Constant burning sensation down below

[Emberfirefly]

I'm currently waiting for an appointment with a uro-gynaecologist but would really value any insight from other people if you have had similar experiences. I'm not unduly worried as this has been going on for 3 months now and hasn't actually got worse (although not got better either) and my GP tells me there are no 'red flags'. It all started when I had what I thought might be a bladder infection, had pelvic pain, burning when passing urine etc. Had a short course of antibiotics and it got a bit better but the stinging sensation down below didn't resolve. I can pass urine without any pain but have a constant stinging/burning sensation that feels like it comes from my urethra. Nothing seems to trigger it or make it better, have tried cutting out all alcohol, caffeine etc to no avail. I had a pelvic scan which showed pelvic adhesions, some endometriosis, uterine fibroids and varicose veins of the uterus. My GP seems to be unable to tell me if any of these could be contributing to my symptoms (hence referral to gynae). The adhesions are from pelvic surgery but haven't been particularly problematic, had no idea I had endometriosis and didn't even know that what show up on a scan. I should mention that all swabs for infections have been clear and I've been told my cervix looks healthy and last smear a year ago was fine. Urine sample from lab also came back clear. Anyone else with any of the above problems had similar symptoms? It's starting to drive me crazy, I just feel so sore down there (not sore to touch at all though) and the stinging is making me so uncomfortable. I'm starting to worry I'm going to be told it's all in my mind which would be awful as I am sick of feeling so uncomfortable! Any advice or similar stories would be very much appreciated. Sorry for long post.

[hedwig2001]

Does it extend to include the inner part of your labia? If so might be lichen sclerosis. Gets treated with steroid cream. Gynae will be able to diagnose it.

[Emberfirefly]

Thanks hedwig, my GP actually specifically looked for that as my Mum suffered for years with it so I asked her to check and she said everything looks normal and no sign of it, she gave me some steroid cream anyway to try while waiting g to see Gynae but it's not helped. Thanks anyway x

[Tanfastic]

Ember, have you seen my thread in health? I had something very similar back in July/August. Had what I thought was a urine infection, same symptoms as you, three lots of antibiotics (which helped) but the burning/pulsating feeling in my urethra remained, almost like it was inflamed or bruised. I had microscopic blood in my urine though as well according to the dipstick tests at the doctors. Don't think I have now and the "infection" just gradually went on its own in the end over a number of weeks.

I have has the same as you, lots of vaginal swabs etc to rule out anything else and I've now been referred for a camera up my bladder next week. Urologist says he's not worried about anything and I feel absolutely fine now.

[Emberfirefly]

Thanks Tan I will have a look at your thread! I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better now, that gives me a lot of hope! I had blood and protein in my first lot of urine and then just blood (microscopic) in the second, apparently the MSU was completely clear. I'm off to look at your thread now - thanks for your reply.

[Tanfastic]

How old are you Ember? I've read a lot about bladder problems. Seem to start in women around the forties/fifties. I'm 43 and never had any issues before now

[Emberfirefly]

I'm 37 but have had quite a bit of pelvic surgery and the scan i had suggested I have pelvic adhesions (makes sense as I often get bouts of unexplained pelvic pain) so I was thinking that it may be related to that or as you say age and perhaps hormones? It's miserable isn't it? I would live nothing more than to wake up one morning and not to feel like I'm burning!

[Tanfastic]

I know, it is miserable. I spent over two months this summer being bloody miserable with it.

I tried everything to get rid of it, the only thing that seemed to help (although might have been a coincidence) was that I stopped using products of any description down below. I was terrible for lathering up down there and spraying, talc etc. Since I stopped it has gone. I only use water now.

Now as I say might just be coincidence but my doctor nearly had a fit when I told her what I had been using.

[sadie9]

If you take baths, stop taking baths and only take showers for 2 weeks and see if that helps.

[tewalouie]

I’m feeling these exact symptoms. Curious to know if you got any answers? I’ve been to the dr a couple of times, I’ve gone for ultra sounds and had urine analysis and it all comes back clear but I’m uncomfortable.

