Questions?

[tillysav]

I wasn't sure where to post these questions, so I hope this is OK.
(1)What meds help the most with VV?
(2)Does anyone take Atarax or Cysta-Q for VV?

I have a friend with this problem (shes been diagnosed), but does not have a doctor who is knowledgeable about VV. She does not have access to a computer. So I am trying to help find information to her questions.

Thank's so much for your replies.

[July]

I have VV. Right now I am taking low dose antidepressant to help with it. I've taken imipramine and now take zoloft. Also, I take 1200 mg of calcium citrate daily. I take Citracal, but I'm wondering if I may be a bit sensitive to it? I'm experimenting. The calcium citrate is suppose to take the oxylates out of urine so it doesn't hurt the tissue as much coming out. I heard calcium carbonate can also help. Also, I take Elmiron for IC. Baking soda sitz baths are soothing. Also, after urinating, rinse off with water from a water bottle and pat dry. Some people apply vitamin e oil. Also, unscented toilet paper and cotton underwear (preferably white) are recommended. Wash underwear separately with a detergent like Dreft (just a few drops) and double rinse. I use "natural" pads that do not have bleach during my period. Rest of the month, Sleep without underwear. In fact, try to go without underwear as much as possible! Drink plenty of water. There is also a "low oxylate diet" that categorizes foods according to oxylate level. High oxylate foods are a no no. My symptoms very much flare like IC. some people believe IC and VV are one in the same.

[tillysav]

Thank you for replying...appreciate it. :)
Your information and suggestions are very helpful!

[Rachael]

I was diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis a few months ago, while undergoing treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction (internal and external massage/trigger point therapy). I started noticing that I had a bad burning sensation during sex and basically, we couldn't do it at all. My PT suspected I had vestibulitis based on my symptoms. I went to a nurse practicioner who specializes in IC/PFD/vulvar problems, and she did a swab test to see how sensitive my tissue was and she said it was very red as well. It was definitely vulvar vestibulitis and she said sometimes when you have PFD the muscles can restrict the ability to self-lubricate -- those glands basically get "blocked". So, she gave me 2 topical creams, Estrace and Atropine. They are specially compounded hormonal creams that you just apply to the "vestibule" tissue that's affected and they help to heal and "toughen up" the skin again. The hormonal aspect has nothing to do with affecting your hormones -- they're just the active ingredient in the cream. I have had a 95% improvement within 6 weeks of using these creams!! She said they do work for most of her patients but not all. And, it's something that isn't curable per say, but it can be kept almost completely at bay with these creams. We are able to have intercourse again without the burning and it is great!! Hope this helps.

Just to clarify, the Estrace cream is available as a regular prescription product. If you look it up online, you'll see there are risks associated with it b/c it's got estrogen, but the nurse practioner assured me that since you're not actually inserting the cream inside you, just on the skin, it's no risk.

The Atropine cream is something that is specially compounded. If your doctor has no idea what it is or how either of these creams help, tell them to call Dr. Kristene Whitmore at the Pelvic Floor Institute of Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia. She/her staff should be able to give your doc all the info they need.