What in the hell is it, not an STD(didn't think so anyway), not a yeast infection, not bacterial vaginitis….?
I’ve been tested repeatedly at a clinic. She said she didn’t see yeast, she did the STD test each time she checked for yeast and bacterial vaginitis, no STDs, even gave me paid for some cream for herpes(even though I don’t have any bumps or anything but she wanted me to try it because she can’t figure it out) and that stuff didn’t help other than lubricating it a lil’. I am so frustrated, never had this kind of problem, only have had like 1 or 2 yeast infections ever. On the sides next to my clitoris it’s red, around the opening of the vagina it’s red and irritated(but not really inside), vulva is itchy at random, and it’s kinda red on the lips. Not really any discharge. I am just so confused and frustrated it’s been months now of trying stuff that the doctor has told me to try, nothing has made it go away. Any ideas?
I haven’t had sex since this started, originally I thought I might be allergic to the strawberry lubricant we used(first time I use lubricant and go figure), but I’ve tried taking antihistamine, and using hydrocortisone, I’ve tried to think of anything else that I could be allergic to, I try to wear no underwear at all or cotton ones. I use a little bit of sensitive skin un-scented dove soap on a washcloth to clean down there and that’s all I use the washcloth for. It’s just so frustrating and random.
I’m not overweight. I’m 5ft 3in and about 130lb. For my body type that’s average/normal.
I haven’t been tested for a UTI since back before all the stuff down there started. I had pinching in my sides(specifically my right one), but she did the test and said she didn’t really see anything but she gave me a prescription and I took it to see if it helped. Then a little while after that I got a yeast infection and monistat took care of it. I went to this other place to make sure I didn’t have cysts on my ovaries, they said I didn’t, and also gave me a pap, ever since that pap it’s felt kinda eh down there. I was feeling a lil’ better when we used the lubricant and then ever since the lubricant I can’t seem to feel normal down there again. I haven’t touched that lubricant since that one time. So that can’t be it…:shakes head:
Julzz33 I’ve tried most of the things you’ve recommended, because I know I’m sensitive to scented laundry soaps and what not. However looking into vulvodynia, may need to do that more, I’ve read about probably almost everything that causes the symptoms I have…Oh and than you and everyone else for your answers. I really do appreciate it.
Alan, I live in the United States, in Kansas more precisely.
Filed under: Bacterial Vaginosis
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Sounds like allergic or irritant vulvovaginitis, or a condition called vulvodynia.
They both have basically the same symptoms you’re describing, but have different causes. Vulvovaginitis can be caused by something in your environment irritating the skin down there on a regular basis. Usually, taking an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec around the clock for several days to a week, as well as avoiding any irritating activity, can really help. Sometimes you may need a cortisone or antihistamine cream (like Benadryl cream) to apply down there, but do not do this without a doctor’s prescription!
Any number of things can cause vulvovaginitis, including:
- Using non-breathable underwear or tight pants too frequently (switch to cotton underwear)
- Using soap to wash the vaginal region (water ONLY! Soap throws off the pH and irritates the delicate skin down there)
- Scented or "deodorant" pantiliners or tampons
- Spermicide, such as the type found on condoms (Switch to plain condoms and add your own plain K-Y water based lube)
- Any kind of lotions, medicated wipes, sprays, powders – you shouldn’t be putting any substance down there at all – even if it is avail. over the counter as a "vaginal" product OTHER than water
- Douche – douche is a big problem; it can cause a lot of irritation; avoid it!
- Some laundry detergents and fabric softeners also can cause chronic vulvovaginitis; a good recommendation is to switch to something like Tide Free and Clear Hypoallergenic soap (just for washing the underwear) and cut out the fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Try dryer balls instead for softening.
If it’s vulvodynia, you’ll need to be treated with medications, anesthetics, and possibly even surgery. If the clinic you’re going to hasn’t mentioned this possibility, you need to call around for a gynecologist who is familiar with diagnosing and treating this, then get there for a second opinion. It’s not an easy thing to manage, and requires an expert doctor’s care.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vulvodynia/DS00159/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.vulvodynia.com/
http://www.nva.org/
It is also possible to have a dermatological, or skin condition, manifest in the vaginal region; sometimes you may need to see a dermatologist that specializes in gynecological issues (many of them routinely treat these problems) to rule out a skin condition.
Good luck; hope you get this resolved!
i think you are getting irritated down there…try changing soaps maybe… stop touching it too…you may be irritating it more. stop sex for awhile… and finally stop obsessing about it.
..update later if it helps.
If you are overweight at all, get your blood sugar tested. If you are spilling glucose in your urine it can do this. If it isn’t that, then you might have an allergic reaction to your clothing detergent or fabric softener. Some people develop irritations to synthetic fibers or dyes in underwear, so try switching to all cotton white ‘granny panties’.
omg i have had the same type of problems. honestly it could mean soo many things but ask your clinic to check if u have a uti (urinary tract infection) ALSO if you shave or wax down there it might be that.. if you are sexually active make sure you urinate after sex and always always clean yourself down there after sex if possible shower after sex.. its really sensitive down there. i specially am so i try to be really clean and cautious. DRINK alot of water that will also help out with the itching! trust me! i hope i was any help
I like SeathSpeaks & poop 19 answers. Especially SeathSpeaks.
If there is any whiteness it is possibly similar too or athletes foot. I don’t know the technical name for this sort of infection. Also there are thousands of STD’s and it would take a along time to determine. What part of the world do you live in? Extra information like this is sometimes helpful. The weather or climate all could give indications of things. I am wondering if this consistent introduction to different remedies, by your doctor may be prolonging the irritation. If you use fabric softeners in your dryer discontinue. Any changes in products like laundry detergents, shampoos, bar soaps, lotion soaps, rinses, liquid fabric softeners, feminine hygiene product, napkins, tampons and powders. All these things can very from brand to brand. Eliminate them then introduce one back at a time to see if it returns. This will determine sensitivity or allergies. Try rinsing with plain water, first hot then cold. Viruses like warm, dark and moist climates. This may sound crazy but if nothing else works in England they use sugar packs to treat bed sores. The reason why this works is viruses will eat themselves to death. Like the others said avoid rubbing or itching which will only irritate it more. I am not a doctor but these things are a possible help. God bless and good health. I just reviewed other answers and there is so much good advice here. Read them all.