Itching Down Below (title edited by MNHQ at request of the OP)

[Attendreetesperer]

In my vaginal area - I’ve just been for a wee and I could have cried. I have been struggling now for months, I treated it once for thrush but have just since hoped symptoms would go away. But I had a bath and used a tampon whilst in. Normally only use pads. The burning as I got out was really really bad. Then stinging burning as I wee. Odd sporadic itch near my bum since this started. Maybe once a day.

I don’t know whether I have bad thrush. Cystitis or threadworms. I don’t have children and obsessionally wash my hands, but there’s something going on!! My vaginal area itches alllllllllllll the time without burning. What’s going on?

I think that you need to see a doctor!! ASAP!

I understand that you had negative experiences when consulting doctors. I also understand that coming off antidepressants can be hell. I am honestly sorry that you’re going through this.

but stop trying to figure this out on your own and go to a doctor! And stop faffing about whether this is worms or toxic shock or something else entirely. You need to see a doctor!!

What has London got to do with it?
By your title, Thought there had been a catastrophic incident!

Can you try to call your local gum clinic? They may be easier to get into than GP. They will also be able to figure out more quickly exactly what is going on. It could be lots of things, and could be more than one thing. They will be able to help with any of them. But you need to see a doctor.

Do get checked for Lichen Schlerosus because you could have it at the same time as something else and you can get so inflamed it makes the whole area uncomfortable. Def worth checking for that because it can often be managed v well with a simple ointnment, but has potential for v negative effects if neglected (slightly increased cancer risk and fusion of labia.) I believe Lichen Planus can affect inside the vagina too.

I would disagree with shower don't bathe. Showers actually get shampoo-y water right into that area as it runs down your body and baths with water only are super helpful for soothing and soaking. Bath and then get out to wash your hair over the bath and rinse so that the runoff goes into the tub and not onto you.

Chronic UTI sufferer here - cranberry juice for a UTI is a myth. There is some research to suggest pure cranberry extract can relieve symptoms but the evidence is minimal. Cranberry juice has very little cranberry in it and often a lot of sugar which provides the perfect breeding ground for the infection to continue to grow in your bladder. Water is best, with come bicarb of soda mixed in if you can stomach it.

I'd say it was a UTI, if you don't treat, it can linger. If you see a GP they won't treat until the sample has been tested. Go to the pharmacy. If after treatment it's still about, then go to the GP. It's like infection anywhere, no treatment, then it lingers for months.

Pharmacists can now provide antibiotics for cystitis, along with treatment for other common issues such as impetigo. It’s a brilliant service to relieve pressure on GPs.

Threadworms create unbelievable itch but it's more in your anus area as they live in your rectum. Of course they can move but you would see them probably if you help up a mirror when the itching is bad. They don't create burning pain as far as I know.

How old are you OP? If the right age, I'll throw menopause/low estrogen in as a suggestion.

This would be a same day appointment at my GP. Say you think you have a UTI. You need antibiotics.

Do see your GP and be checked for UTI. However you mayj just benefit from locally applied gel, ask pharmacist about that. Drink plenty of water and make sure only clear warm water is used for cleaning your vulva, not soapy (you can use that around the outside). Something that does happen occasionally is bacterial vaginitis, often when one becomes sensitive to types of laundry products. It's best to use sensitive stuff. Antibiotics can also change the pH level of the vulval area and cause problems. I think you'd know if you had thrush and threadworms are a different matter altogether. Speak to GP asap, I'm sure whatever it is is treatable and will go. I feel for you, let us know how you get on. x

Havent rtft. Yep if you haven't already ordered dmannose would strongly recommend for uti. Used to suffer for years but dmannose capsules or powder diluted in water was a game changer. Altho sounds like your infection quite severe so might need antibiotics anyway. But dmannose is great at preventing the infection getting to this stage.

No.

If you cannot get a GP appointment today go to the pharmacy. They sell drinks to treat cystitis and cream for thrush. Try both.

Why would you leave your health months when a quick visit to the pharmacy could have resolved this.

Not sure why you would use a tampon when you are already really sore? I'm assuming the bath was to soothe/ease symptoms.

Have you used a mirror to look? Any sores like herpes?

How old are you, OP? If you're possibly perimenopausal, another possibility to consider is vaginal atrophy. I had similar symptoms to you - a weird and horrible combination of cystitis and thrush, yet not quite like either of them - which had been going on for a month or more but it resolved itself when I started oestrogen pessaries.

It's entirely possible that you already had thrush (you said it was longstanding) and have since developed a UTI.

Go to the vet. See a pharmacist while waiting for the GP.

Not sure why you think threadworm but that is easy to rule out - just grab a small mirror and check your anus, it will be evident if you have them

Why not simply call 111? In my experience, if necessary they'll get someone medically trained (a nurse or a doctor) to call you back, or tell you that you need to go to A&E.

You need some proper medical advice ASAP, even if you can't get a GP appointment.

I thought this too.

OP you're being absolutely ridiculous not getting medical help from either your GP or nipping to A and E.

You can die from TSS and sepsis, the latter is surprisingly common.

I second D Mannose but why do people struggle for months before they need a doctors appointment and then complain because they can’t get one straight away? Why didn’t you book one earlier? Also please change the thread title because I actually thought London had fires!

I will also push you not to "leave it" or to go to pharmacist. My friend had a UTI that they were not sure if a UTI or a yeast infection. She got so ill she finally went to the hospital and soon was in the ICU with her BP very, very low. She had sepsis and was quite, quite ill.

Please do not put it off as my friend did. She made it but it wasn't a fun recovery.

Not sure if you are perimenopausal or in the menopause but it's worth knowing that urinary symptoms/ itching can often be caused by vaginal atrophy rather than a UTI. The lack of oestrogen causes thinning of the skin. I suffered for months thinking I had thrush or UTIs , topical oestrogen cream and vaginal moisturizer has managed my symptoms. Many GPs are seemingly unaware of the need for topical oestrogen cream.

Indeed, or just post like an adult?

OP - YABU.

You can’t complain when you can’t be bothered to do anything about it.

I thought that too, dotty, but didn't want to suggest. I'm glad you did. The op may well be advised to try a hormonal cream but she does need to seek advice.

And third thread about threadworms I've seen in the last 24 hours and I've barely glanced at Mumsnet. Coincidence?

If you call 111 they can get you booked in as a priority at your GP surgery. Or go to your local walk in clinic, or sexual health clinic.