Way TMI female health question

[ThePottersDaughter]

Some background:
Ever since the birth of my first ds (almost 4 years ago) I have had major issues with my vagina. DH and I could not have sex for a year after the birth (a piece of raw tissue was hanging down and did not detach for an entire year). After ds2 was born (16 months ago) the scar tissue from the previous birth mad eit so that my perenium couldn't heal. Again, for about a year. We have tried to have sex a handful of times since it healed. Each time has been painful and has not lasted long. I have a feeling it's going to take a few more times of trying before we can start to get back into the swing of things.

So here is my question: After we have sex (it's extremely gentle and, as I said, not lasting long) it burns (read: EXTREMELY PAINFUL) to urinate. I don't have any other symptoms of a UTI or a yeast infection (I don't think!?), and STDs are not a possibility. I can't figure out why this might be happening. Any thoughts?

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Have you had an exam to see if there is any tearing between the vagina and urethra?

[ThePottersDaughter]

Well, ds2 was a homebirth. I would think my midwife would have checked for that. Honestly, I'm wondering if there is any possibility that the catheter from ds1's birth could have done damage that would be this long lasting...

But then it would probably hurt all the time, not only right after we have sex. My other theory is that I am still lacking estrogen so all of the tissues and everything are just weaker and easier to irritate.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

It is possible about the cath. I know the one used on me just before dd crowned did some damage. It was just the tube to empty it not the one they leave in. But I felt it do something when he stuck it in there without warning me

I ended up with a small urethral tear and even after it healed it made my urethral opening larger/more exposed and burning can be a problem with position during sex still and when I go pee after. Though it wasnt nearly as bad as what you are having at least not after the initial healing phase.

Before having kids I could not visualize my urethral opening at all but now it is very clear to see.

Sometimes things look different after healing and swollen than when they are healed. I think I would have someone take a look just to make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary.

[NSmomtobe]

I find that when I am irritated down there, semen burns. Having him pull out or using a condom helps (although condoms are more likely to irritate the tissue).

Oh, lubricants with the wrong ingredients can burn too. Are you using a lubricant?

[ThePottersDaughter]

I have found that semen is very irritating as well. Maybe that's what is irritating my urethra? We can't use condoms (too irritating) and have an awesome lubricant that we ordered online. It's the only one that doesn't irritate me.

That feels discouraging, though, because I feel like the reason I'm so sensitive is from a lack of estrogen which would balance out if I stopped bfing. I wonder if there is anything else I can do to help strengthen the tissues?

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Maybe a low dose hormone cream would help?

[ThePottersDaughter]

Yeah, maybe I should look into that. Then at least if it didn't work I would know it isn't a hormone issue.