What they hell is going on with my vagina??!

[Whatelsecouldibecalled]

I had a baby 10 months ago. Vaginal delivery resulting in a 3rd degree tear. I had surgery to repair the tear. The recovery was tough but after about 6 months I was feeling better and almost back to normal. I was told I should have had physio but due to covid it didn’t happen. About two months ago I started to get pain in my vagina. I thought I had a bad thrush infection so bought over the counter treatment and since then it’s just not got better I started feeling a dragging sensation, can’t tolerate tampons at all and an uncomfortable pressure feeling. I also really itch around the vulvar and what feels like in the vagina too. I went to the doctor explained and she examined me and told me that I had a rectocele and cystocele prolapse. But didn’t take any swabs. I was referred to gynae. Had my gynae appointment yesterday and she told me that I didn’t have any signs of a prolapse at all never mind two! She had my vagina walls were weak but that would be expected after childbirth. I asked about the itching and she said maybe that’s just you?! Wtf!

So please anyone shed any light or where to turn now. The itching is bad enough to keep me awake as night (annoying when I’ve just settled the baby!!) and it’s really getting me down. I’ve looks to try and book a sexual health appointment but due to covid it’s not running. What now? I’ve reduced sugar In my diet.

Please help!

That sounds sore. Does anything relieve it like canesten or yoghurt?
I would ask the GP for more investigations.

Think thrush is most likely. I’d do the cream and pessary and see if that improves things.

You need to go back to the GP. No one can reliably offer medical advice on mumsnet

Hi there,

It's an awful shame to think they aren't helping you as much as they should! Did you have corrective surgery then after the scar?. I had a birthing tear and had to have corrective surgery to open up the area downstairs as I had a constant anvil like feeling downstairs and constant itching from the scar trying to heal. The problem with these types of scars is nothing is ever going to be the same as before you had the tear as the area is weakened, however you can request dialators which help train the muscles to accept something going in again instead of constantly trying to reject it. They will also give you lubricant to make it as comfortable as possible. Use these after a bath I'd say is the best time in a comfortable position. I hope this helps I really feel for you it still haunts me.

OP, did the gynae examine you standing up as the dragging symptoms and inability to tolerate tampons does sound like a prolapse. Again if the appointment is earlier in the morning symptoms aren't always as obvious. I'm a bit at her comment about 'weak walls'. A prolapse can also cause vaginal and vulval irritation.

Also, are you breastfeeding? Low oestrogen levels associated with peri/menopause which can lead to vagina irritation and soreness are also seen in postpartum breastfeeding women. This is temporary and will resolve.

@PCar20 yes I realise this. I just wanted to reach out to discuss on a forum as even when I can see friends we generally don’t talk about or look at our vaginas

@TheQueef have done a OTC thrush treatment three weeks ago. Didn’t really help at all.

@Lizzeo haven’t had corrective surgery. I had surgery for repair straight after birth. Have used dilators in the past. It’s not tight now (cheer baby!) just very sore abs uncomfortable. All the time.

@slidingdrawers no it was laying in a table but thorough. Lots of coughing poking etc. I’m formula feeding. However had ivf to have my boy and I think my estrogen levels were boarderline then.

I have phoned go today and she has prescribed another round of thrush treatment with hydrocortisone in. Has also left some swabs for me to do at home and return. I guess that’s to check for thrush BV etc. Also ordered a blood test for hormone profiling so at least there has been some response. Although she was annoyed that she diagnosed a prolapse but consultant disagreed but not a lot I can do about that!
Thanks for your replies

Sounds like you have candida, it can sometimes be aggravated by all the hormone changes after birth. Cutting down on sugar isn't enough, look up a candida diet, its strict but you'll starve the yeast and that's the root cause to the issue.

@Superfoodie123 I don’t have any of the white coating associated with candida can you just have the itch alone?

I had bad candida and never got the white coating.

Yes you can have the itch and/or soreness alone.

Thank you I didn’t know this. Is it treated other than diet of diet alone?

Doctors don't tend to really have a long term solution for candida, an antibiotic will just kill more good bacteria thats fighting the candida. A really good probiotic will make a huge difference and diet is the main thing. Its tough at first but you will notice the difference. For me just cutting sugar and carbs really stopped the itching

@Superfoodie123 can you recommend a good probiotic please?

Just wanted to add that anti fungals are essential for killing candida too: caprylic acid and oregano oil supplements were a huge help too but don't take them at the same time as a probiotic

I took #vsl3...I know its expensive but you need to go heavy duty on it and a capsule will not cut it. I did the diet for four weeks and no more itchiness...that was 2 years ago www.amazon.co.uk/Sachets-Billion-Bacteria-Powder-sachets/dp/B003XN25W2?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Can the GP check for dermatitis down there? I have recently been diagnosed which they got me a steroid cream for. The itching went very quickly and you just use it if you get a flare up.
No advice for the rest unfortunately.

I would look for a specialist women's physio - private- if you can possibly afford it. I had two differing diagnoses from GP and NhS physio re a prolapse. Private Specialist diagnosed only vv mild prolapse which thanks to her treatment is very minimal now. Dragging does sound like there may be a prolapse. They're v common. Itchiness though is different. I'd be insisting on a swab being taken. If its that bad I'd prob take a thrush capsule (be careful topical thrush treatments can actually cause additional irritation for some women (me)).
Hope you get things sorted soon.

Sorry, just seen post re swabs. And yes, can definitely just have the itching.

We have a local physio who does womens exercise classes focusing on pelvic floor and core muscles. She specialises in prolapses and incontinence. It might be worth seeing if you have someone similar in your area as it would be more affordable than private physio.

It could also be lichen sclerosus causing the itching.

Worth having a quick read up of the symptoms and a look with the mirror. Like psoriasis it can be a shiny smooth patch of skin with a slight cast of grey.

@ThisNameIsDifferentFromTheLast Thanks. It’s not LS as this has previously been looked at as I’ve had problems before but the skin does not present like LS.

@Junobug and @colouringindoors I have actually been in touch with a private women’s health physio specialising in pelvic rehab. However thanks to covid she can only work via zoom currently which isn’t that helpful. I have been doing the exercises she has recommend.

@TheDiceWoman1 Gp didn’t look for it. When I ask re swabs she said she wouldn’t give another appointment abs to collect swabs from reception.

This might seem a bit odd but have you checked for worms. They can make that area very itchy.

@MillieEpple 😱😱😱😱 no. How do i do that??

Another person here who's had thrush with just the itching, and I had soreness/discomfort too. Be careful with soaps and shampoos, if you're not already.

Rather than checking for worms (really tricky) you can just take the over the counter treatment with no problems if it doesn't work. If it does work it'll be within 2 days. The itching would be worse at night with worms.