreach Association
7979 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 100
Bethesda, MD 20814-2429
USA
(301) 652-4948
Publishes a quarterly magazine, provides information about
pain management specialists, sponsors conferences and
publishes many resource materials, discounted to members.
Membership starts at $25
Interstitial Cystitis Association
PO Box 1553
Madison Sq. Station,
NY, NY 10159
The following document is available from these folks:
Transcript of the workshop on Vulvodynia and IC, from the 7th
National Conference on Interstitial Cystitis
Also provide valuable information for those women whose vulvar
pain seems related to inflammation of the urinary tract.
Embracing Concepts (makers of the Isch-Dish cushion)
40 Humboldt Street
Rochester, NY 14609
USA
(800) 962-5542
Glad Rags (makers of all cotton cloth menstrual pads)
Post Office Box 12751
Portland, OR 97212
USA
(503) 238-8624
(503) 282-0436
Life Cycles (makes a special bicycle seat that relieves vulvar
pressure when cycling)
(303) 963-1149
Lubidet USA, Inc. (makes a special add on bidet that delivers
warm water wash and air dry every time you use the toilet.
Reported to be quite helpful although somewhat expensive)
(800) 582-4338
(303) 757-3031
L & L Hosiery (makers of Scantihose)
1-800-401-LACE (*note: Vulvar Pain Foundation members get a
special discount.)
IX. Books that may be helpful:
Alas, there are no books written on this illness. However, women
with vulvodynia may find the following books of interest:
The Low Oxalate Diet Book
General Clinical Research Center (H-203)
The University of California
San Diego Medical Center
University Hospital
225 Dickenson Street
San Diego, CA 92103
USA
Cost: $5 each plus postage and handling. Make checks payable
to the Regents of the University of California
_Overcoming Bladder Disorders_ by Rebecca Chalker and
Kristine E. Whitmore, M.D. HarperPerennial Press, 1990
ISBN # 0-06-092083-1 Cost: $9.95 US
Contains good information about interstitial cystitis and
urethral syndrome.
_Our Bodies, Ourselves_; by the Boston Women's Health Book
Collective. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1984
Good general information on women's health care.
_A New View Of A Woman's Body: A Fully Illustrated Guide_
by the Federation of Feminist Women's Health Centers.
Touchstone Press, 1981. ISBN # 0-671-41215-9
Best illustrations of female reproductive anatomy *ever*.
Can be ordered through:
Feminist Health Press
8240 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(213) 650-1508
Cost: $19.95 plus tax and S&H. Call for shipping information.
_Sexuality And Chronic Illness: A Comprehensive Approach_
by Leslie R. Schover and Soren Buus Jensen. New York: The
Guilford Press, 1988. This book does not deal directly with
vulvodynia, but contains helpful information for
psychotherapists, physicians and others who treat and counsel
people suffering from sexual dysfunction as a result of
chronic illnesses.
_Living With Chronic Illness: Days of Patience and Passion_
by Sheri Register. New York: The Free Press/Macmillan, 1987.
Contains information based on interviews with people suffering
from chronic, often painful, illnesses. Smashes some myths
about long-term illness.
_The Honest Herbal_ by Varro Tyler, Ph.D. New York: The
Haworth Press, 1993 ISBN # 1-56024-287-6
Because there is not yet a reliable cure for vulvar
vestibulitis, many vulvodynia sufferers are exploring herbal
or other alternative medical treatments. This book is based
completely on scientifically validated studies and discusses
counterindications and adverse effects of herbs at length.
Cost: about $20 US for the softcover edition.
X. References
1. Friedrich EG Jr
The vulvar vestibule.
J Reprod Med 1983 Nov;28(11):773-7
2. McKay M
Vulvitis and vulvovaginitis: cutaneous considerations.
Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine,
Atlanta, GA.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 1991 Oct;165(4 Pt 2):1176-82
3. "A Word About Vulvar Pain", from The Vulvar Pain Newsletter,
Number 1, Spring 1993. Available from the Vulvar Pain
Foundation, Post Office Drawer 177, Graham, North Carolina,
27253 USA
4. "A Brief History of Vulvar Pain in Medical Literature", The
Vulvar Pain Newsletter, Number 1, Spring 1993.
