Irritation

I need help majorly!
First off, me and my partner had been having sex for awhile only us for over a year and during this period at times sex would be so painful to me.  It would burn almost to the point that I felt like I was on fire.  I had already been tested for STD's so no worries there.  Then I started getting what I thought were UTI infections I probably had at least one once a month.  The doctors just keep giving me antibiotics.  I went to a urologist and they said everything was fine and put me on 90 days worth of strong antibitotics.  Now that the ninety days are over I haven't had a consistent infection, however I do get to where I burn and am extremely irritated and have to urinate frequently with hardly any urination the only thing is it will only last for a day and I'm fine.  I don't know what to do its very frustrating since I've been to a doctor around 10 times and the problem keeps reoccuring.  HELP!!

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would treat for yeast.  I would probably treat you for at least a week with something oral such as Diflucan, and something topical such as clobetasole.
The problem you most likely have, is that all of those antibiotics have destroyed your "good bacteria" population.  Normally there are supposed to be lots of lactobacillus in the vagina.  You can get these by taking probiotics and/or yogurt with live cultures.
The good bacteria prevent the overgrowth of yeast and other not so nice bacteria such as Gardnarella.  These types of fungus/bacteria cause irritation such as you are mentioning.
One thing to try right away for relief is Crisco--it is cheap, easy and it works.  Just apply to any irritated areas.  You can also use it as a lubricant.
Stay away from any over the counter products with any chemicals in them  and DO NOT take any more antibiotics unless a urine culture (not a urinanalysis) is done and the specific organism is identified.
It will probably take awhile to clear up since it has been so long developing.
Also, if you are taking oral contraceptives, you might want to use a different method for a few months.
Finally, be sure to empty your bladder immediately after intercourse every time.  Drink tons of water and cranberry juice/tablets really work!

Good luck!
Dr B

[Shannon38]

A related discussion, Recurrent meatus and vaginal irritation was started.