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Question:
I am 52 yrs old and 4yrs ago had a vaginal
hysterectomy (Laser). Ever since then I have not been
able to have intercourse, it is to painful for any
penetration. My doctor and partner have said I am not
dry. I also frequently have itching and slight burning
and have been treated for an abnormal amount of
infections. The word from the doctor is there is
nothing they can do, I have been to a few. The thought
is that it must be psychological is there any other
explanation you can think of? Desperate.
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Answer:
by Annette Owens: (05/15/2004)
You mentioned that any penetration is painful.
Can you insert your finger(s)? Has your gynecologist
been able to insert a speculum into your vagina? If not,
you may be suffering from vaginismus which is
treatable (by a sex therapist or other specialist in
sexual health care).
You also mentioned frequent itching and slight burning
and that you have been treated for an abnormal amount
of infections. Have you had your blood sugar checked?
Many women with diabetes have the symptoms you are
describing. Sometimes infections become less frequent
when the diabetes is being treated and blood sugar is
better controlled.
It sounds to me as if you may be suffering from
vulvodynia (maybe combined with vaginismus). I
suggest that you check out the following two web sites
in order to learn more about vulvodynia, and possibly
get some help that way: Dr. Glazer’s Vulvodynia Web
Site (http://www.vulvodynia.com); National
Vulvodynia Association (http://www.nva.org).
Don’t give up. Vaginismus as well as some causes for
vulvodynia are often treatable. Even if your problem is
strictly psychological there is help available. A sexual
health specialist may be able to define your problem
more narrowly, and to provide treatment for you.
Don’t hesitate to contact me for further questions.
Good luck,
Annette Owens, MD PhD
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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