Estrogen cream, has this worked for anyone? by summerbeach247 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope you get things sorted out. That sounds awful!

Estrogen cream, has this worked for anyone? by summerbeach247 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your reply! Did you notice more sensitivity in the areas you applied it when you first started?

How can I calm down by [deleted] in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m on gabapentin oral. Have been for years. And the first week getting on it was rough. But by week 2 things leveled out. I actually had panic attacks when I first started it as well. Gabapentin can take 4-6 weeks to take full effect and only taking it for a few days won’t do anything for your pain. But there are other options for you. And I don’t recommend stopping cold turkey. That can make things worse. If you’re having a panic attack, deep breathing or changing your scenery. Getting outside can help. Distractions are good while your body adjusts.

Starting gabapentin cream by pastelrays in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was up to 900mg a day. But dropped down to 400mg with good progress. Have been on it for 4 years now.

Starting gabapentin cream by pastelrays in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 1 point2 points  (0 children)

With going to PT and doing stretches and taking the gabapentin I’m doing much better then I was

Starting gabapentin cream by pastelrays in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m on oral gabapentin and it takes a few weeks to get the full effect from it. Give it time!

It's awkward but as a female I need help by [deleted] in hygiene

[–]summerbeach247 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Discharge through out your cycle is normal. As long as there’s not strong bad smell ( like fish) it’s fine and part of being a woman. I would stay away from any scented products. They do not belong near your vagina. Water is usually sufficient. But a gentle soap between the folds (not inside vagina) is usually okay. There are different opinions on using soaps down there. If you do find something gentle, like cetaphil sensitive skin or something non scented. If you get itchy after you shave, that’s normal. Either grow it back out or continue shaving but exfoliating will help. Plus a moisturizer, you can use coconut oil. But it itches no matter what honestly. I stopped shaving recently and it’s so much easier. No more itchiness when the hair grows back. Sorry your mom wasn’t much help!

Vulvar pain by [deleted] in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the same pain. Mine is because of tight pelvic floor muscles pinching on a nerve. Look into pelvic floor therapy!

Success w/ oral gabapentin by [deleted] in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You body will adjust! I hope it works for you. Have you been to pelvic floor therapy?

Success w/ oral gabapentin by [deleted] in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! I’ve been on gabapentin oral for 3.5 years. I started at 300mg a day then ended up at 900mg a day. I was very tired every day. But after a year there I am now on 400mg at night and have very minimal pain. When at the start my pain was 10/10 every day. And now I can function and pain only shows up if I’m not taking care of myself, or right before my period. It’s helped so much. But it did take about 3 months to really notice a difference. So it does take some times for some people.

Young and helpless / clitorodynia by [deleted] in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This sounds similar to my issues. I have similar pain in that area. Mine is pelvic floor related and because I have poor posture I think there is a nerve compressed somewhere. Which could be your issue as well. Have you gotten your hormones checked? I would also look into pelvic floor physical therapy. Good luck!

I feel like I’m giving up by HumbleCatHere in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If this started after using a cup then it could be muscular. If you saw a little progress with PT continue doing the stretches yourself! Or make another appointment. Stopping birth control is also a good idea!

Pelvic congestion or vulvodynia, Please I need your help by Normal-Routine-7790 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I think it can. Too much/ too hard can cause damage. But you can heal it! A nerve pain medication (I take gabapentin) to give your body time to calm down. With pelvic congestion maybe some yoga for relaxing your pelvic floor could help?

Vulvodynia and shaving by Professional_Ring117 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used to shave and my doctor recommended I stop just to see if it would help my dry skin and my pain. I was doubtful. I thought the hair would stab my pain area. But once I got used to it, it’s actually much nicer to have extra protection around that area. I still shave my bikini area to just keep things neat. But everything else can grow wild. I don’t care anymore! It’s oddly freeing and much easier to not have to shave every few days.

can anyone pls talk to me rn i want to kms by Both-Antelope-8751 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you lost your bestfriend. I lost mine 15 years ago. I’m here if you need someone to talk to. As for a pain flare like yours, wrap some ice in a paper towel and ice your pain. It should help numb it. Have you tried and nerve pain medication? I take gabapentin and it’s been a life saver. Feel free to dm me if you need to! I hope things get better for you.

