I've got itchy lady bits [blush]

[CarysFach]

I had a traumatic childbirth just over 3 years ago, which left me needing a lot of stitches thanks to a 3rd degree tear. Since then, my lady bits haven't been the same, which I know is a common theme for so many mums.

However, in the past year, my vulva has been itchy. It was mild to begin with, and I thought it could be thrush, so I self treated to go along with my self diagnosis. Now, it itches so badly,I can scratch until I bleed, and it's really getting me down.

I know I'm scared of another difficult childbirth, and am petrified of falling pregnant again, so I'm avoiding any sort of intimacy with my other half. I can't even remember when we last had sex - not this year, anyway. Could this be why I'm itching? To avoid being put in a situation I know I'm scared of? Or could there be a more medical reason I'm scratching myself raw? Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I love my little one and other half, but I can't let myself think about another pregnancy because I start to panic. I've been told I could have an elective C section, which I don't want.
Am I bonkers?

Hey there Carys, didn't want this to go unanswered. Could it be that you have vulvodynia? Here's a link

vulvalpainsociety.org/index.php?page=vulvodynia

Whether it's this or not, I'd suggest a) going to your GP and asking for a referral to a genito-urinary specialist and b) if you get futher down the line without relief, considering acupuncture, which is great for all sorts of non-specific pain things (I have something called interstitial cystitis, which responds to it very well).

"could there be a more medical reason I'm scratching myself raw"

yes, if you've been unsuccessfully self treating, take yourself off to a GP, I really would.
Sounds absolutely miserable, you can't go on with this for a year.

I take it you've investigated all the products you are using, soap/shower gel, washing powder etc to eliminate any causes

Just book an appointment with your GP, you must feel so so miserable, I can't believe you've gone a year with this problem.

I had something similar, the itching was due to the scar tissue, and it healed after a while, so I know the agony you feel!

I've eliminated everything and reintroduced them individually

Another problem I have is that the only female doctor in my GP's practice is a mum at the school I teach at. I really am at my wits end. Thanks for being so kind. Cheers to you

Hi Leverkusen. It could well be the scar. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet, aren't I. Grrr!

I have been seen by male doctors before and I really don't mind it. They see fanjoes all the time .

Or you could go to an NHS walk in centre if you feel more comfortable doing that. I really feel sorry for you, you must feel so fed up.

sorry x post- yes bite the bullet, it will be fine

I had unbearable itching and was diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus worth looking at the BBC heatlt site I have linked to.

Carys, I had this for ages, the GP as uselss just gave me thrush cream and told me not to wear knickers , then one day when she wasn't there I saw another doc who is a dermatologist, who took a look, gave me a differnet cream ?dermovate? and hey presto, misery gone (and the fear it might be something serious).

Thanks. I think I just need someone to tell me what to do.

I'll get on to it in the morning and let you know how I get on.

Thanks :P

Lichen Sclerosus sounds agonising. I send my sympathies. I had a look at the link, and will increase my vitamin C, E and Zinc.