Persistent vulval itching and soreness despite BV treatment and negative swabs

[Starrrz]

So! I started getting itching down below, more discharge.. my lips done below the skin feels irratated! I’ve been with my partner for about 16 years.
3 weeks after my symptoms I had swabs sti’s - negative , thrush -negative strep b - negative. My BV was postive! I had antibiotics for 7 days and I’m still sore down below! I was also on antibiotics for a UTI at the same time.
why would this be happeneing even though I had antibiotics? I do get itchy down below before a period every month! I’ve had a polyp on my uterus which I’m not sure if this is affecting my hormones. I have endo and adenomyosis also! Not sure what else to do 😩 I’m due in 3 days and it’s really itching again. My skin down below feels like it it has been inflamed.
the dr gave me a very weak steriods cream which kind of helps.
she said it all really normal down below, abit of redness that’s it. This is driving me insane.
any advice?

Menopause? Don't know how old you are but itching has been one of the wonderful side effects, especially downstairs.

Well I’m 32! But I have a lot of hot sweats, itchy skin, dizzyness! But they keep saying I’m too young. But I have endo , adeno and polyps . Polyps are normally in people with menopause. I’m so over it :( it’s getting me so low! X

I had a real run of problems like this, in the end I was prescribed an antibiotic, antifungal cream and then oral antibiotics on top (but it was eventually strep B). If you have had a run of antibiotics this can also lead to thrush so I'd be tempted to get them to swab again.

I found certain sanitary products did not help, I had to stop using period pants and switch to pads/tampons for a few months before everything settled down. I'm sure the stress of it all made it alot worse. And do not have baths- showers only. Switch to zero shower gel too.

Out of interest, I also was experiencing symptoms like yours which I thought was the menopause, are you taking SSRIs? Or the pill? I discovered night sweats was one of the side effects and as soon as I stopped them both they went away.

Have they done blood tests? Ruled out liver function etc?

And also- apologies for the TMI and probably very obvious question you have already thought about- are you shaving? Waxing?
I had to look a bit feral for a little while until things had calmed down!

Thank you for your message :)

so I’m going to the drs for a pelvic examination . I will ask for more swabs again! I just feel like if it was the BV the antibiotics haven’t done the trick? How long did it go on for you for?

I only where maternity pads when I’m on ( I wear 3-4 at a time due to the amounts I bleed).

I stopped using soap when I wash down below. When it all started I was shaving a lot, and cleaning a lot with soap down below.

I do take an SSRI? That is intresting! I would say I have had the overheating before I started them! But my armpits have been worse since being on them!

when I didn’t shave down below I found my hairs down there were annoying my skin! I’ve been super super stressed since this all started for other things. Wondering if that has made me worse also? Xxx

Also, did the the swabs not pick the strep b up in the first place ? How did you get the strep b? Xx sorry for all the questions xx

Antibiotics can cause thrush. Especially if you’ve had more than one lot - for the BV and for the UTI.

Did they test you for tric or whatever its called. They dont routinley check for this

I will go back and ask for more swabs I think! To ask for them to check bv and thrush again! Its so annoying xx

I have never heard of that before? How do you get that? Xx

Ask them to also test for these
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG): A bacterium that infects the urinary and reproductive tracts, causing urethritis in men and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. 1]
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV): A serious, invasive bacterial infection caused by specific strains of Chlamydia trachomatis that affects the lymphatic system. 1]
Trichomoniasis: A parasitic infection that is common worldwide but less frequently diagnosed in the UK, causing genital inflammation and unusual discharge. 1, 2, 3]
Molluscum contagiosum: A viral skin infection passed through skin-to-skin contact that causes small, firm, dome-shaped bumps.
Just in case
Might not be just rules it all out as these are easily treated

One treatment can also not work quite commonly. Can take another.

Strep b is a normal bacteria that most humans carry on their skin, sometimes it just causes an infection. Nothing to worry about and very very common. But I'm not a scientist so I can't tell you why it happens 😆

The previous poster was asking about Trichomoniasis which is an STI. Normally accompanied by yellow/green discharge with a bad smell. You haven't mentioned this so unlikely, but worth asking.

Its worth getting a sexual health check up if you haven't already, because the GP wont swab for those kinds of things, just to rule it out.
I'd consider speaking to the GP about a change of meds as well and see if that at least stops the hot flushes etc.

I found the sexual health nurses incredibly knowledgeable and they were able to give some really good advice that the GP just didn't have in their expertise. Vaginas are their specialty after all 😉

Oo gosh these things sound awful 😳 I’ve been with my partner for 16 years. We split 10 years ago and I slept with someone as we were 20 yrs old. But that’s it. I do trust my partner completely. Could this be something that you could have for years? X x

Sorry- me again- I really did feel like the stress made it significantly worse. When im run down and having a bit of a hard time i can almost guarantee thrush will rear its ugly head!

Good luck OP

This is very true! I will definitely go back and if they give me something else to help :) xx

Yes.
Not as bad as you think, i got swabbed for all these due to reoccuring water infections and thrush

I did Google things but it was stressing me out so I thought I’d see if anyone has had any similar issues .

I had discharge sometimes a yellow ish tone but I was told that can be normal at different times in my cycle?? I have no smell at all, the dr was looking at my bits the other day and she said she couldn’t smell anything at all, which I haven’t smelt anything unusual either.

I have my pelvic exam tomorrow morning at the gp as they do the random Saturday appts with a gp. I will speak to her tomorrow and see what she says.

would a GUM clinic see me if I have been in a relationship and not been with anyone for years?

I wonder if the stress made this worse. I just want it sorted so badly :( I feel like it got bad when I was in work sat down with netted pants on and tights. After that day it was itching like MAD! Xxx

If you don’t mind me asking , what was the outcome for your issues? Was you having any other symptoms? Xx

My ex had cheated with sex workers and at a swingers club and had given me two stds.
The gum clinic will just check for that, gps i think.dont do the full mot that gum do.
Gum clinics are amazing.not just for stds but anything genital related.
Sorry itchy downstairs.
I think id had the first one for longer than thought. Second one gave horrific symptoms pushing me to go to gum as was obvious

Omg I am so sorry to hear that :( how awful for you! That is so awful you got that because he done that.

how long can you get symptoms for though?

I thought it’s only for stis, I may see what the dr says tomorrow. I’m waiting to see my gynaecologist but 36 week wait so maybe this will be a good step to go there xx

Gps are quite niave when it comes to sexual health.
Its really easy and they were really approachable. You dont need a gp refferal.
Sorry about my crap spelling

No you can go to a GUM clinic any time you want to. They are fabulous.

Also- all the normal advice like cotton underwear definitely applies. Loose, allow as much air as possible.

Im really sorry OP it was the absolute pits but it does get better. Go to the GUM clinic and ask for help, and definitely more swabs from the GP🙂