I've got itchy lady bits [blush]

[CarysFach]

I had a traumatic childbirth just over 3 years ago, which left me needing a lot of stitches thanks to a 3rd degree tear. Since then, my lady bits haven't been the same, which I know is a common theme for so many mums.

However, in the past year, my vulva has been itchy. It was mild to begin with, and I thought it could be thrush, so I self treated to go along with my self diagnosis. Now, it itches so badly,I can scratch until I bleed, and it's really getting me down.

I know I'm scared of another difficult childbirth, and am petrified of falling pregnant again, so I'm avoiding any sort of intimacy with my other half. I can't even remember when we last had sex - not this year, anyway. Could this be why I'm itching? To avoid being put in a situation I know I'm scared of? Or could there be a more medical reason I'm scratching myself raw? Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I love my little one and other half, but I can't let myself think about another pregnancy because I start to panic. I've been told I could have an elective C section, which I don't want.
Am I bonkers?

[LoveAndSqualor]

Hey there Carys, didn't want this to go unanswered. Could it be that you have vulvodynia? Here's a link

vulvalpainsociety.org/index.php?page=vulvodynia

Whether it's this or not, I'd suggest a) going to your GP and asking for a referral to a genito-urinary specialist and b) if you get futher down the line without relief, considering acupuncture, which is great for all sorts of non-specific pain things (I have something called interstitial cystitis, which responds to it very well).

[catinthehat2]

"could there be a more medical reason I'm scratching myself raw"

yes, if you've been unsuccessfully self treating, take yourself off to a GP, I really would.
Sounds absolutely miserable, you can't go on with this for a year.

I take it you've investigated all the products you are using, soap/shower gel, washing powder etc to eliminate any causes

[Leverkusen]

Just book an appointment with your GP, you must feel so so miserable, I can't believe you've gone a year with this problem.

I had something similar, the itching was due to the scar tissue, and it healed after a while, so I know the agony you feel!

[CarysFach]

I've eliminated everything and reintroduced them individually

Another problem I have is that the only female doctor in my GP's practice is a mum at the school I teach at. I really am at my wits end. Thanks for being so kind. Cheers to you

[CarysFach]

Hi Leverkusen. It could well be the scar. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet, aren't I. Grrr!

[Leverkusen]

I have been seen by male doctors before and I really don't mind it. They see fanjoes all the time .

Or you could go to an NHS walk in centre if you feel more comfortable doing that. I really feel sorry for you, you must feel so fed up.

[Leverkusen]

sorry x post- yes bite the bullet, it will be fine

[trumpton]

I had unbearable itching and was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus worth looking at the BBC heatlt site I have linked to.

[MrsGuyOfGisbourne]

Carys, I had this for ages, the GP as uselss just gave me thrush cream and told me not to wear knickers , then one day when she wasn't there I saw another doc who is a dermatologist, who took a look, gave me a differnet cream ?dermovate? and hey presto, misery gone (and the fear it might be something serious).

[CarysFach]

Thanks. I think I just need someone to tell me what to do.

[CarysFach]

I'll get on to it in the morning and let you know how I get on.

Thanks :P

[CarysFach]

Lichen Sclerosus sounds agonising. I send my sympathies. I had a look at the link, and will increase my vitamin C, E and Zinc.