To ask for help with my burning fanjo

[Tootsey11]

Posting for traffic so please don't shoot me down.

9 weeks ago my bits down below started burning. As I had just had 2 courses of antibiotics for coronavirus, I presumed I had thrush. Went to the chemist and got the one time tablet. Did nothing. Then reading on here the thread 'my vagina stinks' as mine seemed a little strong I thought it must be BV. Went to the chemist bought the test and gels. Test was negative, but after reading that they were not accurate, used the gels anyway. I got instant relief and all was fine for 3 days, then the burning returned.

Since that doctor has taken swabs, clear.
Urine tests, clear.

I've had antibiotics for bv, still the same
2 more capsules for thrush, still the same.

The burning has shifted somewhat to the skin on my legs around vag. The hollows that you get when you sit down if that makes sense.

I should say I am 44 nearly 45 and use vagifem as I was presumed to be menopausal. I was tearing inside during sex and after nurse had a look was advised to use these.

I haven't worn underwear in all this time as it hurts the skin on my legs, and have lived in jogging bottoms as they are loose.

Can anyone advise, re the burning, as it is getting me down so much. I cannot carry on like this.

@gnushoes, I done the two weeks every day, then ignored the twice weekly advice and have been using them 5 days out of 7. I do think I need HRT on top. Although I don't know if both are allowed at the same time. I'm also using ovestrin cream , but still the same. I'll do whatever it takes to get rid of this.

@LakieLady I was horrified at this fact! Apparently it burns rather than itches in the vagina. I actually asked a pharmacist about this hoping it was a myth. She told me it is true and they are rife at the moment. It took me days to get over this fact of life

I had vaginal dryness due to menopause and as soon as I started oestrogen cream I developed thrush like symptoms. It settled down but could yours perhaps be related to your vagifem. When reading your OP I started to think “hormonal” before you mentioned it.

Consider trying a different formulation for your oestrogen?

I had recurrent thrush and the senior nurse told me that the pessaries are much more effective than the tablets. I think for the worst case I ended up with seven consecutive days of pessaries which did eventually clear it up.

I think my bouts were probably caused by years of low-dose AB’s daily, which probably decimated my microbiome, coupled with perimenopause. I’ve found the Yes products to be a lifesaver - I use the vaginal moisturiser about once every 4 days, then the lube every time we have sex. I haven’t had thrush once since I started using them, and that was after a few years of getting it at least every other month, sometimes much more often.

@stepbackfromthecircles

Where did you hear about the worms being rife? Tmi, but after I peed one day I had stringy discharge that I thought moved. Then I thought no, must be my imagination. God, if this is worms where did I get them?

You can use Vagifem (topical) and systemic HRT. Has this burning coincided with you starting Vagifem? Some women can react to the ingredients in them. Ovestin is another, though more messy, option.

@oreosoreosoreos will try the yes products. I've read great reviews about them. I'm having to use the vagisil about 5 times a day, and it just dries up after an hour on, then repeat.

The pharmacist when picking up my epilepsy meds. Apparently, it is because everyone has been in soil more. I'm really squeamish so this made me feel ill. White string is what you would see apparently. She was thorough with her details.

Get yourself some Ovex - I think you have worms

@Fallinglguanas, the burning started before I was using vagifem. I'm using ovestrin as well on the outside. I think I need to throw everything at this and get HRT as well.

My friend has similar, cant remember what it is called by hydrocortisone cream helps

I haven't been in soil! I don't think you pick up worms as a human if you have been out in the garden in soil. They are not the same type of worm.

'As I had just had 2 courses of antibiotics for coronavirus'

I'm sorry but what?

Antibiotics for coronavirus?

Could you be diabetic? I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after recurrent thrush, itching and burning in and around my vagina.

You probably need more medical help rather than is. Good luck. Being a lady is so fun at times!

@Fairenuff yes antibiotics for the effects. I got CV before lockdown. Give antibiotics for pneumonia caused by CV then a second dose as I was still unwell.

@Toilenstripes I had thought of that. Gp tested urine and as no sugar showed, said I was ok. But I have read that this is not a reliable way to test for diabetes.

For all those saying I need medical help, yes I know I do. I've tried. Referral here in NI is a long long wait. I'm asking here as I'm sure I can't be the only woman who has or is going through the same. My Gp is trying but is stumped. Our gynae nurse has been cancelled at our surgery due to coronavirus.

All helpful comments are appreciated. I will work on what has been suggested.

I get a sort of nappy rash type thing. I use babies zinc containing nappy cream. It’s yellow and stains but it’s wonderful stuff (metanium). Maybe worth a try?

I had this. For 3years!!! Horrendous. Various treatments for Thrush, BV, UTI, STI checks and no answers.
Eventually I cut out high sugar foods and spicy foods, stopped wearing any underwear that wasn't cotton and stopped wearing tight jeans. I stopped treating with anything other than natural yoghurt (great relief) and stopped wearing bottoms at night. I also made sure I drank a lot of water each day.
I've since had 3 bladder surgeries so for me the most likely cause was UTI or acidic urine but I don't have a definitive answer. All I know is its been gone for almost 4 years now and at one point I was 20 and suicidal because of how relentless it was.
As horrid as it sounds try not so stress. When it happens use yoghurt, cool baths etc and drink lots.
I would buy UTI test strips too. Often I would go to Dr, test would be negative and within 2 days it would be a full blown UTI.
My UTI is most often ecoli which doesn't reliably show on strips. Next time it happens ask them to send it to the lab.
Sorry that was long winded! I really hope you get to the bottom of it x

Try a hay-fever tablet. Worked for me which was a great surprise.

@Alpacamabags, thankyou.

I have: stopped wearing skinny jeans and underwear. Wear no bottoms in bed. I am dehydrated a lot so will aim to drink more. It does burn before I pee, so am going to keep on with the cranberry sachets. I can understand the suicidal thoughts, I'm getting that way. My partner of 20 years has withdrawn completely from me because it's too painful to have sex.

Make sure your toilet paper isn’t perfumed. You may not be aware unless you look closely. I got very sore from Andrex Skin Kind (ironically).

I'd definitely ask for HRT too. This sounds like atrophy from everything you say. Look into V Magic moisturiser, it helps. Also check out YES lubes, they are developed for women with atrophy to help with SI.

@marmitedoughnut

Well that took a whole 19 minutes for the fanny police to turn up...

All hail the #mingepedants

I'm not the fanny police but I'm not sure why a grown woman would need to use the word "fanjo" or talk about her "bits down below

I’ll use whatever goddamn words I like to describe my own body parts thanks.