5. Foster DC; Robinson JC; Davis KM
Urethral pressure variation in women with vulvar vestibulitis
syndrome
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993 Jul;169(1):107-12
6. Fitzpatrick CC; DeLancey JO; Elkins TE; McGuire EJ
Vulvar vestibulitis and interstitial cystitis: a disorder
of urogenital sinus-derived epithelium?
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan
Medical Center, Ann Arbor.
Obstet Gynecol 1993 May;81(5 ( Pt 2)):860-2
7. Goetsch MF
Vulvar vestibulitis: prevalence and historic features in
a general gynecologic practice population.
Department of Ob-Gyn Education, Good Samaritan Hospital
and Medical Center, Portland, OR 97210.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 1991 Jun;164(6 Pt 1):1609-14; discussion 1614-6
8. Furlonge CB; Thin RN; Evans BE; McKee PH
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: a clinico-pathological study.
Department of Histopathology, UMDS, London, UK.
Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1991 Jul;98(7):703-6
9. Gotlieb, Annie, "The Pain That Wouldn't Go Away"; Ladies'
Home Journal, December 1993; pp 96-100
10. McKay M, Frankman O, Horowitz BJ, Lecart C, Micheletti L,
Ridley CM, Turner ML, Woodruff JD
Vulvar vestibulitis and vestibular papillomatosis. Report of the
ISSVD Committee on Vulvodynia.
Department of Dermatology and Gynecology, Emory University School
of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
J Reprod Med 1991 Jun;36(6):413-5
11. Umpierre SA; Kaufman RH; Adam E; Woods KV; Adler-Storthz K
Human papillomavirus DNA in tissue biopsy specimens of vulvar
vestibulitis patients treated with interferon.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College
of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Obstet Gynecol 1991 Oct;78(4):693-5
12. Marinoff SC; Turner ML
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
REVIEW ARTICLE: 38 REFS.
Dermatol Clin 1992 Apr;10(2):435-44
13. Bazin S; Bouchard C; Brisson J; Morin C; and others
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: an exploratory case-control study.
Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Saint-Sacrement Hospital,
Quebec, Canada.
Obstet Gynecol 1994 Jan;83(1):47-50
14. Wilkinson EJ; Guerrero E; Daniel R; Shah K; and others
Vulvar vestibulitis is rarely associated with human papillomavirus
infection types 6, 11, 16, or 18.
Department of Pathology, University of Florida College of
Medicine, Gainesville 32610.
Int J Gynecol Pathol 1993 Oct;12(4):344-9
15. Fibromyalgia Network Newsletter, October, 1993; 'The Team
Approach to Studying FMS'; Available from the Fibromyalgia
Network, 5700 Stockdale Hwy, Suite 100; Bakersfield, CA 93309
USA
16. Solomons CC; Melmed MH; Heitler SM
Calcium citrate for vulvar vestibulitis. A case report.
Rose Medical Center, Denver, CO.
J Reprod Med 1991 Dec;36(12):879-82
17. Bornstein J; Pascal B; Abramovici H
Intramuscular beta-interferon treatment for severe vulvar
vestibulitis
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical
Center, Haifa, Israel.
J Reprod Med 1993 Feb;38(2):117-20
18. Larsen J; Peters K; Petersen CS; Damkjaer K; and others
Interferon alpha-2b treatment of symptomatic chronic vulvodynia
associated with koilocytosis.
Department of Dermatology, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1993 Oct;73(5):385-7
19. Bornstein J; Pascal B; Abramovici H
Treatment of a patient with vulvar vestibulitis by intramuscular
interferon beta; a case report.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Davis Carmel
Hospital, Haifa, Israel.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991 Dec 13;42(3):237-9
20. Westrom L
[Dyspareunia caused by vulvar vestibulitis--good results
of surgical interventions]
Kvinnokliniken, Lasarettet i Lund.
Language: Swe
Lakartidningen 1992 Apr 22;89(17):1460-1
21. "Physical Therapy and Vulvar Pain'; The Vulvar Pain Newsletter,
#3, Winter, 1994
22. "Biofeedback Relief for Vulvar Pain"; The Vulvar Pain Newsletter,
#2, Fall, 1993
23. Mann MS, Kaufman RH, Brown D Jr, Adam E
Vulvar vestibulitis: significant clinical variables and treatment
outcome.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Obstet Gynecol 1992 Jan;79(1):122-5
24. Ostergard DR
Vestibulitis: A Cause of Dyspareunia.
