What's going on down there?!

[FoxesInSoxes]

Have name changed for this because it's a bit TMI-y.
Something odd is going on and I'm not sure whether to bother my doctor with itnso just going to list my symptoms and hope for some advice.
I went to the doctor's in my early 20s (now early 30s) with complaint of painful sex and was diagnosed with recurrent thrush which was treated but sex continues to be painful. At last smear nurse mentioned I was quite dry which she said was unusual for my age. Last period started with brown discharge for around 4 days before it started normally. I was due on my period around now but started brown discharge a week ago tomorrow but it's stayed like that with only a hint of 'normal' period blood. No children and nearly 100% sure I'm not pregnant (will test tomorrow just in case) but any ideas what else it could be and whether I should see the doctor?

Tested this morning and negative. Any ideas anyone!?

I would return to the GP and ask for a referral to a gynaecologist (this is really outside a GPs general remit). Something is causing all this and it is certainly in your interests to find out what it is. The painful sex for instance is something that you should not simply have to put up with.

I would also keep a daily pain and symptom diary particularly if you do not already do this. This will help give the gynae clues

Deep pain during sex for instance can be symptomatic of endometriosis. Infact any symptoms that are cyclical in nature and get worse up to and including menses should be checked further to see if endometriosis is the underlying cause.

Thanks, I was referred to the gynaecologist back when it first started but it's not a deep pain and after a few internal examinations they said it was recurrent thrush and treated me for that.
When I said it was still painful they suggested using lubrication which helps a bit and it's only painful to begin with so I thought it's just one of those things.
Apologies, should have put all that in the OP.
It's more my period being weird that's made me think something's up but thought perhaps it could be linked to the dryness.

You could be experiencing early menopause - see if they'll test your hormone levels

Thanks Surf will they do anything after just two odd periods though or should I wait and see what the next one's like?

Mention ALL your symptoms and state that you are concerned you may be menopausal / peri menopausal and they should test to rule it out at least.

Tbh I would skip the gp and hospitals and go to the GUM clinic. This is their area and you'll get everything you need in one place.

They will check there and then if you have thrush or not while you're there.

Thanks both, I don't have thrush anymore, have had it once since the original diagnosis 10 years ago and definitely don't have it now.
Will make an appointment with my GP, feeling quite anxious now

I've just called my GP but the soonest appointment they could offer without me calling on the day was end of June. I've booked that but going to try ringing on the day on the times I'm off work as I don't think I want to wait that long.

That's why I suggested the GUM clinic, they're usually walk ins.

Thanks, I've got some time off coming up I'll try that

Just checked, the one nearest to me is appointments only, currently a 6 week wait so will just stick to the GP appointment

Sorry to drag this up again when I got some useful answers but the early menopause suggestion is playing on my mind. Would symptoms of menopause show if you were on the pill?

Just returning to this thread to say I went to the drs, had to wait for the appointment and she said nothing too concerning is jumping out but I've been referred for a blood test to check hormone levels but I need to now wait until I'm on my period which is due within next few days. I'm trying to put it to the back of my mind but GP did mention early menopause, asked when my mum had gone through it (early 50s) then said it seems unlikely, I just keep thinking someone in a family has to have the misfortune of having it early first surely.

Try not to worry too much. It could well be hormonal but not necessarily hormonal. You are doing the right thing being checked out.

Not necessarily menopausal!

Totally get your frustration having to wait so long for an appointment with the GP, but glad you've finally been seen today. I hope the tests come back ok and that you're able to get to normal soon.

Thanks both I've just posted on another oldish thread where someone described my symptoms perfectly (minus the weird periods!) and it's made me feel upset that I've just accepted painful sex for so long so even if the test comes back normal I'm going to fight for some sort of treatment for whatever IS going on.

And you definitely should.