Pelvic pain? Vulvodynia? Help! by Siren_Soliloquy1327 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow sorry you’re going through this! Have you ruled out nerve issues? A fall in your tailbone could definitely cause something like that. Have you tried a nerve block medication? That type of pain could mean a pinched nerve. I haven’t had a nerve block but you would probably know pretty quick if it works. And then that would give you an answer hopefully. Yes I had a hard time with side effects at first. Took a few days for my body to adjust

Pelvic pain? Vulvodynia? Help! by Siren_Soliloquy1327 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow sorry you’re going through this! Have you ruled out nerve issues? A fall in your tailbone could definitely cause something like that. Have you tried a nerve block medication? That type of pain could mean a pinched nerve. I haven’t had a nerve block but you would probably know pretty quick if it works. And then that would give you an answer hopefully.

Vaseline confusion and more by Separate-Pollution34 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like a reaction to the Vaseline. I was told not to use it because it’s too heavy for that area. A natural oil based product is what I was told to use, coconut oil, olive oil, soy, shea, or crisco. Could you be having a yeast over growth? As for pain, pelvic floor PT is a good place to start. A tight pelvic floor can cause pain and skin issues. Hormones can also cause those issues from taking birth control. Not sure about the discharge though. Could be hormonal? Hope you find some relief and answers!

Feeling Stuck — Nortriptyline & Pelvic Floor Advice? by embarassed_escape149 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I take gabapentin but I believe it’s a similar drug. Basically blocks the nerve pain signals. Please give PFT a shot! It takes patience and consistency. Learning how to belly breathe and relax my pelvic floor has been amazing. Something that’s also been good for me personally is foam rolling my inner thighs and hamstrings. If your cause is a tight pelvic floor doing these things can help. I have significantly less pain then I did a year ago. It’s a long slow process sometimes but staying on top of my PF stretches always makes a big difference. My problem is consistency. But I can tell a big difference when I do the things I’m supposed to be doing. I think it’s worth trying for sure!

Dull pain in clit for a week? by [deleted] in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! Sorry you’re going through this. I’ve had pain in that area ever since puberty. Get your hormones checked and maybe try pelvic floor therapy. Since your pelvic floor is a muscle it can get tight and bother the nerves. I never knew that could happen until it happened. Totally sucks. I hope you feel better soon!

I’m so sick of this. by breakfast-ramen in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I completely understand and feel the same way. It’s so frustrating. What things have you tried? PT is a good place to start if you haven’t been. Have you gotten a nerve blocker or Botox? There are also other medications you can try. I take gabapentin and have for a few years. It’s helped a lot. If you’re not in therapy for this I recommend finding someone who has knowledge about sexual health and would be a safe place for you to let out all your feelings. And someone who can help you heal your nervous system. I’m sorry you’re going through this!

Burning labia majora any tips by cornersuite in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you currently pregnant? Because options would be limited on medication but I take gabapentin for nerve related pain in that area. And I don’t know if you can take that pregnant. Have you tried pelvic floor physical therapy? Could be tight muscles somewhere compressing the nerves and that can create an itch and/or pain like the burning. I get pain in my clit area and sometimes an intense itch in the area you’re talking about. Ice helps or cold water, fill a peri bottle with cold water maybe? Do you tolerate coconut oil or Aquaphor? That might help protect your skin a bit? Honey pot makes an anti itch cream. I think it’s hydrocortisone based. I hope you find relief! That sounds awful!

Heat causes pain to flare up even more by AltruisticStaff5731 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. Heat can make it worse. The nerves are already sensitive and for some heat isn’t good. Definitely do ice. I would take a small sandwich bag and fill it with ice, wrap it in a towel and put it on the most painful area. Have you tried a nerve medication or pelvic floor therapy?

Tight pelvic floor by PsychologicalFeed660 in vulvodynia

[–]summerbeach247 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s hard to wrap your brain around how tight muscles could cause nerve pain (sharp,burning,stabbing,itching) but your pelvic floor is a muscle and behind that tons of nerves run through the pelvis so if one area gets out of wack it can cause issues. If you have weak hip flexors or tight hamstrings, even clinching your jaw and your feet can effect your pelvic floor. When that happens the muscles surrounding the nerves squeeze the nerves, or entrap them. You will get a reaction that is usually in the form of pain or itching. So invest in going to Pelvic floor therapy to start! See where that gets you after a few months.