Re: Vaginal dryness/infections
From: Andrea (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 2 Mar 1998 18:13:06 -0600 (CST)
I appreciate your thoughts here. One of the things I was wondering
about, however, is can the vaginal dryness during intercourse make me
more susceptible to infections? Or can sex upset the balance in my
vagina, causing infections? I frequently experience burning after
intercourse (which is improved if I clean up), followed by several days
of general vulvar irritation. Often this clears on its own, but 8-10
times a year, it seems to progress to a full-blown yeast infection (or
at least the problem clears with an OTC yeast treatment when I get
desparate after 2-3 weeks of itching and burning). I started having
these infections when I was pregnant, and still seem very vulnerable to
them.
Is astroglide different from KY? Is it less likely to cause burning?
Even when I have used KY in the past and it didn't burn, sex was still
somewhat painful. It almost seems like I just don't stretch anymore.
Lubricant helps, but does not eliminate the sandpaper feeling, and it
does nothing for the tightness feeling. Any suggestions?
--
Andrea
If it's an infection, it should be
>treated but you give no symptoms except with intercourse. Sometimes
>anger about many things (home or work) can create a vicious cycle of
>dryness and pain.
>
>>Could it go along with the frequent vaginal irritations and
>>yeast infections?
>
>Could be. If you had a problem and had pain, you might come to expect
>pain which would cause dryness which would cause pain, and so on.
>
>>It seems like sex frequently leaves my vulva very
>>irritated (sometimes for several days after), but it does seem to help
>>if I make a point of cleaning up with a wash cloth afterwards (which
>>also offends my husband -- he thinks I consider his semen "dirty").
>
>Forgive me. This is just an assessment of what you have shared with us.
>It appears as though your husband has a problem with your "problem". In
>gynecology, we find a supportive mate essential in such "problems". HE
>does want you to cheat. HE doesn't want you to wash off. If these help
>medically, what does HE object to?
>
>>It
>>seems like I did not have any of these problems before I was pregnant 4
>>years ago. I am 27 using BCP with no significant gyn history.
>
>As above, sometimes it's work (in or out of the home), stress, childcare
>and a host of other things.
>
>>I appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks.
>
>If it doesn't clear up with a gyn visit, consider counselling to assist
>you in having a more realistic and open relationship. Just my opinion.
>Let's see what the ladies of the forum have to say.
>
>--
>Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG
>OBGYN.net U.S. Representative, New York
>Great Neck, New York
>http://www.obgyn.net/states/bios/marchbein.htm
>http://www.obgyn.net/women/advisors/harveym.htm
>
>**Note: Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
>and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
>This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
>consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
>and/or interventions.
>
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>