Vaginal burning: What could it be?

Posted by mmoss @mmoss, Mar 30, 2021

I am a 67 year old who in the last two months have a severe burning sensation in my vaginal area. I have been to every specialist and no one knows why. I have had a CT, Ultra sound, and been examined numerous times. There are no findings to what is causing this pain. I have no underlying medical conditions. Prior to this I was extremely healthy. Now I am in pain management and desperately want to be off pain medication and find a Dr who can diagnose what is happening to cause this burning. Any suggestions would be extremely welcome.

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Sorry you are experiencing this. I am 61 and had sudden onset intense external vaginal area burning~2 yr ago. Honestly, it was rough- and life altering. This is what has helped me to manage burning: compounded estrogen ointment rx 2/week (the reg estrogen cream rx was too irritating), and use of a peri bottle filled w/ water to gently rinse area after urinating- This is my ‘mgmt routine.’
In the beginning, I did the above, and also regularly used clobetisol rx ointment (the cream is TOO irritating) and during extreme burning episodes used lidocaine rx ointment to numb area. It took a several months to get to a more comfortable place. I have mostly weaned off these 2 rx ointments and just keep handy for a flare-
Originally, I was diagnosed w/ extreme vaginal dryness/ atrophy and suspected lichen sclerosis. The biopsy for for that was deemed inclusive and I never had any itching- always the burning.
Best to you.

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@sonya_nc

Sorry you are experiencing this. I am 61 and had sudden onset intense external vaginal area burning~2 yr ago. Honestly, it was rough- and life altering. This is what has helped me to manage burning: compounded estrogen ointment rx 2/week (the reg estrogen cream rx was too irritating), and use of a peri bottle filled w/ water to gently rinse area after urinating- This is my ‘mgmt routine.’
In the beginning, I did the above, and also regularly used clobetisol rx ointment (the cream is TOO irritating) and during extreme burning episodes used lidocaine rx ointment to numb area. It took a several months to get to a more comfortable place. I have mostly weaned off these 2 rx ointments and just keep handy for a flare-
Originally, I was diagnosed w/ extreme vaginal dryness/ atrophy and suspected lichen sclerosis. The biopsy for for that was deemed inclusive and I never had any itching- always the burning.
Best to you.

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I had that for years and it turned out to be vaginal dryness (Thank youm new young gynecologist!). Try Replens (OTC). I also use Estradiol cream three times a week.

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@mmoss

I appreciate the reply. This started out as lower abdominal burning for 1.5 months. The paIn then moved Out of abdomen into the vagina. I am 67 years old and have had no medical problems. Medication included Cymbalta for 6 weeks but am now off as I did not feel well while on that medication. I am on Gabapentin but not as much as I was as again I did not feel like myself. Since being in pain management I have been on Vicodin until a week ago when I started to itch. I am taking tramadol now and Zyrtec and try to take as little as possible and only when pain is really bad. I want desperately to get off the pain medication. Last Thursday I had a epidural steroid injection by pain management at the T-12 and L-1 area. It did not stop the burning. I need to find out what is causing this pain and how to get relief without pain medication. My ob/gyn prescribed estrogen cream to try for the burning. I am living in Sarasota and feel as though no one here has been able to diagnose my pain. I am losing weight, frustrated and depressed. This pain has consumed my husband’s and my life. We feel we have no where to turn for help.

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I have had vaginal atrophy since my cancer treatments. During treatments of adryomicin and cytoxin i had hemmorrage cystitis. I have had issues ever since. Numerous UTIs, have done several treatments with urologist, My cancer dr ok'd a small dose of estrogen that I insert vaginally. I don't think it works. My urologist has told me to take several supplements, cranberry capsules, D Manosse, I am also very incontinent. I had my bladder lifted, a rectocele and a hysterectomy. I still have my ovaries. To be honest I dont think I will ever get back the possibilty of have sex again. I am currently having an issue with blood in the urine for almost 2 weeks on top of having Covid. Going for another urinalysis tomorrowl. I am 73 and still working.

