The connection between hormonal birth control and V-problems

Hi ladies,

I have not seen any posts regarding this, but apologies if there are.

Are any of you knowledgeable about the connection between hormonal contraceptives (any kind; the pill, injection, patch, ring etc.) and the onset of V-complications?

I never properly made the connection until reading something about “atrophic vestibulodynia/vaginitis” or something along those lines… the premise was that the artificial hormone can unbalance things and can cause thinning in the vaginal walls and other complications that lead to ongoing pain symptoms. I don’t think just stopping the pill does anything though. The damage is done, so to speak, and treatment involves stopping the pill and using Estrogen cream.

My main question is… do you think there is some merit to this idea? Do you know anything about it?

I’ve been on the pill (first Levlen, then Diane, then Yasmin) since age 18. Onset of my Vestibulitis (after UTI/Yeast infection) was about a year after that. Doesn’t seem aligned, but who knows?

I won’t be changing my contraceptive until later this year if at all. I’m travelling the second half of the year and don’t want things to be unpredictable. But after that, I may consider going off the pill and seeking that line of treatment. BUT… what contraceptive would I use then!?!? This is the biggest issue… my partner and I DETEST condoms. What other options are there, that are not hormonal?

~Tyger.

Hi tyger, I'm not going to pretend to be an expert here - Oh maybe I will! What about a Mirena coil? Once it's in which I understand may be an issue, it's in! This thing tends to follow an hormonal route so perhaps get rid of anything that plays havoc with the hormones? Just a thought

Hi Tyger,
I'd really recommend that you read a book called "why sex hurts" by drs. goldstein and another woman whose name i forget. We talked about this recently on another thread if you can find it. I was struck that you took Yasmin because in our discussion it seems like many of us (including me) took it and now have VVS.
In any event, in this book, they detail the results of a recent study that women who take birth control pills at a young age have a 900% more likely chance of getting VVS than other women. The reason is interesting. The vestibule is actually formed from a different tissue than the rest of the vulva or vagina. This tissue (I think in the embryo it derives from the uretha) is testosterone dependent to be healthy. When we take the Pill, it binds all the free testosterone in our blood streams (as a side effect), and deactivates it. We have dramatically less testosterone than when we don't take the Pill. This puts the vestibular tissue into crisis in some women and can lead to VVS.
They'll give you a lot more detail on how to treat hormone-caused VVS in the book. But I'd definitely recommend getting off the Yasmin asap!
p.s. I tried the Mirena coil and it was a-w-f-u-l but that's an individual experience. The insertion was very painful so I'm not sure you'd be a candidate if you can't have a regular exam.
Be well!

I read of this connection too. But then I tend to think, the amount of women on obc anyway, perhaps just a Coincidence? not sure on this theory I read it on Goldsteins website.

Im from Canada and I was on YAZ (Not sure if it is the same as YASMIN) and it was horrible. I think I got the V right after i started taking it. along with a breast lump and ovarian cyst. I think there may be some connection? Should I get off the pill?

Google Dr Golstein and the pill and V.

The pill messes with your hormones and your vulva needs the right balance to funciton properly. I have been off for a month and not noticed a difference yet. My IC is heaps better though!

I just think natural is best now after reading so much on the pill causing v. Yaz is preetty high in hormones. I would advise you get off it.

Also perhaps look into the copper coil. the Marina is still hormones.

We are using non latex condoms for now. No smell, much better feel and does not irritate, hubby says they feel better for him too. We use them with 'Yes' lubricant. The only one I have found to not irritate.

I am considering copper coil but I have painfull irregular periods and think it may worsen this.