Experience with Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders

[Anonymous]

They don't take insurance, and they note that the initial appointment is generally in the neighborhod of $1300. If you've been there, is it worth it? Consult is for a medical/non-libido-related issue.

[Anonymous]

I had an awful experience there. Dr. Goldstein was condescending and had absolutely nothing to offer. I saw him for vulvodynia.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP and PP, this caught my attention because a poster in my thread "Incapable of Sexual Activity (?)" suggested that this center, including Dr. Goldstein, have so far been very helpful for her (she did caution it was pricey, but I didn't imagine as much as you point out, OP).

[Anonymous]

I used to be on a Yahoo group called vulvodynia. A couple of posters wrote that they had had bad experiences with Dr. Goldstein. Then Dr. Goldstein joined the group and started disputing their experiences. Later, it was revealed that he also had created a fake persona and was also putting these women down under a fake name. His behavior was pretty disturbing.

The yahoo group is probably still around if this is the condition you are seeking to treat.

[Anonymous]

Wow, that's pretty disturbing. My consult is with Dr Burrows, but now I'm really wondering whether to go through with it. Thanks for the feedback.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest that you call Doctors Luis Sanz or Maria Canter, Urogyncologists at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. They are also part of the Pelvic Floor Center. Both trained at Gtown - very good doctors!

[Anonymous]

I don't know anything about Dr. Burrows. Here was my impression of Goldstein- if you have Generalized vulvodynia (not just pain with intercourse but pain even when not touched) Goldstein doesn't know what to do. If you have vulvar vestibulitis he can operate.

[Anonymous]

Maybe 12:37 was talking to Dr. Goldstein on this board too.

[Anonymous]

No -- I'm the pp who was talking to the woman on the arousal thread. I'm on the vulvodynia and LS groups and knew there was some controversy re: Goldstein but didn't know that. Yikes. I've been on those groups for a very long time (10 years of pain) but have gone through periods of turning off the digests, etc.

As I said, I liked him, but I can see how others might not. My pain was physical and obvious (red raw open skin). I've seen over 10 doctors and he was the first to be able to help me -- others caused immense damage by misdiagnosing me over and over.

If you don't see him, I would certainly understand -- but if you don't, please pick another EXPERT. Not just some OB or NP who you've heard knows something, but someone who actively specializes in only vulvovaginal disorders, etc. I'm thinking Nyirjesy, Susan Kellogg-Spadt, etc.

I think his personality isn't for everyone. The negative stories I've heard relate to those who had pain but not visible trauma, if that makes sense. I've heard very good things from those who have seen him for things like LS, etc. A local friend is a PCP and says she's referred multiple women to him and all were satisfied. I was unsure whether or not to go but ended up going since he is local and my other choices were further. As I said, I liked him, and thus far I'm about 75% better with a followup coming.

My inurance paid 70 or 80%, forget which.