to think this is the wrong prescription for my vaginal itching?

[goingdeepinthesky]

Went to GP with vaginal itching that's been going on for a few months. She asked what I use to clean myself there and I said nothing, I just use water when I shower. She looked visibly surprised. Which surprised me as I thought that was what you were meant to do.

Anyway, she gave me a prescription which I didn't have time to take to pharmacist on Friday - but I have just looked at it and it is for a soap substitute. I presume this is in case the soap I am using is causing the irritation. But I don't use soap. So I don't need it. I need something to stop the sodding itching.

Bit peeved off as I have two small kids and its bloody hard to get to GP and I don't want to have to do it a-bloody-gain.

So AIBU? I am missing something - surely this wasn't the right prescription for me?

I would seriously go to the STI clinic OP.

Huge red flag that this kind of started when you met new partner.

I hope it's not, but it screams STI to me.

STD sorry.

Thanks Puppy! Thanks Pickle!

I don't think the itching is an STD, as I said, it preceded new guy. Will consider getting a check myself though...

I'm voting that it's your age OP.
Lots of us are discussing this sort of thing over on the Menopause threads.
It can be caused by vaginal dryness which can be one of the earliest signs of menopause.
(Sorry)

Don’t know if you pay for your prescriptions but if you do then a cheap alternative may be acqueous cream - I suffered for years and washing with this (externally only!) has solved it.

Of course it could be STI as others have said but more likely that the sex just exacerbates the problem due to simple friction - same as rubbing at itchy skin makes it worse.

unless you know what it is, you cannot treat it. did the GP examine you and take swaps? did you try a thrush treatment?

You sure it's not honeymoon cystitis? www.zavamed.com/uk/honeymoon-cystitis.html

I suffered from similar for 7 years 🤪 So have tried everything. Is it an aqueous cream?? That was presented to me as a soap substitute but also works as a barrier to stop whatever soap you use on the rest of your body getting to that area and causing irritation.

I don't have vaginal dryness - thanks everyone for your contributions - I have to go out now - actually - it might be because I have taken up a new and very energetic hobby - maybe I am just getting more sweaty there than before? Sorry - gross TMI , I know.
Anyway, thanks _ I'm off for now!

Google jock itch, I think that's the term for it. Women can suffer from it too. Mainly from sweating, I had it a few years ago and I got a soothing aloe vera gel OTC the really helped. You're right not to use anything when washing that area, any type of soap can upset the delicate ph balance.

I wasn’t suggesting an STI, by the way. Just possible...chafing and therefore more friction to exacerbate the itching.

As you’ve clarified the itching precedes the new guy, I’m leaning toward the possible peri-menopause camp, but I’m not a doctor and none of us will know until you have it checked out by one (preferably one with lots of experience).

I was prescribed all the aqueous cream, dermol, canesten etc until my (not sure it’s relevant but probably) menopausal GP took a look at me and said “your vulva is clearly unhappy” and gave me Fucibet for Itchy Vulva.

There are myriad possibilities so get it checked properly. And, no, menopause does not equal a death sentence on sex drive.

Could be BV bacterial vaginosis. This can be worsened by sex as semen is alkaline.

People really need to stop perpetuating these myths!
My libido has gone through the roof since the menopause. And sorry, TMI, but it’s now my turn to nag DH for sex.
We don’t all have the same experiences.

@Bliponthescreen That's brilliant news! I can't tell you how much that has cheered me up!

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Thinking about it, the itching has perhaps coincided with the new exercise drive. Though BV as suggested by helpmum would also fit. Hmmm.

Thanks again, you've all been brilliant. Lots to check out!

Hello, just wondering if anyone has experience swollen vulva, no itching no discharge and not thrush but painful urine a sore vulva and frequent urination.
Can anyone help please?
Been to GP for 4 weeks back and forth and nothing has been diagnosed yet. This pain is killing me
Thanks

Start your own thread.

Months of this, £££s, chemist, dr, home remedies etc. Still scratching. Took a piriton tab for hayfever. Relief within half an hour. If you know its not an STI, could be an allergy.

@longwayoff
Thank you it’s not itchy though so I don’t think i would work but I am willing to try anything now!
@MrsPerfect12 I will now thanks

Did you get this diagnosed in the end?

Did this ever get diagnosed

I had a Bartholins Cyst - which itched like blazes. Small swelling on inner labia. Went away of its own accord.

How long did it take to go? Did docs diagnose that ?

How long did it take to go? Did docs diagnose that ?

Hopefully it didn’t take 2.5 years. #ZombieVag

Yes, doc told me that was what it was - I looked with a mirror but it was a pretty insignificant lump but she said straight off when I was examined. Went in weeks. I think I had some ointment to use but I didn't use it.