left sided vaginal pain when dtd-any ideas?

[A1983]

So I had an episiotomy on my right side last July and have no pain at all since. However when we've tried intercourse I have this very localised pain on the left side at the skin by the entrance of my vagina and just inside. The pain is like someone is stretching the skin LOADS, so sharp. Afterwards during an inspection it's definitely redder than the other side and touching it directly hurts, so localised for sure. I went to my Dr's a few months ago and as I was bfing she said once my periods return and estrogen levels return to normal the pain should go. But it hasn't. Any ideas? I will go back to the Dr's next week (easy to put off when you're not having lots of sex! But it's no better so will see her again).

 

[candyem]

No advice but I am finding it too painful to dtd since having my little girl three months ago. I get a burning, stretching feeling as soon as dh goes near and I can't do it. I tore giving birth but stitches healed fine. We have tried to dtd three times and each time I have been relaxed and really wanted to but it just doesn't work.

Hope you find an answer soon.

 

[Teri7489]

It's likely to be scar tissue stretching. From the episiotomy you will have a small scar when the tissue has healed together which doesn't have as much "give" as other tissue. Make sure you have plenty lube to stop it becoming irratated and try having a warm bath before trying to have sex. I know that sounds a big like organised sex but it worked for me. I had a fourth degree tear after an episiotomy and had to do huge above for a little while. It has sorted itself out now and sex is normal again. Xxx

 

[A1983]

Ohh thanks Terri, good to hear! Did it hurt quite a few times before it got better/normal? I don't think I tore too-im sure they would have told me, but the scar tissue is pain free and the opposite side to the pain? Therefore it could be compensatory pain..yeah we use plenty of lube (eventhough it stung last time so may have already been irritated-doesnt take much during dtd to do that) but ill try the bath. Maybe it needs sex to stretch it again so should be trying more often, but the pain puts me off!

 

[Teri7489]

Yeah I was really quite uncomfortable for the first few times but then it got easier each time we did it. I don't want to be too graphic but try with hands first if it's still to uncomfortable for Oh to be in you. For the first little while we planned it so we could have the time and be relaxed now we don't have to do that. It's possible you had more damage than you were told. And also, sometimes an episiotomy cut is diagonal so on the outside they it may be on one side but inside it may be the opposite side. It may be the scar tissue inside that's causing you pain xxx

 

[A1983]

Hi - just to update, the Dr saw a little 'fissure' aka small cut/tear and has given me some cortisone cream with an antibiotic in it to use for 10 days and to go back if still painful-she said she can inject the area with an anesthetic to kill that inflammed nerve if still a problem!

I'd be happy knowing the tear is the reason BUT I haven't seen that tear before on previous painful attempts at dtd since my baby's birth...so im worried the skin is the problem, and it just can't stretch to dtd without hurting or tearing now due to the episiotomy on the opposite side possibly making it too tight?! My oh says I don't feel any different though....