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Frustrated! (a post about bcp, no sex and pain)
I have frequented this board due to my previous issues with painful intercourse and still, I'm in the same position.
After a trip to my gynecologist, I was told I had a bacteria infection so I was giving tindamax and some premarin to help with dryness. I had a mild yeast infection, so I was also given a cream. On top of all this, I had my birth control changed from loestin 24 fe to natazia because I was having terrible headaches.
After all of this treatment, intercourse is still painful (not as much) and is almost impossible. The Natazia made me completely sick, so I stopped taking the first pack with only 3 pills left. I was told that was one of the lowest bcp, and I've already been through an entire slew of them. I didn't particularly want to get off the bcp because 1. Now is not the most convenient time to conceive and 2. I have polycystic ovarian syndrome-already had surgery and without the hormones in the bcp, the cysts will continue to grow. My doctor said the next time we'd do surgery (if cysts were present) that he would take one of my ovaries. OKAY-so, I'm really running out of ideas and the doc isn't really helping me out. Initially, I wanted something that would boost my sex drive because the bcp has completely wiped it out and I figured after taking all of that medicine the pain would go away-but it hasn't. Now, my DH can't even penetrate me completely, and when he does, it still hurts.
Has anyone had any experience with any of these issues?
Re: Frustrated! (a post about bcp, no sex and pain)
I'm sorry you have to deal with this & I hope it gets better soon!
Have you thought of switching doctors?
It might be better to get that second opinion. Especially if you're having such difficulties.
From you saying that your husband is barely able to penetrate. Has anyone ever mentioned vaginismus to you before? This pretty much is when the vaginal muscles get so tight that nothing can eventually enter, not even a pinky finger/tampon!
I again, suggest you see another doctor if you feel your questions and problems are not being resolved.
I would also suggest trying another doctor. Just to see what they might have to say.
I might also try taking a cycle or two off the bcp pills just to sort of give your body a rest, so you might be able to sort out what symptoms are caused by them and what are not.
Your infections should clear up relatively quickly with the medications your dr. gave you, and your dr. can check to make sure they've cleared up, I assume? I wouldn't worry too much about those.
Is the pain caused by the infections, or did you have pain before the infections?
Yes, you should read up on vaginismus and ask your dr. what other factors could possibly contribute to your pain.
Well, I've finished the medications for about two weeks already and had a follow up appointment. I didn't want to have intercourse until after the treatment and after the docs ok. I told him I was still experiencing irritation and he suggested I stay on the premarin. I would consider switching to another physician, but am apprehensive because he is 'the best' around these parts. Of course, what good is 'the best' when I'm still having issues. At my follow up appointment I had some blood work done to evaluate my hormone levels (for the lack of sex drive) so tomorrow I will be back at the doctor's office to discuss the results.
I have heard of vaginismus and that actually is a probability. Initially, the pain was supposedly from the infections, however, I took all my medications and the pain is still an issue. Hopefully I'll have some answers by tomorrow....
The infections can actually be a source of secondary vaginismus because your body starts associating intercourse with pain due to the infections and pretty soon your muscles will start responding. It's kind of a coping mechanism, albeit a very frustrating one. Good luck on all of your bloodwork!