Post-Hymenotomy Recovery: Addressing Post-Operative Concerns & Pain

Question
I realize that you may not be able to answer my question. But i am desperate to find an answer from someone. I recently had a procedure done to remove excess skin from my vagina. The skin was partially blocking the vaginal opening so it was uncomfortable to put a tampon up there. I had the procedure 2 weeks ago. I went to the ob gyn for my post-op examination. When she barely inserted a small q-tip into my vagina i started screaming bloody murder and started crying. It did not hurt that bad before i had the procedure. Actually i have found that it hurts when something just touches the opening to go up into the vagina after the procedure. Is this normal or should i be concerned? And do  you have any tips to help make the pain go away?

Answer
I'm so sorry to hear that you are having problems that you didn't have before the surgery!  Presumably your doctor noticed the pain you were in--and s/he didn't address that during your visit! I would followup with your doctor with this question.

You may want to consider--and ask your doctor about--vulvodynia, which does cause the kind of pain you are describing.  Contact www.nva.org for more information.  They are a great organization and should be able to help you.

Another possibility is endometriosis, especially if you experience pain during your periods.  Go to www.EndometriosisAssn.org for more information on that hormone and immune system disease.

Good luck, and take care!