Help with symptoms please! (TMI)

[Samsamsuperman]

Hi all. I have had an itchy vulva for a few months now. The edges of my labia are a bit red too. Not sure if it's linked but I have noticed a slight reduction in libido too this past month or so.

Regarding the itching, my GP took swabs and results have come back clear so no vaginal infection. I wear cotton undies, sleep with no underwear on, use non-bio washing powder and don't use bubble bath. Don't use condoms, do use a mooncup. Doesn't get better at any time of cycle.

Any ideas? I'm beginning to think it could be lowering oestrogen due to perimenopause - what do you think?

Could it be Lichen Sclerosis? There is no test for this, so it wouldn’t be picked up on swabs. I have this and it was confirmed via exam from the gynaecologist and successful treatment plan. GP and sexual health clinic missed it on multiple occasions.

That's very interesting, do the symptoms sound the same? Did you see a private gynaecologist? X

Yes, I did. I have private health insurance through work. I did demand a referral from my GP though as I needed the letter to ‘skip the queue’ and go private.
There’s a lot of helpful information on lichen sclerosis on the NHS website as far as I recall. You’d be better doing some research via there as to your symptoms. I will say that it’s not something that goes away on its own, if you have it, you will always have it, but it is very manageable to get rid of the itching once diagnosed, so keep pushing for appointments and treatment.

I have had itching down there on and off for a few months. Had swabs and treated with antibiotics as used a canetest for BV and it said BV but swabs are all clear. I've been told since it's on and off something must be causing it like an irritation to bubble bath etc. I've stopped having baths and it's still not gone but thankfully it's not constant x

Hi @MotherOfLittlePeople @TDL2016 hope you don’t mind me dropping in on your conversation!. I have the same thing. I have a referral to a dermatologist so hoping they can diagnose me. It’s so sore, red, inflamed. I did think it was hormonal but now I can flare up at any time of the month. TDL - what treatment plan helped you?

Do you use softener in your washing? I can only use the white softener, anything with nice scents in makes me itch to the point of insanity.

Could also try am extra rinse on your wash cycle. I find the shorter the wash cycle, the more washing powder residue is left on clothes, and that irritates me too.

I don't use fabric softener but I am going to try washing my underwear on a hot wash with no detergent to see if that helps.

I looked up lichen sclerosis but there are no white patches - I also did a Canesten test and it came but all clear.

I think I'll try anti histamines too. It's so strange. I'll go back to GP this week, I do feel like I might need a blood test to rule out hormones.

Could it stress related...?

Thanks all for suggestions x

I couldn’t see the white patches myself, only the gynaecologist picked them up. Good luck with the GP appointments, I hope you find a solution soon.

How old are you OP? My vulva itchiness began during the menopause due to vaginal dryness. This NHS link says it can also lower your libido... www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
I use a dab of olive oil after I shower and before bed, which relieves the worst of the itchiness.

Aha - OK so I'll ask GP about LS and ask for a blood test for menopause.

I'm young for menopause but likely to go through it early.

Thank you!!

How old are you @Samsamsuperman

38 and likely to go through menopause early

Hi OP, it might be Vaginal Atrophy. This is a great website to read up on it www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/vaginal-dryness

If you’re in the U.K. NICE guidelines should be used by GPs www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#managing-short-term-menopausal-symptoms
Normally symptoms are used in menopause diagnosis, but blood tests can also be done if you’re under 45. There is a call for all GPs to be up to speed on this but sadly not all are.

You shouldn’t need to go private. You could also go checked out at a GUM clinic and if they think it’s VA they can make a recommendation to take a local form of estrogen, either as a suppository pill or a cream that can be used externally and internally. YES products can also help soothe and have less additives than other lubes/moisturisers.

HTH.

So helpful thank you x

I've been prescribed estriol cream and that's helped me but I'm having cramps and some bleeding. Has any one that uses this had this? Should I go back to GP? Did you get yours sorted OP?

hey Sam Sam :) i'm going through exactly the same thing- no white patches but the itching and burning started over two months ago and everything else ruled out. Did you get diagnosed? i am waiting for my gynea referral at the moment. Hope you get back to me. Mine only comes in the afternoon after i've walked for a bit, otherwise i'm ok even with sex. So bizzare! GP examined me and haven't seen anything ususual so think maybe the specialist will take biopsy for LS? thanks and good luck!

@mia2201 you need to see a dermatologist not a gynaecologist