Extremely Irritated Vaginal Area

[Fancyteacup]

Please, if any one has any suggestions at all I would welcome them, and apologies in advance for the length of this!

For approximately 12 weeks now the inside of my vaginal area has been sore has hell. It feels red raw, but a GP and gynaecologist didn’t see anything that alarmed them, although my partner says I look swollen. Urination has been SO uncomfortable, the dragging/pulling sensation has nearly reduced me to tears.

During this time I’ve had two sexual health screenings, both negative, as has my partner. The only thing that has been detected was BV, which was treated, but interestingly I had none of the BV symptoms at all. I’ve seen a private gynaecologist, thinking perhaps I had a bladder prolapse based on the symptoms of dragging feeling, but no, nothing to cause concern.

I’ve treated myself for thrush on several occasions, but this made no difference either.

I am at a complete loss as to where to turn next; it’s not an STI, it’s not a prolapse, been treated for thrush and BV and yet here I am still in pain. I’ve also not changed washing products etc.

If there is anything I’m not thinking of, I would be very greatful to hear it

Peri-menopause?

How old are you ?
I went through menopause at 39 , so was probably peri a few years before that .
Could it be vaginal dryness ? Is it worse after sex ? I have also heard you can become allergic to semen .

Have they tested you for herpes?

Or lichen sclerosis ?

If it definately isn't thrush i used to have repeated bouts of thrush whihc required careful treatment (not just a one off does over the counter)

But as you've seen a gyno I would of thought they'd have picked up on that.

Otherwise could be vaginal dryness - either caused by menopause or by other infection like your BV or thrush.

You can get vaginal moisturisers OTC or try a hormone cream - also available OTC.,

I'd try some oestrogen cream, since you've been tested for everything and treated the BV. It won't do any harm, but it might help. If you're peri-menopausal vaginal dryness can be very uncomfortable for some women.

How old are you? Vaginal pessaries might help, but I'm surprised the sexual health clinic weren't more helpful.

Have you tried not using soap or shower gel on that area? Also, I got really sore about 15 years ago and it was due to using the shower head too close when rinsing my body. I'm 56 now, perimenopausal and Its never really gone away and i have to be really gentle to minimise the soreness and itching. Interestingly the irritation disappeared when I was in Cornwall for ten days in August so I'm wondering if there's something in the water up here that I'm allergic too or maybe its stress!

Thanks for suggestions all, I will definitely ask GP if any of these are possible. I’m 36, three children with last birth being 11 years ago