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I am seeking information for relief of Vestibulodynia. I am a woman in my late 20s and intercourse is too painful for me. I am familiar with the common treatments and have tried everything from ointments, injections, medications, Botox and physical therapy for the associated vaginismus for about 5 years. I have been to numerous gynecologists and and now really need a specialist who is up on the latest research and is familiar with successful surgery options or options I have not tried. Is there a Dr at mayo Clinic that may help? Does anyone have a recommendation? Thanks I sure appreciate this format to seek help!

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@whirlwind

I am seeking information for relief of Vestibulodynia. I am a woman in my late 20s and intercourse is too painful for me. I am familiar with the common treatments and have tried everything from ointments, injections, medications, Botox and physical therapy for the associated vaginismus for about 5 years. I have been to numerous gynecologists and and now really need a specialist who is up on the latest research and is familiar with successful surgery options or options I have not tried. Is there a Dr at mayo Clinic that may help? Does anyone have a recommendation? Thanks I sure appreciate this format to seek help!

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Hi @whirlwind, you've been dealing with this for a long time and have tried many things. You may wish to seek a second opinion at Mayo Clinic. You can see the list of doctors from Obstetrics and Gynecology who specialize in the treatment of vulvodynia here https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/doctors-departments/ddc-20353430

@lucillem72 @mmoss @roch @sonya_nc @dbmenger and others may have personal experiences or recommendations to share.

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@whirlwind

I am seeking information for relief of Vestibulodynia. I am a woman in my late 20s and intercourse is too painful for me. I am familiar with the common treatments and have tried everything from ointments, injections, medications, Botox and physical therapy for the associated vaginismus for about 5 years. I have been to numerous gynecologists and and now really need a specialist who is up on the latest research and is familiar with successful surgery options or options I have not tried. Is there a Dr at mayo Clinic that may help? Does anyone have a recommendation? Thanks I sure appreciate this format to seek help!

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@whirlwind I see a nurse practitioner in the gynecology department at Mayo. She provided me with a referral to the Women's Sexual Health Clinic there. You might look into this. I suggest a referral from your own doctor or nurse practitioner.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/menopause-womens-sexual-health/overview/ovc-20487915

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@erikas

@mmoss It's important you gather information and receive support from members. This is why I moved your question to a previous discussion that you started on this topic.

Members @gracythesharl @rwinney @donnacarp @2011panc @guss @healthytoday @linsie @dablues @court135 have discussed a similar topic and may be able to offer support.

Below I have linked two other previous discussions that may be of interest to you.
-Recurrent vaginal irritation/painful intercourse https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recurrent-vaginal-irritationpainful-intercourse/
-Dry vagina and foamy urine: Internal bleeding? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/deviated-septum-lots-of-mucous/

May I ask if your doctor has prescribed estrogen cream?

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Has anyone mentioned lichen sclerosis?
I suffered from burning and finally found a
Dr. Who gave me an answer .

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@dbmenger

I had that for years and it turned out to be vaginal dryness (Thank youm new young gynecologist!). Try Replens (OTC). I also use Estradiol cream three times a week.

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i have vaginal dryness due to age, menopause and now taking an estrogen inhibitor due to cancer. All these add up to "ouch". I have used Replens and it I think worked. I got an UTI during the time using. i am prone to UTIs so I'm very careful of what I do in that area. My problem is sex in very uncomfortable. Are there any products someone here has found that helps for this problem? I cannot use anything with Polypropylene Glycol in it which almost ALL lubricants have it in them, I do not know why but it is a terrible ingredient for me. I have found Astroglide gel is the only one that Does Not have it in it. Even other Astroglide products have Polypropylene Glycol. I may go back to seeing if Replens works for me.

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I experienced vaginal burning and was diagnosed with an atrophied vagina. It is being treated with an estrogen cream three times a week. It's helping. Good luck.

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Do you have access to a urogenital obgyn? Mine at Scottsdale Mayo does a laser treatment (Mona Lisa) on me once a year or sooner if I need it. I get relief from that burning feeling. I have also had the treatment from a regular obgyn. Good luck, I hope you find your answer.

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