Abdom/Bladder Pain after sex anybody?

[CarolinTexas]

I was wondering if anyone out there has abdominal/bladder pain after sex only, not beginning or during. Mine starts about 15 or more minutes later and is horrible. I can't even tell if it's the bladder or other abdominal muscles. There is no exterior pain, just interior.

If so, what do you do to treat this? Also, what other IC PFD problems do you have? What do you think causes this after sex pain? Does anyone think candida could play a part in it?

I'm trying very hard not to clench any muscles (per Dr Moldwin) and I make sure to clean and urinate afterwards but am having no success. Also, I rarely have vaginal yeast infections although I do think I have intestinal and systemic yeast issues. My other IC problems have improved with meds and PT, but not this one.

My husband is becoming more understanding about it, but I'm not making any headway (no pun intended!) on resolving this.

Any information or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[leelee88]

I have this pain sometimes to after sex.. It feels like the muscles are contracting.. Which is prob what they are doing..

If you need any pointers to help you, you should check out Jills other web site.. It has a lot of good tips on how to make sex less painful...

http://www.whensexhurts.com/forum/

[traceann]

Yep, I am with leelee - also the Romance and Sex board has a great "sticky" by Sarojini - it's a long list of tips and ideas!

[tigger_gal]

yes I do, I don't think there are to many of us that don't have pain after or during sex.

[CarolinTexas]

Thanks

Thanks to all. I've just registered on the other forum and will research there. I've looked at the sticky ideas and have not tried the heating pad or warm bath before or afterward. Usually, I'm tired and want to go to sleep after so it's hard to do the after stuff! I'll give it a try.

The other stuff I've done, different positions, voiding routine, cleansing, Valium, etc.

I posted this in PFD because the pain is only after sex which is supposed to be a PFD symptom. I've had this for over a year now and have never had pain during. There are no lubrication or entry issues (sorry for being so graphic). Sorry again if I'm being too personal, but if I have an orgasm on my own, the pain does not come - just after intercourse.

I can't feel specific spasms, just the entire abdomen is in such excrutiating pain, I take pain meds and lay on the couch/bed waiting for them to kick in.

I guess I was hoping for a certain trigger point that I was missing or a special exercise, sigh. I've had good luck with the other aspects of PT and was hoping for a special trick. I'll keep looking! Thanks again!

[traceann]

Hey there carolintexas - don't worry about being too graphic or too personal, it's the only way to find out what you want to know. I think you'll find nobody has a problem with it, since we've all been there and have either wanted to ask or did ask!! And sometimes with both afflictions, if you don't get into details, you won't get the information or help you might have otherwise!

I keep my heating pad by the bed, right next to me on my side. These days I use it for back issues, but after sex it was right there - within arm's reach. I also bought one that has an auto shut-off, so if I fall asleep with it on, it will turn itself off after 2 hours...I love it! And it was funny because heat never helped me with menstrual cramps etc, so I was late in trying this remedy and I could kick myself for not trying it sooner!!! Before I had it I'd also sleep with the ThermaCare Heat Patches for menstrual cramps and those were great too!!

[CarolinTexas]

Thanks Traceann, I've tried heating pads and they do help. I have to have a moist towel in there or they hurt instead. Sometimes I sleep with a TENS unit on - there's an idea - I wonder what would happen if I wore it during sex?

Have you ever tried professional acupressure or acupuncture for your sexual issues? I'm thinking about trying this again soon now that I've had my hysterectomy and my other symptoms are calming down.

[traceann]

Oh I can only dream of either accupressure or accupuncture (I hate needles, but there's a few things I'd like to take care of that would make me just suck it up and do it, lol), but in my area, there are no practioners. I'd have to drive 3-4 hours I am sure to find a reputable one...*sigh*....

[CarolinTexas]

The needles are not that bad. I've had it twice and only felt a few of them going in. One experience cured my SI problem. The other (last year) just gave me 1 day of relief (but I had other issues that may have interfered). The others I wasn't even aware of. You'd think I'd be used to needles with all my past surgeries and procedures but the fear is always there. Of everything i've had acupuncture has been the easiest - and I've had at minimum 150 needles in the last few years.

Maybe it's worth the drive........

I'm giving this yeast treatment a few more weeks at least, and then I will give it another try.

Thanks again for the advice!

[kat820]

have you tried...

I see that you have valium listed as one of your perscription drugs. I take half a valium before sex and another half after. ( my urologist suggested this) I also lay on a heat pad after and both seem to help a lot. I rarely experience any pain. Maybe it is something you could try- Just a thought.

[CarolinTexas]

Hi Kat820! Yes I am definitely Valium'd up when we get together (4mg). I will try the heating pad, but it is so excrutiating, I don't know how much it will stop. Maybe the whirlpool bath would help also. I'm just so tired at night and want to go to sleep immediately afterwards!

I did have spinal surgery through the abdomen 19 months ago. I'm starting to think maybe some of that nerve damage is permanent. Or maybe there was damage done during the surgery when they pushed all my internal organs to one side to get to my spine. It's maddening not knowing how to fix this!

I'm definitely trying acupuncture soon and I will try those heating pads.

Thanks!