Any tips on what to do about pain the day after intercourse?

[ellynh]

Hello, last month I was diagnosed with Vulvodynia. My problem is that I've been experiencing vulvar pain the day after intercourse. I've used lidocaine ointment before sex, then have tried applying ice to my vulva after intercourse, but the pain still appears the next day. Anything I else can try? Any helpful hints, exercises, anything is welcome!

Ellynh

[ChrissyH]

I also get sore afterwards, though I'm usually sore right afterwards. I always pee right after and then rinse the area off with cool water. The cold water helps to bring down any swelling, as well as rinse you clean of anything irritating. I don't need to use the lidocaine before sex, but I will sometimes apply it afterwards. This seems to help me so that I'm only tender to the touch for a little while afterwards. However, everyone is different. I also take 25mg of Elavil every night, which has helped me as well.

[SillyPixie]

I am usually very sore right afterward, and sometimes the next day as well. I use lidocaine before and after, I completely rely on it. Are you using the 2% or the 5%? I use 2% most of the time but when I'm having a really bad day I use the 5%. I have it compounded in olive oil because it's too strong by itself. It still stings for a minute when I first apply it, but then there is relief. I have tried icing after intercourse but I find the cold is too cold. I prefer to take a small water bottle and place it between my legs. I have one in the fridge, which is usually just right, and one in the freezer for those really bad days. That's all I've got, but I look forward to reading what anyone else has to say.

[Julieee]

Thank goodness I am not alone with this problem. I have found relief with the cold presses (sometimes just a cold can of coke) :) if I don't have the press handy, lydocane before and after sex...and most recently, I have been prescribed Elavil 10 MG taking it at night before I go to sleep. I'm only on pill number 3, so I have to wait and see if that works. I've changed condom types too... no more latex (although I don't think I have a latex allergy). We're using the thin kind...I think the brand is Avanti. They're not stretchy like regular condoms. I'm also starting physical therapy next week.

Good luck!!

[ChrissyH]

One other thing that helps me is to use a good lube. The lube helps to reduce the friction, which in turn reduces the soreness afterwards. I am still tender to the touch afterwards, but it goes away much quicker. If we don't use a lube, the tenderness lasts much longer.

[poetgirl]

I'm on 25 mg of Elavil, which helped a lot with my VV symptoms. Right after having sex, I get up and rinse the vulvar area with cool water. I can tolerate anti-inflammatories, so I will also usually take 1 Aleve to counteract any inflammation. I do not sleep with underwear on, which also helps.

If I do have some soreness the next day, I have a prescription for Betamethasone Valerate gel (it's a cortisone steroid) that helps. I only use it one or two days, because repeated use can thin tissue and cause more problems over time. Over-the-counter Gynecort also works well for me too. And I continue to rinse with cool water after urinating, since urine can be irritating.

[SillyPixie]

Yes, good lube is a must! I've heard that KY jelly has an additive that irritates people with vulvadynia. My gyno recommends Astroglyde and I prefer it.

[Michelle in KC]

OK, I think this wsa recommended to me YEARS and YEARS ago by maybe ICNDonna, or maybe Julie B? Anyway it was a condom filled with crushed ice and rubbing alcohol. Tie it and freeze it. It does not freeze solid, so it remains flexable. It works for inside and outside pain and swelling.

A hint from me though: HIDE IT IF YOU HAVE KIDS!! Use an empty box of frozen broccoli or lima beens.

I do like the can of coke idea.....
:) Michelle

[SillyPixie]

My PT recommended the same thing, but to fill the condom with astroglyde lubricant. (It doesn't freeze solid either.) I find that this is too cold for my tissue. My favorite thing is to put my cold water bottle in between my legs. I can do this at work, school etc when I'm sitting down and it doesn't look too out of the ordinary.
And yes, either hide it or tell the people with you live with about it. I kept mine in a little tupperware box and when we first moved in together, I told my fiancee not to look in it. One day everything fell out of the freezer and the tupperwear popped open. He was like "Uh, why is there a frozen condom in the freezer?" He was pretty concerned about what might be inside, and we had a big laugh about it.

[denisenfwb]

I too have pain after sex. I am very concerned the older that I get. It seems to take me so long to get to an orgasm. Lately I have about killed my poor husband with trying to keep him hanging in there until I am able to finish. Does anyone suffer more the day after if they aren't able to climax? I seem to be in more pain if I am unable to finish. My muscles seem to be tighter and I have terrible bladder spasms! I miss the great sex life we shared! I am currently taking 100 mg of Elmiron, 2mg Detrol and some days when it is really bad I have Percocet and Phenergan. I also take Cystex and Utira C. I hope to have feedback.....

[carla_2004]

Re: Lubricant- most lubes, including astroglide, have additives that are irritating to women with vulvadynia. My PFD PT recommended a product called "Slippery Stuff." After trying at least 10 different brands, this one does not irritate my vulva and surrounding area. Google it to find a retail supplier.

My PT also gives me "Mr. Frosty," a condom filled with a recipe that is hard, but not too. It cools down the burn and is not too cold for me. For sensitive women, the key is to find a condom that is non-irritating to cover Mr. Frosty and keep him sterile.

Other ideas... warm baths to relax the area, plus soothes it. Great idea, too, if you suffer from PFD. I work from home, so often will work in a comfy clothes and shifts ( I love Soma's Cool Day/Night clothes) sans cotton undies. Lidocaine, too, on day 2, since that is the day it flares up.

Hope this helps. Carla

[JennyBird]

Carla,
this if off the subject, but what do you do from home? I have a long commute and we're thinking of starting a family next year. I'd love to keep working in some way, but there's no way to stay where I am now. The docs think the stress and sitting so long are causing me problems w/ the IC/PFD/VV, etc.... I'd love to hear about what you do, maybe I can find something similiar!

thanks,
Jenny