Embarrassing TMI problem

[MrsVictoriaM]

I have name changes because quite frankly I don't want this being associated with the name I have used on MN for 15 years!
It's lengthy I warn you and utterly mortifying. If I don't know what to do next.

Every month without fail I get itchy, sore, inflamed vulva and vagina, it's better during my period and then starts again either side until I bleed from irritation.
I have stopped using all products that contain perfumes or colours and I only wear cotton knickers.

I also used to bleed every time after sex, I went to the GP about this last year and she examined me and said everything looked very inflamed and sore, she said it was like my body adjusting after coming off the implant and took some swabs and sent me on my way.
The swabs never came back with anything.
She also said there was an abnormally large amount of white discharge, I said that I have had a large amount like that for a few years and assumed it was normal for me.

The bleeding after sex stopped (not that there is a lot of sex going on because of the thrush issue)

This year I went for my smear test and mentioned to our women's health nurse the constant irritation and itching and she examined me and said any slight touch of the swab or the speculum was making me bleed and again everything looked so sore and there was severe inflammation, she did the smear and some more swabs and gave me a steroid cream and a monthly strong pre filled canisten syringe to use.
She also started me back on Cerezette in the hope that any hormone imbalance would gently level out over time. She also said to stop any hair removal down fellow which I have and recommended a daily probiotic incase my natural bacteria was out of whack.

No swabs have come back with anything.

I've completed this treatment course and still taking the pill and nothing has changed, i will go back to her for a full pelvic exam and scan (which is what she said would be the next step) but this is silly now, I can't seem to shift it it's been over a year.

If it's related I also have a strong smell of iron and chlorine coming from down below, really noticeable and now the 'thrush' if that's what it is has gone into my rather deep belly button which is now sore and oozing .

I shower every day and always dry myself properly. I feel so disgusting that this is happening.

Can anyone advise or does anyone have any experience.

[Cheetahssitonfajitas]

That sounds so so uncomfortable and horrid. You poor thing for putting up with that for so long. You need to go straight to your GP and get a referral to a gynaecologist if necessary, you really can't put up with that for any longer.

[itsbritneybiatches]

Agree you need a referral. You poor thing like cheetah said having to put up
With that for so long.

My heart goes out to you lovely.

I think you definitely need to insist on a referral as nothing is helped.
Xx

[VictoriaBun]

Might sound weird but have you thought of using a probiotic live yoghurt on yourself. It is cooling, soothing, and will go a long way in restoring the natural balance.
Also could you be over washing yourself ? Try going a week using only warm water and nothing else.

[Gummybear14]

Do you bath or shower? what are you washing your hair with and is that whilst in a bath or shower? What are you using to wash your underwear and trousers/any clothes for bottom half?
Are you using femfresh? Etc. In regards to sex are condoms being used? Latex condoms? Do you sleep wearing underwear? I'd recommend you go to a GUM clinic explaining fully and only when symptoms are there. If that doesn't produce any results you need to visit your GP and ask what referral they advise first.

[MrsVictoriaM]

Yes, I will deffo go back and keep pushing until this is resolved. It's miserable!

I don't use any products as it is, just hot water as everything makes me so uncomfortable.

[Gummybear14]

Have you been tested for chlamydia?

[MrsVictoriaM]

I shower, I wash my hair separately.
I was my clothes with the household washing using the washing powder I've always used and I wash at 60 degrees.

I don't sleep in my underwear, i sleep in PJs.

I have been tested for everything STI/STD related and nothing is coming back in swabs, we have a dedicated women's health nurse and Dr at our surgery so I think they have everything covered healthcare wise but will ask for a Gyne referral although they take an age to get in our area, it's best to get that in the works.

[MrsVictoriaM]

Sex we use non latex as I thought it was that although there is zero happening in that department because quite frankly I feel disgusting.

[MrsVictoriaM]

I don't know what they're testing for when they take the multiple swabs, they have self serving kits in the Dr's toilets to send off though so I can do one to be on the safe side.

[IStillMissBlockbuster]

You poor thing, I can only repeat other posters when I suggest that you need to be a bit more forthright with the gp. It sounds awful.

