Vulvodynia, Vulvar Vestibulist and Rectal Prolapse

Christine,

Thank you for your compliment. I appreciate it. Although the vulvodynia has cleared up my vulvar specialist suggested I stay on the Effexor for a little while longer to help prevent a relapse. I will be off by the end of the year.

The reason I began using an estrogen cream was not because of a prolapse but because of the vulvodynia. One of the reasons I believe I was so susceptible to having a bad reaction from the metrogel and developing vulvodynia is because I was on birth control at such a young age. My older sister became pregnant as a teen. My mom was afraid the same thing would happen with me and immediately put me on birth control at the young age of 11 after my first period. I did not go off until I turned 19. I believe that the lack of natural hormones weaked and thinned my vagina tissue. I would often have burning and pain during intercourse while I was on the shot. Once I went off birth control I had no vaginal problems until the vulvodynia hit. However, no doctor would ever admit this to me. I was put on an estrogen cream to help heal my vaginal and vulvar tissue after I developed vulvodynia and vvs. I can tell it has thicken the tissue because I can physically feel the difference. My partner can also feel the differnce. I believe the cream might be benefical for the rectocele because it does help thicken the vaginal tissue and thus providing a thicker barrier between my rectum and vagina. I personally feel that it has helped the rectocele from worsening by keeping the tissue thicken. I also believe the herbal ointment I've made has helped by strengthening the tissue. I noticed an improvement after one week while using the ointment. I use the estrogen cream at night when I go to sleep and the herbal ointment in the afternoon after I have a bowel movement when a significant amount of the esterogen cream has been push out of my vagina.

The reason I believe that I am a rare case is because I have never heard about someone as young as me having prolapse. I am both relieved and annoyed. I've had so many problems with doctors in the last year. I have basically had to be my own advocate, do my own research, find my own cures, and diagnose myself. No kidding. I was the only one who could help myself. When I first had a bad reaction to the metrogel I phoned the doctor and told her that I was havgin a bad reaction and experiencing intense burning and that everything that touched my vuvla and vagina felt like sandpaper-and that's putting it nicely. She said oh that's normal just keep using the cream. i trust her and she was very wrong.

Many doctors have never heard of vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulist. Once I was told that I developed those conditions because of a brazillian wax I had the month before. I have also been told there is no possible way I could prolapse because I've never had children and I am so young. When I went to the emergency room for severe rectal pain (exactly in the spot where I now have the rectocele!!!) I was told nothing was wrong with me and to relax and have a glass on wine and I'd be fine. I could go on and on with stories but I will stop there.

I was told that I have rectal prolapse and not a rectocele because of how high in my vaginal canal my problem is. A rectocele does sound much more accurate though.

Although I have fairly good posture I strongly agree with you that a postural problem may have contributed to my rectocele. When my vulvodynia was sooo bad and my pelis was incredible sore I would actually sit on my lower back instead of my pelvis in an attempt to lessen the pain (with no avail of course). Also, I would find my sitting adjusting my body this way or that way without trying again to try to lessen the pain in anyway. Sometimes I find myself still doing these things without thinking about it and am trying to become conscious of my actions.

Surgery is something I have been putting off for the last few months because I am aware of the high failure rate. Again and again I am reassured that I will do well because I am so young and the women who usually go through the procedure are much older. I am so hestitate though. I honestly do not trust doctors anymore at all. I have learned to become my own advocate and trust myself and my body. With so many people pressuring me to get surgery I am relived that I can find support and some new resources for a more natural way to manage my rectocele. I thank you for your suggestions! I will definitly use new postural techniues in addition the to pelvic stabilizing strecthes and exercises I was taught in physical therapy.

I agree with not straining at all during bowel movements or peeing. I've also leanred how signicifcant and easier it is to squat or stand when using the bathroom. Also, I have actually used sea sponges for several years for my periods. That was my first thought to pack my vagina with in attempt to hold it in place. However, I quickly learned that once the sea sponges become saturated with the estrogen or herbal ointment I use they stunk horrible, were extremely difficult to clean and basically were for only a one time use. This is why I have chosen to use small sterile pads.

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and respond to me. I do not have many peope who truely understand to talk about this with. I really appreciate it.

On a final note, I am not an herbalist but have done extensive research so if anyone is at all interest in herbs that help strengthen, thicken and heal vaginal tissue please direct them to me and I will provide them with information so they can make their own conclusions.

Thank You!!

Jacquie