Vin III

Hi everyone, 

I’m hoping to gain some support and someone who can relate to what I’m going through. 
Let’s start from the beginning…..

In my early 20’s I started with an itchy vulva. At first I managed as I thought I had thrush but the itch wouldn’t go away. I started  visiting the GP on a weekly basis. I was diagnosed with everything from thrush, BV, skin conditions, dry vulva, eczema of the vulva, you name it I was diagnosed with it. Not a single treatment helped, I would cry every single day from the amount of itchiness and pain I was in. I use to sit in the bath for hours just to ease the pain. 

I eventually gave up with the GP and visited the sexual health clinic at the hospital. I saw the most amazing doctor and he referred me to his friend in gynaecology. I waited 6 months for an appointment and after 5 long and very miserable years I finally had a diagnosis. I was diagnosed at the age of 26 with VIN II and VIN III. No one could understand what was triggering the disease. I have used aldara twice (which has awful side effects), steroid creams countless times, 8 biopsy’s and surgery. Each and every time the cells return. For the last 6 years I have been seen every 3 months by my gynaecologist. Nobody can find a cure for me and it’s completely depressing. Today I have been referred for vulva laser ablation. I haven’t had this treatment before and I was excited but now I’m worried it won’t work, like nothing else in the past has. 

im hoping somebody else has been through this and offer me advice. 

thank you 

  • Hello DentalNurse1721, 

    Poor you it must have been so uncomfortable all those years experiencing this itchiness and not having a diagnosis for a long time. At least you now know exactly what you are dealing with but I am so sorry to hear that the treatments you have had so far haven't been completely successful as the cells kept returning. It's brilliant though that you have been closely monitored for the last 6 years and that you have seen your gynaecologist every three months. I hope that the vulva laser ablation will work well for you and that things improve quickly. 

    Our website has detailed information on VIN and on the treatment options available including laser treatment. Several members of our community have had a similar VIN diagnosis in the past and I hope that they will be along shortly to share their story with you. Most recently, I noticed that  posted just a few days ago and mentioned on this thread having VIN 3 and they were about to try the steroid cream for it so I hope you two will have a lot to share with one another. I also hope that you will hear from others who have had the laser ablation and that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    Our nurses are also a free phone call away if there is anything you would like to ask them - don't hesitate to give them a call on 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope you can have your treatment very soon and that it will be a total success - you deserve it frankly after everything you've been through!

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi not sure if you will see this I’m currently going through the itch! 2 lots of antibiotics for suspected bv swap was abnormal I had surgery for endo end of march. Had cin 3 cells hpv positive had the lettz treatment that cleared this was 2 years ago. Since Feb I’ve had this persistent itch going back to the gp again as nothings helping and I have had a little investigation and I have a hole next to my urethra, now I know there is glands there either side but the left side is a wide hole that is where the itch is coming from!?  
    could it be vin cells now on the outside so annoying I’m 27 feeling deflated x