AIBU to ask for help for my fiery fanjo?

[FieryFanjo]

So, name change for obvious reasons...

I've been having some fanjo discomfort over the last few days - a sort of vague burning sensation. I don't really want to go to the GP as a) it's a faff, b) it's embarrassing and c) I don't think it's anything serious - although I will if it continues.

Salient points:

1. Seems to be worse at night
2. No burning whilst peeing
3. Don't see that it can be an STI as I haven't had sex in forever (six months) and used condoms
4. I'm mid-40s but for complicated reasons know that it's not linked to menopause
5. No discharge
6. No unpleasant odour
7. No broken skin / not sore to the touch
8. No itching
9. Have been using Simple facewash for my vulva, but have never before been irritated by products and am not prone to thrush

Any ideas??

@whatk8ydid

www.boots.com/multi-gyn-floraplus-5-x-5ml-10113673

I've used these before to ward off evil spirits when there's been a grumbling in the nether regions that hasn't quite fully declared itself either way. They're meant to sort of "reset" the natural balance/pH. You can also buy self test kits for thrush now for pretty cheap (also in Boots but presumably elsewhere too) which you could always do if you wanted to double check. Might be less hassle than going to the GP. Sending positive thoughts to your fanjo

Thanks.

(Evil spirits!!)

Try a barrier cream and no soap first, and just see if it helps.
Some of it is trial and error to find the thing that works for you.

Sorry - what is a barrier cream?

Have you ever had psoriasis? Might be inverse psoriasis (I hope not it's bloody awful). Barrier cream is nappy cream. The magic short term answer is five steps: Directional shower, plain water, no soap, hairdryer, "barrier cream". I recommend drapolene many swear by sudocrem. It's part of the secret knowledge of the post partum incontinence tribe.

Coloured or scented toilet paper always irritates me.

I get this too and am 45. It's basically a peri menopausal symptom caused by hormone drop and a subsequent fall in moisture. I bet you'll find if you shove a bit of KY or other lube up there on a finger then rub it around the entrance a bit a few times a day it'll get better.

@MenaiMna

Have you ever had psoriasis? Might be inverse psoriasis (I hope not it's bloody awful). Barrier cream is nappy cream. The magic short term answer is five steps: Directional shower, plain water, no soap, hairdryer, "barrier cream". I recommend drapolene many swear by sudocrem. It's part of the secret knowledge of the post partum incontinence tribe.

Not to my knowledge, no.

Thanks for the steps - although I'm still confused about the hairdryer.

I've just realised I've fairly recently started having long baths. Perhaps it's that, although I don't put anything in the water apart from myself.

@FieryFanjo

Does this sound like something that might clear up on its own, or will it definitely need some sort of medication?

Good chance it’ll clear on it’s own. Quicker option would be to buy a Canesten duo kit - cream and pessary.

Don’t wash down there with anything other than water, there’s absolutely no need.

Sounds like a fungal infection. I had exactly the same symptoms last week. Spoke to gp and was prescribed canestan duo cream & tablet. Worked within a couple of days.

A barrier cream is just something to make it a little less sore. I am using medihoney barrier because it has healing properties as well but a good nappy cream etc would work as well. Not sudocrem through because that is very drying.

@Teesel

I get this too and am 45. It's basically a peri menopausal symptom caused by hormone drop and a subsequent fall in moisture. I bet you'll find if you shove a bit of KY or other lube up there on a finger then rub it around the entrance a bit a few times a day it'll get better.

As I said, it's not linked to menopause - I'm not perimenopausal.

Try the Canestest for vaginal infections available from Boots or Amazon .

@FieryFanjo The hairdryer is just to dry the area after using water to clean it instead of using toilet paper. It’s so you don’t irritate the area by rubbing or dragging it.

It could be interstitial cystitis - google it and see if your symptoms match. It definitely is worse at night.

You don't need soap on you fanjo OP

Have you been chopping chillies with your bare hands by any chance?

Go to chemist they should be able to help you.

You shouldn’t be washing your vagina anyway. It has natural flora which self cleans the vagina apparently.

@FieryFanjo, I had similar symptoms to you last year and was diagnosed with BV (www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis)

It's super common and sometimes has no symptoms, but mine presented as a slight burning sensation and needing to pee a bit more than usual. A short course of antibiotics sorted it out, but you can also buy BV gel behind the counter to soothe the burning feeling. Best of luck finding an answer and getting it sorted!

A hairdryer??
Use a cool setting or your fanjo will be on fire!!

I am going through the same as you but I've linked it to the menopause. I see that doesn't
apply to you.

Mine is really itchy at night. I have yet to go to the chemist but have been using cool sudocrem to help.

No long baths. No hot baths. In fact no baths at all, if possible. No sugar.

@Willdoitlater

No long baths. No hot baths. In fact no baths at all, if possible. No sugar.

Oh crap.

Anyway, thank you everyone for your thoughts!

I was thinking diabetes, which can onset with interesting skin sensations in odd areas. Also thyroid issues, hence the swallowing thing, often thyroid issues can be caused by a benign tumor on your thyroid which is next to your adams apple, so you are likely to notice it when you swallow

@SeaToSki

I was thinking diabetes, which can onset with interesting skin sensations in odd areas. Also thyroid issues, hence the swallowing thing, often thyroid issues can be caused by a benign tumor on your thyroid which is next to your adams apple, so you are likely to notice it when you swallow

I see. Don't think it's that, but will have a check of adam's apple.

How do you know you are not perimenopausal?