Are there any vulval vestibilitis sufferers whose symptoms have improved or worsened after child birth?

[rollerbaby]

I was diagnosed with VV about 12 years ago. I have got to the point where is it is fairly manageable (can wear tampons and have sex with lots of lube) so it doesn't interfere with my everyday life too much. I am concerned though about the effect of childbirth and interested to know if anyone has had experience - good or bad.

I had this when I was 21 - it went by the time I was about 23 ish. When I had ds (laboured for 16 hours but ended in CS) it came back. Took about 8 months ish to go away again. I never had it as severely as other people have described though - I was able to use my mooncup - before it went away the pain I get is round the entrance to my vagina but no further up, so it only hurt slightly when I was moving it past the place where it hurts.

That is very similar to me, but unfortunately it never went away. I just notice it very little now. Thanks Princess.

I would imagine that if you do give birth vaginally you won't notice that pain in amongst all of the other general pain anyway. Good luck with it

I was diagnosed with this about ten years ago. Like both of you, it affects me very little now, although the pain has not vanished entirely. I had a C-section (not for the VV, for foetal distress) but was a little more tender afterwards, I suspect because of an internal examination/attempt to break mywaters.

There's not much research around about the effects of vaginal birth, although I have read that some gynaecologists think that vaginal birth tends to help things as it stretches the vulval area (!?).

Having said that, the fact that the internal examination led to tenderness for me has put my off giving this a go, and I'm opting for elcs next time (for various reasons, this being one of them).

If you are concerned, I'd ask for a referral to a specialist clinic (I went to one in Bury St Edmunds, think there's one at the Royal Free too.)

Best of luck

Thanks ladies really appreciate this.

Definitely not concerned about pain during childbirth for obvious reasons, but have always hoped that it might somehow improve things. No idea why it would but you never know!

Seeing consultant today so going to ask his advice.