kimberlyJB
09-25-2006, 07:15 PM
I just recieved my IC Optimist and I was very excited and comforted to be able to sit back and read. It is truly amazing work that ICN is doing and I am incredibly greatful as I forge ahead in this difficult journey with my condition.
As I do so, I am coming to the realization that I will have to address an issue of utmost importance. I have recently rededicated myself to pursing treatment/support etc. that we need to get through this. Vigilance is not my forte, but maybe this is something that I am supposed to learn through all of this.
I read the transcript of the article about Pain and sex and even though it was wonderful and addresses a wonderful topic, I just feel unsure about the findings. First it addresses penetration as a predominant problem. With my condition (which presents itself to me often as more of a urethritis type syndrome) I find that even without penetration, any sexual stimulation will increase my symptoms exponentially and this state could last almost indefinitely. Since I am with a woman right now, penetration is not a foregone conclusion as it is for many women suffering with this condition. But this doesn't seem to help me.
The fact that penetration does not even come into the picture sort of discounts the idea that muscle contractions or rearrangement of the area down there to accommodate penetration, is a comprehensive assessment of what causes sex-flares. Although, I can only imagine that penetration would compound things.....enormously. But since I have such a major and sustained flare following intercourse, I seem to think that pelvic floor dysfunction is also not a possibility. And although I know we continue to have muscle contractions for some time longer than a man, I don't know if we continue to have them days after the event, though that would be fabulous.
I guess for me, it is as if any trauma to my urethra - which is almost always in a state of inflammation - creates a state of crisis / panic in that area. I am sure that the muscle/nerve contractions that occur in orgasm do not help the situation. But it is hard for me to accept the theories presented when even in my situation, where penetration is not a regular practice, sexual activity is such a tramatizing event. And then there is the question of, well then, how to manage if just avoiding penetration is not the answer. Which I am sure is not really a magic bullet for any of you, I know, believe me. I imagine that this may be the case for more than just me.
I suppose we find ways to manage. I have tried planning for the event and preparing for the aftermath, but this is cumbersome/not romantic. But we do what we have to do. Sometimes I will take a pain killer before hand, but it doesn't always help.
I guess as far as pathologically/medically, I am hoping for more of an explanation but I suppose chronic inflammation could explain a lot. But why does it linger for so so long afterwards? Do those of you out there that have more of a urethral seeming syndrome have any thoughts on the lecture? thoughts?
:loco:
As I do so, I am coming to the realization that I will have to address an issue of utmost importance. I have recently rededicated myself to pursing treatment/support etc. that we need to get through this. Vigilance is not my forte, but maybe this is something that I am supposed to learn through all of this.
I read the transcript of the article about Pain and sex and even though it was wonderful and addresses a wonderful topic, I just feel unsure about the findings. First it addresses penetration as a predominant problem. With my condition (which presents itself to me often as more of a urethritis type syndrome) I find that even without penetration, any sexual stimulation will increase my symptoms exponentially and this state could last almost indefinitely. Since I am with a woman right now, penetration is not a foregone conclusion as it is for many women suffering with this condition. But this doesn't seem to help me.
The fact that penetration does not even come into the picture sort of discounts the idea that muscle contractions or rearrangement of the area down there to accommodate penetration, is a comprehensive assessment of what causes sex-flares. Although, I can only imagine that penetration would compound things.....enormously. But since I have such a major and sustained flare following intercourse, I seem to think that pelvic floor dysfunction is also not a possibility. And although I know we continue to have muscle contractions for some time longer than a man, I don't know if we continue to have them days after the event, though that would be fabulous.
I guess for me, it is as if any trauma to my urethra - which is almost always in a state of inflammation - creates a state of crisis / panic in that area. I am sure that the muscle/nerve contractions that occur in orgasm do not help the situation. But it is hard for me to accept the theories presented when even in my situation, where penetration is not a regular practice, sexual activity is such a tramatizing event. And then there is the question of, well then, how to manage if just avoiding penetration is not the answer. Which I am sure is not really a magic bullet for any of you, I know, believe me. I imagine that this may be the case for more than just me.
I suppose we find ways to manage. I have tried planning for the event and preparing for the aftermath, but this is cumbersome/not romantic. But we do what we have to do. Sometimes I will take a pain killer before hand, but it doesn't always help.
I guess as far as pathologically/medically, I am hoping for more of an explanation but I suppose chronic inflammation could explain a lot. But why does it linger for so so long afterwards? Do those of you out there that have more of a urethral seeming syndrome have any thoughts on the lecture? thoughts?
:loco: