Let's talk about sex, Baby!

Absolutely. You know me.

This topic is actually a significant issue for Lyme folks, and I have seen posts about it before.

I've had problems with painful intercourse for years (not a problem now, since I'm not dating). Now, the gyn. says I have vaginal atrophy on top of everything else, because I'm not allowed to take hormones.

Here are a few suggestions:

Vit. D suppositories. Carlson's makes them. There's also this great stuff called, "Vital V." (the second word used to be longer, but they changed it! I like it a lot. If you haven't had breast cancer, or anything of the sort, you can try a little Estrace cream (a prescription). You would need to use these things every day though.

Also, there are alternative ways of having sex, and umm, if hubby worked on you first, you might be more lubricated, and could just let him (this is pretty embarrassing, even for me) do his thing for a short time.

There are also these vaginal "eggs" you can get. The jade eggs are the best ones. You can order them on the Amara website. Insert one, and increase the time it's in there more and more. If you wear them overnight (not right away), they help to increase vaginal secretions. You can also do vaginal "weight lifting" with some of the eggs to build up all those muscles. But I'm not going to explain that. But even some of the Ob gyns talk about that.

Last, but not least, some physical therapists who work on pelvic floor issues and reproductive organs, might be able to help you out.

My problem was that the aerobic aspect really hurt all my muscles. So I would always take some Advil or Aleve after sex, and do some stretching.

Good luck!

And if it absolutely doesn't work, try some alternative things.

Margaret

My doc said that transmission does happen. He said it's so few bugs that the healthy persons immune system clears it right up. He said my fiance would test more positive than me just because his immune system works! The amount of bugs you get from a tick bite is billions more.

Sorry, I disagree,
I do not think that's good advice.
Too many LD patients partners end up with symptoms
that may or may not result in LD.
Why chance it?
=]chloe

My hubby got it, he didn't show symptoms till about 6-7 yrs ago and I've had it for 16 yrs. he showed the same bands as me plus one more. So just be careful, condoms are no fun but it's better than having Lyme.

Yes, I'm super worried about my ex bf. But when we were still together, and I brought up the topic of condoms, he refused them.

Now, he's starting to get really sick, but he won't listen to me.

He believes in Lyme, he's just in denial about himself.

Let's not go too far off topic though. IHL is raising some important questions.

Sex should not be torture!!

Margaret

IHL, have you tried manuka honey? If you Google "manuka honey vagina" you will see how it has helped girls in situations such as yours. Perhaps this can help you.

****** Mature subject contained below ****************
As for intercourse itself, intimacy can be had and enjoyed without it being painful. Foreplay is most important in situations like this because 1) the nude closeness of the two persons together enhances the feelings for each other. 2) Foreplay can help you get moist and helps relax the cervix and vaginal muscles to lessen the pain during penetration. 3) The excitement of having you close and feeling your body heat, sweat and your reaction to his touch will help get him closer to the climax so that less time is spent inside.

A guy does not need to go the whole way in. If we are excited enough, putting the "foot in the door" is enough to provoke a "finishing act", thus full intercourse is not necessary. If needed, you can try caressing the male organ with the legs closed while in a missionary position. Make sure to lubricate freely so that the friction doesn't hurt him. This is often enough to "close the deal" if done properly.

By the way, did you know that this happens to us guys as well? I have the same problem when having intercourse. When done, my organ hurts for a few days and the skin surrounding the tip is tender for days. When I read your post I was surprised that it happens to the females as well.

I've seen an off label use for Valium and it is inserted vaginally. It loosens the muscles of the pelvic girdle and relieves vaginal pain. Have your physician look into it to see if it is a viable option for now.

Margaret's eggs reminded me of something. Us Lymies who are having problems with urination accidents or who can't hold on to their gas can benefit from doing kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles that allows to hold the pee and gas from coming out. The best part is that you can do these exercises while driving, siting down watching TV or even laying down in bed.

To do the exercises, you basically squeeze the muscles that allow you to hold urine back. You squeeze for a few seconds and release, then you do it again. After a few days you will notice that your muscles will be stronger and you won't have as many accidents.

Next time that you go to pee, pee a little and then hold the pee, release some more then hold. Repeat.

Not only is this a great game that you can play so you don't bore yourself in the bathroom, but it helps you with control.