I have a rv three years ago when I was diagnosed with Crohn's. (UC and J-Pouch in 1995)
Has anyone (woman) become completely unable to have intercourse after a RV fistula? I've tried every over the counter lube, low-dose estrogen- no way! It's as if it's completely closed off. Even trying to have intercourse is SO painful, I just can't even think of it. Anyone out there experienced anything like this? I am also 53 and post-menopausal.
Thanks
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I have had increasing vaginal irritation and discomfort since my j pouch procedure over a year and a half ago. I finally got an MRI and now know I have two tracts from the bowel to the vagina. I am hoping for some kind of remedy although the idea of more surgery absolutely deflates me. In the meantime, I've not been able to have vaginal intercourse for the past seven months. I've tried estrogen suppositories (I'm 57), lube, and lanocaine (to numb) but have not been successful. I'm feeling quite depressed about it. I don't see the surgeon until next month. I'm not helping much am I? Maybe someone has a solution...let's hope.
JHendrix, Just responding was very nice of you to do. Who ordered the MRI? It's very frustrating for my husband, so I would LOVE to figure it out! If you find anything, let me know.
THANKS!
The gynecologist did as he couldn't find any cause for the symptoms. There is also a 'lump' that comes and goes (more coming than going in the past months) which sometimes develops a head and drains. I have (especially lately) discharge but it does not have an odor. It was pretty confusing. I hope to get some answers when I see the surgeon. I need some sort of light! I hope the same for you too.
My fistula doesn't exit into the vagina, but jusssssssssst outside of it. So yeah, I have the same problems as you and JHendrix and sorry to say, we've just quit trying. In addition, I have a seton, which rubs and tugs the exit hole of the fistula, which can ache (and bleed) if I just pull or tug it the wrong way when drying or whatever - so I can't imagine - you know - marital relations. So very frustrating. I've had the fistula for going on 5 yrs. now.
I'm 23+ years into this pouch, so due to other probs. I'm having with it, am considering pouch removal, hoping that will at least remove the fistula/seton and pouchitis and cuffitis and infections - and will then take it from there (I'm post menopausal as well, which has it's own set of issues). I would not consider pouch removal just for the fistula, (mine is not as "bad" as many others' I've read about), but when taking into account all the other things going on, I'm feeling that it's rather my last resort. As an aside, my surgeon said there was no guarantee that the fistula would even be taken care of with pouch removal.
JHendrix, I'm wondering if your lump is an abscess? Your surgeon will be able to give you advice on that one.
This sucks to no end.
Good luck to both of you.