Med Aspects of Human Sexuality; March: 36, 1990
25. "New Direction in Medical Management of Vulvar Vestibulitis";
The Vulvar Pain Newsletter, #5, Fall 1994
X. Additional references:
Wei ZM; Zhao YT
[Immunohistochemical study on human papillomavirus infection
of the vulva]
Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao Medical College.
Language: Chi
Chung Hua Fu Chan Ko Tsa Chih 1993 Apr;28(4):205-7, 252
Secor RM; Fertitta L
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.
Nurse Pract Forum 1992 Sep;3(3):161-8
McKay M
Vulvodynia. Diagnostic patterns.
Emory University School of Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital,
Atlanta, Georgia.
REVIEW ARTICLE: 24 REFS.
Dermatol Clin 1992 Apr;10(2):423-33
Vulvar vestibulitis [editorial] [see comments]
Lancet 1991 Sep 21;338(8769):729-30
Comment in: Lancet 1991 Oct 26;338(8774):1088
Phoebe
Thanks for the info, Nancy. I can't tell you how grateful I am. So
it's not madness after all. We'll just have to inform the experts now!
>In <4it0e0$d...@newsbf02.news.aol.com> jobe...@aol.com (Jobe West)
>writes:
>>
>>Phoebe,
>>
>>I saw your message. I am desperate. I have had mild to severe
>vaginal
>>burning and frequent urination for two and l/2 years. There is a
>gnawing,
>>crazy feeling around my urethra that sometimes goes up into my
>bladder.
>>It is with me 24 hours a day. It worsens with food allergies or
>>medications Sex is impossible and has been for the last year and a
>half.
>>It only increasesthe burning. .
>>
>>I have been to 16 doctors over the past two years. I have had gynos
>tell
>It sounds like you have a disease called Interstitial Cystitis. For
>more information check out
>Newsgroup alt.support.inter-cystitis
>The IC Network http://www.sonic.net/~jill/icnet/icnet.html
>The ICA http://www.ichelp.com
>Let me know if there is any other way that I can help.
>Nancy Michelli
>Founder of AOL IC forum
>Co-leader of IC Redwood Empire in Northern California
Phoebe
>Phoebe,
>I saw your message. I am desperate. I have had mild to severe vaginal
>burning and frequent urination for two and l/2 years. There is a gnawing,
>crazy feeling around my urethra that sometimes goes up into my bladder.
>It is with me 24 hours a day. It worsens with food allergies or
>medications Sex is impossible and has been for the last year and a half.
>It only increasesthe burning. .
>I have been to 16 doctors over the past two years. I have had gynos tell
>me that it was all in my head. I have also had two doctors tell me that
>it must be a chronic condition (even though they can't see anything) and
>that it will probably never get better. I have been allergy tested. I
>have now lost 22 pounds. I am on an anti-candida diet where I eat only
>vegetables and meat.
Do you take Acidopholis (excuse the spelling, this is how it sounds, I
think) which helps to restore the balance oif 'good' bacteria in the
gut. And liberal applications of live yoghurt. It beats 'waiting for
it to go away'.
>I am so depressed, it
>is really hard to focus on anything anymore. I have been keeping a
>journal of what I eat, etc. to try to find out what the problem is. When
>the doctors gave me
>Diflucan and/or Nizoral (assuming it was Candida), that only made me
>worse.
My doctors also treated me on several occasions for Candida, the
preparations for which caused blistering and actually burning the skin
off! I consider that positively unsuccessful.
>Seven day creams do nothing for me. I may, however, as my doctor now
>about the Betnovate Cream.
>I avoid wheat, milk, corn, soy, tomatoes, potatoes, citrus strictly. That
>helps
>some, but the problem still won't go awayl. I also became allergic to my
>makeup
>this year. I got severe headaches and earaches from my hairspray and
>mascara. Try losing your sexuality and your looks all in one shot. It's a
>real demoralizer.
My husband was scared to touch me in case he hurt me and I felt very
rejected and unattractive.
>I am so sorry about what the problem did to your marriage. I know how
>awful
>this problem is. To lose the one you love over it had to be really
>terrible. I only
>hope that I can find a solution before it happens to my husband and me.
>
>I have been wondering if stress could be a contributor to this. The past
>seven
>years, I was a primary caregiver for my father who has Alzheimer's and my
>mother who s battling bone cancer. On top of that, I finished up an
>advanced degree, quit a job I was miserable in, gota new job (which I
>hate) and got married.
