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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask for help with my fiery vulva?

105 replies

Ouchouchowwwww · 06/01/2023 22:44

As the title says. Sorry but I’m desperate!

have been having a burning stinging inner labia/urethra for months. Pain worse when I need a wee but no pain upon actually weeing. No smell, no discharge, no itch,nothing external i can see. Seems to be especially triggered by sex. Pain concentrated to right side of vulva?!

i am 39. Three kids. Oldest 3. not breastfeeding or on any hormonal contraceptives. don’t use condoms. DH lucky if he gets near me thanks to the fires of hell in my knickers.

i’ve had swabs for thrush - came back showing minor growth only and have done round after round of pessary/canestan ointment/oral tablet. Also treated DH who has no symptoms. I’m on heavy duty probiotics. Tried BV treatment (negative swab) but didn’t help. Two rounds of ABx in case UTI (samples clear) but didn’t really help and doesn’t feel like a UTI really. GP stumped, he’s doing gynae referral but wait times of forever.

comes and goes - worse before my period then relieved when it arrives, then gradually returns.

it’s so sore and irritating.

asked GP if it could be early vag atrophy and she didn’t think so but can persist with this if others think it could be.

no scented sanpro or washing powder, live in joggers, cotton knickers etc. Only ever use unperfumed soap, no bubble bath or soap in vag.

Have found loads of threads on this but none ever have a resolution!

help me. I’m like that sex on fire song but in a massively unsexy way.

OP posts:
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Caulidop · 15/01/2025 19:31

@iosc2418 Have you seen a GP? If no improvement after seeing GP I'd try your local GUM/sexual health clinic next. Are you UK based? If you think it may be thrush you can get fluconazole over the counter- although symptoms don't sound typical of it, OP's weren't either and it seemed to help.

iosc2418 · 15/01/2025 07:25

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Deathraystare · 09/01/2025 08:08

@GeorgiaGirl52
I believe we have it here too as I know there are several items under the vagisil banner in UK

Caulidop · 09/01/2025 01:17

@iosc2418 what symptoms are you having? If similar have you tried fluconazole? Sympathies.

iosc2418 · 08/01/2025 13:13

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This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Ouchouchowwwww · 08/12/2023 12:28

No mirena- no hormonal contraception or any sort @Flowersinspringgrowwild

that doesn’t seem to be an issue for me @SALWARP2023 🙈 but thank you for suggestion and glad you found something to help

OP posts:
SALWARP2023 · 08/12/2023 01:46

Could all be caused by vaginal dryness. That was my problem and it lasted a long time. All caused by blocked glands just inside the vagina. Gave up trying different things and stuck with warm soaks in the bath and eventually it resolved itself.

Flowersinspringgrowwild · 08/12/2023 01:33

You’ve not got a Mirena have you?

Ouchouchowwwww · 07/12/2023 22:13

Back again!! Bloody hell

OP posts:
Ouchouchowwwww · 29/11/2023 22:32

It definitely took a couple of weeks

OP posts:
Lb1234567 · 27/11/2023 22:47

glad to hear you’re feeling better! Did your symptoms improve after the initial dose of fluconazole or did it take several weeks of treatment for symptoms to improve?

Caulidop · 13/10/2023 12:11

@Ouchouchowwwww yay that's excellent! So glad you got it sorted. I had the same. Apologies I realise I meant to tag @Herne previously 🤦‍♀️

Ouchouchowwwww · 12/10/2023 22:14

I ended up getting six months worth of flucanozole and touch wood seems to have solved the bugger!!

OP posts:
Universalsnail · 11/10/2023 11:16

Sounds like it could be Vulvadynia. I get this flair up. The only thing that helps me is when it comes on to sit in warm water whilst pushing against the area for ages with a flannel. Took them 8 years to diagnose it with me.

Caulidop · 11/10/2023 07:36

@Ouchouchowwwww I know you said nothing showing on swabs but have you tried treating for thrush? I suggest this because I had similar symptoms once, nothing showing up when testing and it went on for what seemed like forever. Is there any damage to the skin? Cuts/abrasions?

Herne · 09/10/2023 21:46

@Ouchouchowwwww can I ask how your doing now and did you get any answers? I have similar symptoms, outside of vagina and urethra feels uncomfortable, no uti no bv or thrush on swabs I'm at a dead end but it's awful!

Ouchouchowwwww · 04/03/2023 07:57

Thanks @JustFrustrated i do feel like it’s quite a bladdery pain and located up from my vagina. Can’t see anything indicating a prolapse. Think I will find a private urologist/gynaecologist and go from there

OP posts:
JustFrustrated · 03/03/2023 10:45

Could it be your urethra? The way it interacts with your bladder/hormones makes me think maybe you've got a minor prolapse, and when the urine is building up, it causes this pain?

Eastereggglutton · 03/03/2023 10:30

Yes it us from the USA but they ship to the UK.

Ouchouchowwwww · 03/03/2023 02:19

Thank you all. @Eastereggglutton the juno test looks interesting bur can only see the US site - did you buy yours from there?

up with it now 😓feels quite stingy in my bladder too

OP posts:
Eastereggglutton · 02/03/2023 19:06

another thing of note....I am also better when I have my period . The gynae I saw today said this would be when there is a drop in oestrogen, if I am feeling better when I have naturally lower oestrogen it is unlikely issues are caused by a lack of oestrogen and therefore I do not need oestrogen on prescription

Eastereggglutton · 02/03/2023 19:00

@Ouchouchowwwww yes just burning (lots and lots of horrendous burning) no change in discharge. I have seen 4 gynae privately. I asked about aerobic vaginitis but none of them had heard of it.

I got a Juno swab done privately which showed me I did indeed have aerobic vaginitis. I have used fluomizin followed by vaginal probiotics. My PH has improved and recent Juno swab shows a healthy microbiome. I am 80% better, I saw a gynae in the GUM clinic today as I am still getting occasional flares and lo and behold without me bringing it up she mentions aerobic vaginitis......wish I had tried them first!

I have also found the my vagina website to be a valuable resource when the medical professionals seemed to have no clue and the killing bv support group on facebook (they are not just for BV but any vaginal dysbiosis)

CornishTiger · 02/03/2023 18:26

I’d definitely treat for worms too. It really won’t do any harm and it really can affect in a similar way.

bonjourmonami · 02/03/2023 18:10

Make sure the loo roll doesn't have "lotion" on it

PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 02/03/2023 18:03

GeorgiaGirl52 · 07/01/2023 01:49

Here in the US, we have a non-[prescription cream called Vagisil which when appled cures itching and burning immediately. Use for about four days to give skin time to heal. Maybe you could order some?

Vagisil is available in the UK too - £5 a tube from Boots:

www.boots.com/vagisil-medicated-creme-30g-10007183

It does work but it fixes a symptom rather than the cause.