Thank you
I wanted to thank you for this site. When I discovered it (through an IC Help Newsletter) I almost shouted Hallelujah, it’s about time. Someone, somewhere, someplace is validating what I have been experiencing for years and have had no answers. I discovered when I got married at 27 that intercourse was painful and I didn’t know what was wrong with me. The doctor couldn’t see anything upon physical examination (as have any doctor’s since then). When my husband left me at 35 one of the things he told people was that I was frigid. He didn’t understand I experienced real pain and of course that would affect my feelings toward sex, even though I continued to try. I am now 47 and have been married 8 years to a wonderful man who is very understanding. The problem is that he doesn’t want to hurt me so if there is any sex I have to initiate it and I really want him to initiate too. And yes, it still hurts. It wasn’t until a little over a year ago I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. I never had any Urinary or Bladder infections to link this too. I was one of the lucky ones in that it only took a year to get a diagnosis. This last spring I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, although I think I have had longer. Several years ago they were at a loss what was going on so the doctor said I had Chronic Fatigue. It only recently got to the point that I can no longer work at home or on the job. Oh, and yes I also have IBS. That’s a bit of my history and I guess my point is that I too thought all these things were some how related. (I was shocked when the Urologist was diagnosing me for IC asked if I had painful intercourse…my heart skipped a beat and I thought I might be healed…but no answers or help was provided). The Gynecologist has only provided Estrogen Cream. I have scoured the internet for every site I could find. While I have found helpful info on FMS, IC and IBS there is very little info on this issue of painful sex and vulva pain. I am so glad I have found you and my hope is that through this there will be an acceptance and awakening to this issue (just as the ICHelp.org, Interstititial Cystitis Network, has really been working to bring IC into the light, although most people still have never heard of it, they are getting funding for research). My greater hope is that I will find comfort here and hopefully some answers someday. THANK YOU!!