>I'm worried to death about this.
You know that worry will make it worse. Its difficult to be positive,
but you must be. Find some positive affirmations, like, Every Day in
Every Way I'm Getting Better and Better. Write it down if you can't
remember it straight-away. Stand in front of the mirror every morning
and look yourself in the eyes, and repeat this three times. The power
of thought is so strong, so you must stop saying that it's getting
worse. If you want it to get better - and I'm sure you do - tell
yourself so and make it happen!!
Do you know any good doctors in the Ohio
>area.
>I'd travel. If anyone else reads this, please respond!!! I am desperate.
I'm writing from England so can't advise on doctors. I do believe
stress is a factor, which becomes a vicious circle when bearing the
constant irritation. Mine would wake me in the night and I would have
to get up and apply more cream, just to sooth the burning. I was
prescribed mediations containing lanolin, but the hospital consultant
said that I should on no account use lanolin as this irritates eczema
conditions - as if I hadn't discovered that already! I could have gone
screaming mad from this, its just impossible to describe
.
>P.S. One doctor told me not to use "soap" on the vagina--so I use a
>coconut cleanser bar I got at the health food store You might try that
>(it helps). My tongue has also developed an irritation that comes and
>goes (that was misdiagnosed by one of my doctors as "thrush.") I use warm
>saline washes on that, and it helps a lot!!!
I used to add rock salt to the bath water and not much else. Also,
bicarbonate of soda (baking soda?) in a hip bath may give some relief.
Can you remember whether the irritation was there before the semen
burning? I think mine was,
Phoebe
Camilla
Thanks for your input. Please add me to your mailing list.
Phoebe
>Jobe West <jobe...@aol.com> wrote:
>: Phoebe,
>: I saw your message. I am desperate. I have had mild to severe vaginal
>: burning and frequent urination for two and l/2 years. There is a gnawing,
>: crazy feeling around my urethra that sometimes goes up into my bladder.
>: It is with me 24 hours a day. It worsens with food allergies or
>: medications Sex is impossible and has been for the last year and a half.
>: It only increasesthe burning. .
>Sounds an awful lot like either vulvar vestibulitis syndrome or
>pudendal nerualgia. The cause of these conditions is not a candida
>infection, so anti-fungals don't work and may worsen the condition.
>lots of MDs, even gyns, don't known s*** about either condition. It took
>3 years and a lot of research on my part to get my own case diagnosed.
>You need a specialist in vulvar pain disorders. Vulvar vestibulitis
>sydnrome, BTW, is associated with another disorder called 'burning mouth
>and tongue syndrome'. Not in your head, and no wonder sex hurts like
>hell.
>I'm sending you the vulvar pain FAQ by e-mail.
>--
> "The trick is to keep an open mind, without it being so open
> that your brain falls out."
> Camilla Cracchiolo, RN cam...@primenet.com
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Shrine of the Cybernetic Madonna BBS 213-766-1356 Los Angeles
> CFS/Fibromyalgia/AIDS support * General medical information *
> Politics * Church of the SubGenius * Skepticism & Science
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
--
jl...@primenet.com
I went to the doctors and they were of no help. One finally
prescribed Cipro which cures all sorts of infections. However, the
best solution was making sure that I drank 2 glasses of water with 1
teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar, adding honey to taste. Other
antibiotics will make the situation worse. Forget the doctors who
talk about stress...they just say that if they cannot come up with a
quick solution. Try it, it worked for me.
Donna
Phoebe
I'm sure I speak for many of the respondents to this particular thread
when I thank you heartily for bringing this topic to the group. The
information I personally gained has far outweighed anything that
either my doctor or hospital consultant has provided.
Regards.
Phoebe
an5...@anon.penet.fi wrote:
>Hi, my girlfriend and I have a problem. Most times when we have sex everything
>is fine but once in a while my semen gives her a burning feeling in her vagina.
>She used to have this almost all the time with her old boyfriend. But with me
>since it isn't all the time I believe it may be something I ate. I do take
>higher than average doses of vitamins and not everyday so this may be it. I
>have yet to confirm a causal like though. If anyone has experienced this before
>please let me know. It's very important to us.
>Please reply via e-mail.