[Ellapaella]

Hey OP. I've had exactly this. Had all sorts of scans and swabs - all clear. It lasted 4 months then disappeared but comes back intermittently every now and then seemingly for no reason. I was told I had vulvodynia but I never believed that. I did my own research and came to the conclusion it is Cytolytic vaginosis. My GP had never heard of it but having done a bit of reading supports my theory.
Have a look online and see I that makes sense for you.

[Ellapaella]

Oops I have a feeling I'm literally talking to myself! Must have name changed at the time

[viiswi]

Hi Ellapaella

I have the burning down below and normal ultrasound and urine tests.

Ive just Googled Cytloytic Vaginosis and it says it can start after a smear test. Mine did!

Mine seems to be worse the week before my period, constant weeing too.

It's really getting me down. I feel like I have ants biting my bits.....

[AbigailisFarty]

zombie thread...start a new one viiswi?

[viiswi]

Oopsie!

I only replied as I saw a couple of people posted in March 2018 and I hoped they would reply x

[Ellapaella]

@viiswi it's okay I'm still here! Yes mine is very much hormonal. I'm afraid I have had little joy in getting my GP to take it seriously and even so I don't think there's much I can do. I now take vitamin b complex to try and balance my hormones and if it's really bad do the whole douching with bicarbonate which seems to help (although only do this if it goes on for more than a week). It has got better and less frequent.

[AbigailisFarty]

If any of you are 40+ it's more likely to be lower estrogen and vaginal atrophy.

www.londonwomenscentre.co.uk/conditions/vaginal-atrophy

[Ellapaella]

I'm only 39 and mine started when I was 37. While I agree some of those symptoms are the same I certainly don't suffer from vaginal dryness and intercourse has never been uncomfortable.

[viiswi]

Hi Ellapaella

Nice to hear from you!!

AbigailisFarty - thank you for the info.

Im 45 and my periods have recently gone a bit haywire.

xx

[AbigailisFarty]

Read the link viiswi! You need estrogen cream from your GP- use in the vagina and outside too.

[viiswi]

@AbigailsFarty

I did read it.

Ive been back and forth to the GP thinking I have a urine infection, every test come back negative.

I had a scan and everything is ok.

I was thinking i may have Intersistial Cytistis (sp).

The male GP has asked me to make an appointment with the female GP to have a look at my bits. Really not looking forward to exposing myself....

Do you think she'll be able to tell by having a look?

xx

[AbigailisFarty]

The GP sounds a bit of a wimp if he's not willing to look at a woman's vulva! Goodness me.
My gynae is male and is absolutely great.

If you have advanced VA which is unlikely unless your periods have stopped, she may not be able to tell.

I have IC and have had it off and on for 30 years. It's no picnic. I can only control it with diet- have not touched tea, coffee, booze , for over 20 years.
However, I also found I had more symptoms in peri meno and it was helped hugely by estrogen cream.

I was treating myself for thrush for years and in the end decided to try estrogen cream which calmed it all down. My bladder settled down a lot but it took 6 months of using the cream as prescribed.

It's not 100% better but much improved.

I think I'd suggest you try the treatment - it's case of suck it and see. Won't harm and may help.

[viiswi]

Hi

Yes, I was a bit surprised he didn't want to have a peek!

TBH the female GP has an interest and specialises in female health so maybe that is why.

Can I buy estrogen cream over the counter do you know?

x

[AbigailisFarty]

No you can't buy it OTC and it comes with the full 'HRT' warning leaflet inside even though it's not actually classed as HRT.

[Andreamaria18]

Hi, I see this post is quite old but have you found anything to help you in the end? I have the exact same symptoms for 4 months now and I am tired to keep trying remedies that don t seem to work 😔. Thank you!

[mnthrowaway202020]

Old thread I know, but something as minor as the products you use when washing or the underwear/liners/towels you wear can irritate this area and give a similar sensation