Problem Vagina!

[ouch12345]

Posting in Chat for traffic! Sorry about this! Have name changed.

I had covid last month whilst I was on my period (not sure if this is relevant). Had a ten day period which I have never had before in my life (usually a 4 day kinda gal).

On day 4 of my period which was much heavier than usual, still with covid all the skin around my vagina became really painful. I had a good look and couldn't see anything. It feels like I have ulcers all over the skin around my vagina (not labia). It's so bloody sore I could cry. There are definitely no spots or ulcers present and looks completely normal.

It lasted for about 2 weeks then went so I thought nothing of it.

But it's happened again this month. Heavy period and intense pain on the skin around my vagina. I'm still bleeding very lightly but can't tell if it's my period or caused by whatever this is.

I've never had any STI's or thrush (not a stealth boast) and I've been with DH for 7 years so no new sexual partners. We have two children that don't sleep and don't get out much so I know he's not cheated. I have had a recent cold sore?

Does anyone have any idea what this might be?

I thought the coldsore might be relevant in case I've somehow touched my mouth then wiped and given myself herpes?

Absolutely no idea, sorry, but wanted to bump this for you. I absolutely wouldn't hesitate to see a doctor about this. It sounds very painful and uncomfortable! I hope you find some relief soon.

It sounds a bit like lichen sclerosus which is a skin condition that affects the vulva. I had it after having chemotherapy and it is very sore. It’s treatable with steroid cream and using emollient (like Dermol cream) to wash. www.nhs.uk/conditions/lichen-sclerosus/
Or could it be thrush? My daughter got a fungal infection in the corner of her mouth after having covid and the pharmacist said it was quite common to get a fungal infection after having Covid.
Can you get a phone appointment with the gp? Or go and have a chat with your pharmacist? Hugs xx

Have you changed pad/ tampons brands?

They can sometimes cause irritation. I used to get cuts/rashes

Definitely see a dr. Preferably one you trust /is not dismissive

Thrush is quite common following period, especially if your flora has changed owing to covid/ immune system activity. It’s as you describe. Can just be very sore and very fragile.

I had this whenever on my period for about 5 months, then it ended. Baffled. No advice to give except that washing the area with cool water not warm water helped slightly.

Sympathy- it sucks! And such a strange sensation so sharp.

Do get a full STI check just in case.

Obviously see a doctor to check it out, and don't rely on us here, but, anecdotally, I got a nasty rash/sore vulva when they added perfume to "my" brand of sanitary towels. Took me ages to find some un perfumed ones that didn't make me sore. Have they changed yours?

Thanks so much everyone for your replies.

@Whatwouldscullydo I did actually wear pads for the first time in years as I was so heavy. They aren't fragranced but the pain started the morning after I had worn one all night so wondering if it could be that? Thanks for the advice!

@UserWithNoUserName I don't usually use them but started the months this started so I wonder if this is what it is.

I coated myself in sudocreme last night and it does actually seem to feel a bit better rbis morning.

Cloth pads/period pants are your friend ouch

No itching or rashes etc saved my vagina anyway