Topic
Finally, an explanation!
I’m a 41 year old woman who has experienced “discomfort” during intercourse for several years. My best explanation of the sensation was an urge to urinate during intercourse. I didn’t have to empty my bladder, in fact when I tried, there was nothing to empty. Of course, I brought this to the attention of my general MD who told me to urinate before and after sex. This changed nothing. During my annual woman’s exam, I mentioned it again and was told the results of my exam may offer an explanation but it didn’t. I was told to do kegel exercises which didn’t ease my discomfort either. So my husband and I experimented. At first, we found that some positions were more comfortable than others but eventually, any intercourse became problematic. For the last few years, we resorted to sex without intercourse. This left us feeling less intimate; more mechanical and aware that something was missing from our love life. After several failures with general practitioners and gynecologists, I found Dr. Beuhler in Orange County, CA. She is a wonderful sex therapist who saw something in my husband and I that suggested we needed a specialist…the authority in sexual medicine, Dr. Goldstein in San Diego, CA.
We had our appointment yesterday and are so excited to learn that he found something! My vestibular glands are red, showing signs of inflamation. A Q-Tip test was able to reproduce the sensation I feel during intercourse so we know we’re on the right track. The consultation immediately after my exam was so encouraging! We were able to see the difference between healthy vestibular glands and my own. This inflamation is usually a result of low testosterone levels. We’re now awaiting results of my blood test to confirm this but Dr. G has good expectations for us. If my levels are low, a tiny pellet will be implanted just an inch or so under my skin in my upper buttock. It’s a quick, simple procedure done under a local anesthetic that should provide the optimum level of testosterone in my system for up to six months. The small incision should heal in just a few days. He’ll also provide emu oil to be applied directly to the ducts to ease inflamation. The oil is hypoallergenic, all natural and only a pea-sized amount is needed. After years of agonizing, finding such a simple treatment is music to our ears! I’ll update this post when my blood test results are in.
Well, it’s a few weeks later now. The blood tests confirmed what Dr. G expected…low testosterone. My Free Testosterone should be .8 but it’s .27 yikes! I didn’t even consider taking time to think about it & scheduled an appointment with Dr. G right away. I had the testosterone pellet implanted this morning. I knew it would be a simple procedure but I have an unrealistic fear of needles & was not looking forward to the initial shot to numb my cheek. I used my meditative breathing exercises to try & relax but really, it wasn’t as bad as my mind conjured. Yes, it stung but as quickly as you feel the “pinch” from the needle, you also feel the novacaine kicking in. After that, I only felt a tugging sensation for what seemed to be only 10 minutes or so. It was over so quickly that before I knew it, I was bandaged & resting on an ice pack. I was numb for the next couple hours but now I can feel everthing & it doesn’t hurt. I came home, put on a loose pair of pajama bottoms & took to the couch (lying on the side without the pellet, of course) There’s a slight bruised feeling but nothing that I’d call “pain.” I have plain old ibuprofen on hand & an herbal sleep aid that I’ll take before bed tonight. I figure, I might roll over a tender spot while I sleeping so I’m taking this small precaution.
Dr. G sent me home with Emu oil to apply directly to the enflamed vestibular glands. I’ve been instructed to use a supplied testosterone gel in four months to suppliment the pellet as it begins to wear out.
Depending on my reaction to the pellet and gel, we may simply use the gel on a daily basis – I’ll be sure to post my results as they reveal themselves. I’m hoping to be “too busy” playing with my husband to post. 😉 Somehow, I’ll manage to check back in from time to time.