Vulval pain in 12yo, any ideas?

[GrimbleGrog]

She says it's a sort of burning pain, occurs anywhere around the vulva and sometimes in the vagina. She's had it on and off for about 2 months, always at night, doesn't last long.

I don't think it's cystitis or thrush. She hasn't started her periods yet, it doesn't sound like anything I can remember experiencing.

Sounds like thrush to me( many years experience) or worms , at night they can migrate to the vulval area.

I was wondering worms if you are sure it's not thrush.
The other thing is whether you have recently changed washing powder/bath products etc that could cause irritation.

Would thrush be more pain than itching, d'you think? Worms would itch, wouldn't they?

Thrush can be really painful.
Worms (at least in the anal area) cause itching - I am unsure if they would eventually cause pain/irritation.

Does she have any discharge in her knickers? I would want a routine doctors appointment to exclude thrush/urine infections or worms.
Two months is a long while imo to be suffering from an undiagnosed gynae type problem.

It does sound as though I'm neglecting her, I can see that. I don't want to put her through the embarrassment of an examination unless absolutely necessary, and I've been thinking it's just one of those odd intermittent unexplained pains that we all get now and again. I think it may be time for a doctor's visit though. Poor little thing, the idea of an examination horrifies her despite my best efforts to put her at ease.

She does have the odd discharge but it looks normal to me, I think periods are probably not that far distant.

She doesn't have to have an examination, just piss in a cup to rule out a uti, and then the doc will trial some antibiotics. There should be no need to examine a twelve year old.

Thanks colditz, I'll tell her.

I don't think a doctor would be too invasive with her. Take along a pair of knickers with any discharge. Don't let her wee for an hour or so before her appt incase the doctor wants a sample at the surgery. The doctor would probably take your word about any soreness or redness but would only want a quick look at most. Please don't worry about her being prodded or internally examined that won't happen.Above all don't make a fuss about a "down there" type of problem. Tell her its just routine the doctor has seen it all before.

possibly threadworms, symptoms can be as you describe.

certaily not unheard of for worms to be the cause.
maybe worth treating over the counter nd see if symptoms go

I don't think it sounds like worms but it could be cystitis, I remember getting it at that age and it bothering me at night often, I never was taken to the GP ( dont know if i even told anyone) but it's only now as an adult having had it I remember exactly how I felt then and know what it is.

I got this at a similar age because I was using soap and trying to clean everywhere properly with soap. The bar type stuff- dove or something. Awchy.