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?

Also ask gp to check for candidiya

Ok I may ring up and book it. But I’m worried if my partner thinks what on earth I’m I going there for 😅 xx

So you had BV? You need your partner treated for that as well as they pass it on from women to women and reinfect them. I hope they told you that as it should be common knowledge by now as was discovered years ago, so the GUM clinic should have been on that.

How long have you been with your partner.
Some men are a symptomatic.
Just tell him the truth or better still take him and you can both get checked.

Ok I think you are correct, I will do that :) could I have something from years ago ? Its confusing because I’ve had itching before my periods for a while. Xx

Well you will definitely still have BV if he wasn't treated...

I had a similar experience a few years ago for me it was recurrent persistent thrush ( I know most test came back negative but sounds very like it) only thing that cleared it eventually was 6 months on prescription fluconazole.

It sounds like it could be Lichen Sclerosus
Common Symptoms

• Itching: Intense or persistent itching (pruritus), which is often worse at night.
• Soreness and Burning: Discomfort, stinging, or a burning sensation in the affected regions.
• Painful Intercourse: Pain or discomfort during sexual activity (dyspareunia) due to tight or fragile skin.
• Pain with Elimination: Difficulty or pain when urinating (dysuria) or moving the bowels.
• Asymptomatic Cases: Some individuals experience no symptoms at all and are diagnosed during routine exams. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Physical Signs and Skin Changes

• White Patches: Smooth, ivory, or porcelain-white patches that can make the skin look wrinkled or like cigarette paper.
• Skin Fragility: Easy bruising, blistering, or the appearance of dark red or purple blood blisters.
• Tears and Sores: Cracking, fissures, or open ulcers caused by friction or fragile skin.
• Scarring and Shrinkage: Long-term architectural changes, such as shrinking of the vulva, fusing of the labia,

I have this. It is treatable, usually with ultra potent steroid lotion which is used twice a week for life.

Lots of GPs assume it only affects women who are post menopausal. This is not true.

It can cause Vulvular cancer if left untreated so it is very important that, if it is LS, it is treated.

Hey, google lichen sclerosis, not an std or any kind of fungal thing but an autoimmune thing

Or just read what CrowsInMyGarden said 😆

I think I will just say because my symptoms are on going it’s the best thing to do! I will try and get this booked asap! Thank you :) xx

Omg 6 months on it 😩 did you have symptoms for 6 months? Xx

Presumably he knows you had bv meds?
He does need to go to be prescribed.

Before new partner?
Worth getting checked either way

I asked my GP and she said she did think about this but she said she can’t say it’s that from one acute episode. Looking back I’ve had itchy episodes for a while but before periods or if I’ve had a lot of sex etc! I am seeing a different female go who I will mention this to. I feel like a sharp sting in my flaps it’s so weird! Xx

She's been with him for 16 years and is too afraid to take him to a GUM clinic.
What is that all about?

@SmallDFartyCarNRG I’m not afraid to take him. I was told by my GP i have BV and then jumping to a GUM clinic. I have been with him for 16 years but did have a break 10 years ago :)

When I asked my GP say told me men can’t have BV. And that was on a phone appt with my partner with me. But I haven’t been able to even think about sex since I’ve had this due to the itching and being so uncomfortable.

Thank you! I did mention this to my gp but she said she thought about it but she said not just after one acute episode. Xx

Sorry in thought a few months sorry

Years ago I was “allergic” to spermicide cream used alongside the Dutch Cap. (Hateful things.) Gave me terrible thrush until I tumbled to the cause.

Years ago I was allergic to the soap powder I was using. All tests returned negative. Symptoms similar to yours. I changed the washing powder & hey presto, the itching & burning cleared up.

Let me guess, a male GP? He likely won't be up to date on recurrent women's issues. You will still have it as men are carriers and asymptomatic. He needs treatment.
www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa2405404?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

If it’s before your period every month it’s probably a cyclical ‘relative’ oestrogen deficiency. Try some vaginal oestrogen cream. Ask at your GP appointment, but I think you can buy it over the counter too.

That was a male dr I had a phone call appt with. But I saw the female GP she didn’t seemed fussed at all about me having bb didn’t even mention my partner. If he rings the dr would they give him antibiotics if he says I’ve had it, no wonder people keep getting it if men don’t get treated also.

Just go to gum they will sort that and check for any long term issues