Constant Pain

[stef22]

I am 25yr healthy female. 2 years ago I developed inflammation of the vulva after 8 months on doxycycline. At first, it went away with over the counter medication for thrush but then it stopped responding. My symptoms are severe inflammation which has progressively got worse and pain on touch. Topical steroid creams and voltaren have not been effective. I have been to so many doctors, I have had tests for every STD, a pap smear etc and they have been negative. A biopsy showed 'chronic inflammation consistent with non-specific vulvitis'. I have been to specialists who have given me no further treatment- they have increased the dosage of the topical steroid cream which has done nothing. I have tried probiotics, vitamins etc. Please let me know is there any treatment available to decrease the inflammation? This condition has serious impacts on my life in terms of psychological health, relationships, ability to do physical activity etc. I feel extremely helpless and depressed about this situation, unfortunately the specialists I have seen in Australia are unable to help me or even provide any insight. Can I please obtain your ideas and recommendations about my condition. I understand it is difficult to diagnose over the internet but I am desperate. If you are unable to suggest treatment/recommendations, can you suggest what I can do?  Are you aware of any experts that I can visit in Australia. I am even willing to go to see a doctor in the United States, when I visit next year. I am quite desperate. Thank you so much for any input.

[free spirit]

Check out the yahoo groups  vulvar disorders.  Those women have a lot of info and I believe there are one or two women from Australia who are on the board.

Also check out vulvodynia.com    The FAQ section has a lot of information.   Also look up info on pelvic floor dysfunction.

Has anybody mentioned a physical therapist, especially one that deals with chronic pelvic pain and or myofascial release?  It would really be worth your time to call around and see if you can find one.  After being in pain for so long your body tightens up.  The pelvic floor muscles also tighten up and don't release. This can cause symptoms of vulvar burning, stinging, itching, redness, swelling, pain at touch or  24/7.

Hopefully you will find information that will help you determine which way to go.

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

Unfortunately, I don't believe there is much I can add at this time.  You have been thoroughly worked up by multiple physicians and I'm certainly not going to be able to do better online (and that is not the role of this site).  But if you are in the states, you should look up Elizabeth Gunther Stewart, M.D., FACOG, a Boston-based gynecologist.  She has written "The V Book" which is a comprehensive treatise on vulvovaginal disease.  

Best regards,

Dr. Downing