[ATowelAndAPotato]

There’s also something called Lichen Sclerosus? My Nan suffers from it and it is so painful. May be worth mentioning it next time you are in so they can check for that too?

www.nhs.uk/conditions/lichen-sclerosus/

[Gummybear14]

Trichomonas vaginalis ? That's usually checked on a high vaginal swab which I'm assuming they did already. Otherwise I'm sorry your going through this, hope you get a referral sorted and are able to put this all behind you.

[EngagedAgain]

I used a probiotic yogurt a while back to give me relief from thrush. It didn't cure it ( though I'm pretty sure years ago once it did). Straight out the fridge really cooling. Makes quite a mess when it comes out though! You do need to get further investigation, so do push for that. Sorry couldn't remember if you said you were waiting for gynaecologist referral. And try not to worry!

[Gummybear14]

Usually recommend doing a underwear only wash with no detergent just a boil wash. Not sure if you would want to try that for a week or so and see if that changes anything .I know you said you always used the same one but you never know if something has changed with it recently. It's a long shot of course but you never know.

[CandidCat]

this sucks, I know.
If it is fungal, the most effective thing I have found is to stop eating sugar and starchy carbs, and to use a clean towel every day. Also they can give you a one time course of tablets called I think it's Terbinafine which is a strong systemic antifungal. Also check your blood sugar and thyroid.

[thefirstmrsdewinter]

I have lichen planus, which was misdiagnosed for years as thrush and then eczema. It took something like a year and various referrals (Chronic Clinic, gynae and dermatology) via my local GUM clinic for my similar i to be addressed properly. If you haven't yet, I would strongly recommend finding a local GUM because they've seen everything genital and won't just be stumped, they should progress you through the network.

Ime once infection is ruled out a lot of these issues are treated with steroid creams. I was told that water alone is drying so you can try washing with emolient ointment and be very gentle with yourself, ie wipe/blot very gently.

If it helps I did find once I was given a strong steroid cream I only needed to use it infrequently and then rarely once everything had healed. I hope you get it sorted quickly.

[thefirstmrsdewinter]

Oops, 'my similar issues'.

[EngagedAgain]

Just to add I often used to get sore and itchy towards end of period - always used pads. They and tampons can draw moisture. Ok when flow is good, hence at end of period. After period I used the hot water method. Described below. Always cleared things up. in between just hottish water or create imbalances again. Anyway when I had bad thrush it was unbearably hot, itchy and sore everywhere, and I washed regularly with shower spray with COLD water. Gives relief. Couldn't do that usually! Obviously hot water when you're sore won't be pleasant, but when you're not too sore use an unperfumed soap (you do need to be clean) rinse thoroughly then final rinse with water as hot as you can bear. Pat dry and apply plenty of savlon. Nothing else - savlon. I know this might not solve your problem but it might help in the meantime.

[EngagedAgain]

Just all externally with the savlon! Also a pp mentioned underwear. If you can afford it get new underwear. Nothing special, maybe girls multi if they fit. The old ones could be harbouring some of this stuff. I always wash new undies first. I get flamed for that I expect! Good luck OP.

[Mumsnut]

Another one recommending that you google Lichen sclerosis.

[MrsVictoriaM]

I don't have any white or discoloured patches.


This all started a few years ago when I noticed certain soaps were causing discomfort and itching.

Then it was any underwear that wasn't 100% cotton.

Then scented toilet rolls and sanitary towels,

Then bath bombs and latex condoms, it's as if my body has become intolerant to everything over a period of time.

I do have a lot of dermatology type issues elsewhere on my body, bad psoriasis on my scalp and awful rosacea.

[TheProvincialLady]

You poor thing 😐

With so many issues it sounds like your whole body is unhappy. Have you considered giving up all refined sugar, or egg, or dairy or other common allergens )not all at once!) and seeing if that has an effect?

[katykins85]

Have you been tested for diabetes??

[thefirstmrsdewinter]

If you have psoriasis you may be prone to other autoimmune conditions. I didn't have any white patches and itching was not my main symptom. I would try to get this progressed with referrals, preferably via GUM. Don't self-diagnose and don't expect gp to know how to sort it. Good luck.