>Thanks in advance,
>Matt
>--****ATTENTION****--****ATTENTION****--****ATTENTION****--***ATTENTION***
>Your e-mail reply to this message WILL be *automatically* ANONYMIZED.
>Please, report inappropriate use to ab...@anon.penet.fi
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marg...@opus.temple.edu
The yoga people have some kind of gadget that you fill with salt
water and use it to inhale the salt water up your nose. This has
cleared the sinus problems of a lot of people I know. I think
it costs $15. If you email me, I can try to get you
the phone number of the Kripalu Center that sells it. Otherwise,
you could just get an ear syringe, fill it with salt water, and
have your son use that to clear his nose.
marg...@opus.eng.temple.edu
Cliff
says...
Margaret,
Let's get real for a moment.....Your son has got a problem, you've seen
an ENT and an allergist, you still have a problem!
1. Sinus infections come from, in most cases, a blockage that inhibits
the sinuses from draining fluids hence a bacteria build-up.
2. Blockage of the sinus passages can be caused by swelling due to allergy
or polyps.
3. If your allergist has not found any allergens that your son reacts to
change your allergist and pediatrician!
4. If your ENT has not found nasal polyps due to allergy, change your ENT!
5. If there is an infection, don't use holostic and homeopathic treatments,
use antibiotics and topical nasal sprays such as Flonase.
6. Don't use ANYTHING unless recommended by a doctor.
7. Air cleaners (HEPA), mattress and pillow covers, changing diet can help
but it all could be a waste of time if you don't narrow down your search
to what the real problem is. Consider further allergy testing.
I hope I wasn't to blunt with you, My apologies if I was.
Good Luck,
Cliff
RCHCTH
testing done. Perhaps, the tonsils need to be removed. My daughter had
recurrent infections, tons of antibiotics, had to have her tonsils out at
2 1/2 yrs of age----different child after the removal, like nite and
day---although very allergic to this day the tonsillectomy made all the
difference. We never would have made it to the age of 7 if it hadn't been
done.
We had to keep her on antibiotics until they could get the tonsils out.
The ENT doctor said they were just rotten.
Camilla Cracchiolo
: Have you considered contraceptive by injection? You might be able to
: try a mini-dose to rule out any allergic reaction.
Two studies now have found a connection between early use of oral
contraceptives and vulvar vestibulitis. One study adjusted for number of
sexual partners (because early OC use could mean more partners and
therefore more exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.) and still
found a connection. So a lot of researchers are now looking at the
possibility of a hormonal cause for vestibulitis. A lot of women with
VVS are getting relief using estrogen creams. I would therefore be
cautious about the use of injectable hormonal contraception if a person
has signs of vestibulitis. These shots are progestins, which have some
anti-estrogenic effect in the body.
Anecdote:
I think my own case may be related to OC use, since I was one of those
'early OC users'. When I got off the pill, I noticed that I had to use
lubricants to have sex comfortably because I was no longer lubricating as
well before I went on the pill. Vaginal lubrication is one of those
things that are related to estrogen. I think that was an early sign that
I was no longer producing as much estrogen as before. And I happen to be
one of those women who gets distinct improvement in symptoms using
estrogen vaginal creams.
Paul McLemore
sounds familiar my som is six years old
when removed dairy products completely
drinks goats milk bought at grocery store about $2.50 quart
no sugar
no red dye
no carbination
no soft drinks
he is a differnt boy, happy, energy, maybe not always about food choices
however health is better.
have also started regular childrens vitamins and vitimin C
any questions e-mail me
paul
Phoebe
I may have indavertently brought this thread to a close. This was
definitely not my intention.
Please keep any information coming.
Thanks
pfaff
thought it was the K-Y or the spermiside (sp?) but it is not. We have to use a
condom because of it. It was becoming a real problem especially durring the
day, when I was at work, I would have to keep going to the bathroom to wash
myself because of the itching. Un-like men, women are not allowed to scrach in
public. It was also causing me to get yeast infections more often because of
the medicins I had to use to tone down the itching. Sad isn't it?
LARS RUDBECK
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TUE ARNKIL
Hej Lars
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pfaff
In article <8BE021E.0B02...@dkb.dk>,
Paula Mannheim
>is fine but once in a while my semen gives her a burning feeling in her vagina.
