Help! What IS going on???
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| Mon, 10-11-2004 - 10:33pm |
I'm new to this board, and I have a problem. I know I need to go to my doctor, but I wanted to have a second opinion (s) on just how normal or serious this is.
I started using bcp (Ortho Tri-Cyclen) about 4 years ago. Previously, I relied only on condoms for birth control, and never had a problem. While on OTC, I never had a problem either, until, after 2 years of use, I started having breakthrough bleeding and was switched by my doctor to Yasmin. Yasmin proved to be a nightmare. My partner and I had been using condoms as back-up, and Yasmin brought on a serious vaginal dryness problem; the condoms started burning when we used them. I went to my doctor again and had a general check-up done, a battery of STD tests (though we were in a monogamous relationship) and an ultrasound to rule out any problems. Everything came out clear, so I was switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. On OTC-Lo, though the dryness problem was relieved, I still had a burning sensation when we used latex condoms. So we switched to polyurethane, thinking I might have developed a latex allergy. This worked for a time, but eventually, too, the burning sensation returned.
Now I am in a long-distance monogamous relationship with a different partner (he had an STD check-up before we did anything) and we've been having some problems. We see each other about once every 2-3 weeks, as our schedules allow, and when we do, things get a little rough and wild. I have been relying solely on the pill with him, but have noticed that even then, after the 2nd or 3rd round, the burning sensation I used to experience with the condoms returns, and my body doesn't respond as effectively (I dry up pretty quickly). We have been using lube (Astroglide), but often it just worsens the burning. I'm considering switching to KY Jelly to see if it makes any difference. Could this burning sensation be, simply, from "overuse", to put it that way? Is this normal, to eventually get a burning sensation after a couple of rounds of lovemaking? I've let him ejaculate inside me a couple of times, and noticed that the burning gets much worse, and if we do it again too soon afterwards, I get a stabbing sensation at the entrance and up in my cervix. Could this mean that I'm allergic to his sperm? What does all of this mean? Could it be a combination of factors/allergies, or could it really just be normal wear and tear from not taking long enough breaks? Could it be from the pill I'm using? Or could it be that I'm developing vulvodynia??? (God forbid). I'm worried about the progression this has made. But I do want to emphathize that the first and second rounds of sex with my BF generally don't hurt at all, and otherwise, I experience no pain whatsoever "down there". So all of this has me wondering if by any chance this could be normal...it is true that I've never gotten as carried away with anyone before as with my current BF.
Please help. Suggestions, advice, answers are all welcome.
Thanks in advance!

>> We see each other about once every 2-3 weeks, as our schedules allow, and when we do, things get a little rough and wild. I have been relying solely on the pill with him, but have noticed that even then, after the 2nd or 3rd round, the burning sensation I used to experience with the condoms returns, and my body doesn't respond as effectively (I dry up pretty quickly). We have been using lube (Astroglide), but often it just worsens the burning. I'm considering switching to KY Jelly to see if it makes any difference. Could this burning sensation be, simply, from "overuse", to put it that way? <<
As you have found BCPs can reduce the amount of natural lube we produce. It sounds to me as though you are waiting too late to begin using supplemental lube. By the time you feel the burning the damage has been done and it’s too late to stop the discomfort. If I were you I’d try using it before you begin to hurt and see how you do. I have used Astroglide but for really rough or challenging IC such as underwater I use a silicone lube Eros Body Glide Ultra for underwater sex. Eros Body Glide works wonderfully well for me. It is a silicone based product and is: “Latex and rubber compatible. Tasteless, odorless and fragrance-free. Hypo-allergenic Excellent non-staining massage” It’s made in Germany and available on the internet and I think it’s being carried in some adult shops in the U.S. now as well.
>> Is this normal, to eventually get a burning sensation after a couple of rounds of lovemaking? I've let him ejaculate inside me a couple of times, and noticed that the burning gets much worse, and if we do it again too soon afterwards, I get a stabbing sensation at the entrance and up in my cervix. <<
If you are dry (not a good thing) then it is quite normal to begin to hurt and because of the acidic ph of semen it seems logical to me that it would be more irritating than a supplemental lube.
>> Could this mean that I'm allergic to his sperm? What does all of this mean? Could it be a combination of factors/allergies, or could it really just be normal wear and tear from not taking long enough breaks? Could it be from the pill I'm using? Or could it be that I'm developing vulvodynia??? (God forbid). I'm worried about the progression this has made. But I do want to emphathize that the first and second rounds of sex with my BF generally don't hurt at all, and otherwise, I experience no pain whatsoever "down there". <<
If discomfort doesn’t begin until the third time in close succession then I think, as Mae West said, “Too much of a good thing can be taxing.” It might well be that your pill has dried you out to some extent. I think you certainly need to begin using supplemental lube earlier, probably during the second time. I have no medical training but if you don’t have discomfort the first or second time he ejaculates inside you I don’t think you are allergic to his sperm. It doesn’t sound to me as though you have Vulvodynia either but you need to correct whatever is happening before you begin to equate pain with IC. At that point you will have a psychological problem to address too. If I were you I’d try using a supplemental lube, and a lot of it, earlier in your encounters and perhaps trying a silicone lube and there is no harm in being very generous in applying the lube. If that doesn’t help then I’d definitely see my doctor.
You might also want to consider switching to NuvaRing http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp It is a 2 inch flexible ring worn in the vagina for 3 weeks and removed for 1 for your period. Many members on the Birth Control board use NuvaRing and like it. One of the common side effects of NuvaRing is increased vaginal discharge which might be just what you are looking for. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?
Good luck,
Jill
I feel much better now; thanks for the advice and suggestions. I'm going to try the silicone lube you recommended, see if it works given my situation. If not, I'll be considering the Nuva Ring.
Thanks again! :)