>She used to have this almost all the time with her old boyfriend. But with me
>since it isn't all the time I believe it may be something I ate. I do take
>higher than average doses of vitamins and not everyday so this may be it. I
>have yet to confirm a causal like though. If anyone has experienced this before
>please let me know. It's very important to us.
>
>Please reply via e-mail.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Matt
Dear Matt,
When I was younger, I had a boyfriend whose semen often burned my vagina. I
think later on I had another boyfriend whose semen also burned me. But then my
other boyfriends' semen didn't bother me at all. Somehow I think it's just body
chemistry (unfortunately). My option was to sometimes douche after sex (not
using that as a birth control method, of course, and not douching every time,
since douching more than twice a week isn't recommended). I also occasionally
used a diaphragm in my life or those birth control suppositories and they not
only burned my own vagina, but the head of the partner's penis. But that was of
course from the spermicide. It's hard to determine exactly what foods it might
be that cause the burning either, but there's no doubt that a healthy diet
overall is important with regard to body chemistry, etc.
If it burns and bothers her too much, maybe sometimes you can pull it out when
you ejaculate or perhaps you could use a use a condom. And then perhaps maybe
twice a week you can ejaculate in her and she can douche immediately afterwards,
(but remember, she shouldn't every day, probably only a couple times a week).
And I hope you guys are using some kind of birth control and are careful about
HIV as well. Good luck to you both.
Paula Mannheim <lau...@edenbbs.com>
California, USA
ron
Subject: Re: vaginal burning from semen
To: an5...@anon.penet.fi
Cc:
>>an5...@anon.penet.fi wrote:
>
>
>>>Hi, my girlfriend and I have a problem. Most times when we have sex
everything
>>>is fine but once in a while my semen gives her a burning feeling in
her vagina.
>>>She used to have this almost all the time with her old boyfriend.
But with me
>>>since it isn't all the time I believe it may be something I ate. I
do take
>>>higher than average doses of vitamins and not everyday so this may
be it. I
>>>have yet to confirm a causal like though. If anyone has experienced
this before
>>>please let me know. It's very important to us.
>
>>>Please reply via e-mail.
>
>>>Thanks in advance,
>
>>>Matt
Matt,
There is a chance you may have an early case of Prostatitis (an
infection of the prostate). As we over on
sci.med.prostate.prostatitis are beginning to understand, the prostate
is made up of some 40 to 50 smaller glands called acini. When these
get infected they seal themselves off (or are sealed off by the
infection) and this causes the swelling which causes most of the
problems associated with prostatitis (frequent urination, urine flow
problems, pain when sitting, pain during sex, etc.).
What does that have to do with you? Well, some of the infected acini
sometimes may manage to get open during an orgasm. When they do the
material which comes out is highly alkaline. So much so that it can
cause a burning feeling from the prostate all the way to the tip of
the penis. (I know this from experience.) Even if it doesn't bother
you it may still be strong enough to cause the burning sensation that
your partner feels. (The seminal fluid being rather thick does not
quickly mix so that it all has the same pH. Some parts of it with
high pH may be trapped in the middle where you won't feel it but once
it spreads out in her vagina the high pH stuff may still be
concentrated enough to do some damage. One possible explanation
anyway.)
I don't know how old you are or whether you may have any of the
symptoms of prostatitis but since 50% of all men eventually seem to
have it and it can start as early as 17 it can not be quickly ruled
out. It sneaks up on you very slowly. One common early symptom is
the size the "last drop" leaves on your underwear. Less than a dime
is good. When it reaches a quarter you've got it.
I wish I could tell you to go see a urologist in the confidence that
he could detect and cure it but I afraid that is not the case.
Detection is difficult in the early stages. He may be able to detect
a slightly enlarged or boggy prostate with a DRE (Digital Rectal
Exam). The WBC (White Blood Cell) count of the fluid he presses out
of the prostate may be slightly elevated (if he presses hard enough to
get at least one infected acinus to open.) The cure has been found
but it is has not yet widely known. Essentially it requires manual
drainage of the prostate every other day, frequent cultures of the
fluid and testing of appropriate antibiotics for the best match and
use thereof, recognition that there should be no bacteria in the fluid
regardless of how common or harmless they are thought to be.
Antibiotics alone seldom work and just lead to resistant strains of
bacteria as the antibiotics are seldom able to penetrate into the
blocked acini. Visit the prostatitis foundation's website at:
http:/www.prostate.org
for more information.
Ron
¤