labia burning and itching

[mave1]

For the past three and a half months I've had a burning and itching feeling on my labia area.  At first I thought I had a yeast infection so I called my Dr and they called me a rx for diflucan. Helped a lil but a few days later it came back.  I have no discharge, odor, rash or pain. It doesn't burn when I urinate either. I went to the Dr after symptoms didn't go away. They tested me for all stds, yeast, BC tricahomas, ect. All came back negative.  I don't know if just getting off my period had anything to do with my negative results to bv or yeast. Plus I was taking a week long pill called the bomb treatment to rid the yeast.  Anyway so after my tests results were all negative I went back to the Dr and she put me on a month long yeast pill. I'm just getting off those meds. I'm feeling my symptoms getting worse already.

Past history that might help. Several months ago my Dr put me on a lower strength birth control because it was free. The change in hormone level gave me a moderate cyst after switching me back we checked it and it had gotten smaller.That was 5 months ago.

After having sex a week ago I had some bright red blood down there. Not painful though.
Also my symptoms completely disappeared when I'm on my period.  I feel great only when I'm on my period but the day I get off my symptoms come back.

So I have no idea what's wrong with me. I've tried creams, lubricates,vinegar, lots of yeast infection meds and steroid creams with no luck. I'm not diabetic and the only man I'm sleeping with is my husband.  Help! My doctor says the only thing it can be is a yeast infection even though neither of the two test indicated that.  

Help
Mave

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I have seen this type of symptom occur in women who have been on oral contraceptives for long term.  The hormones in the OCs are different from the natural hormones and tend to cause atrophy of the skin of the vulva.  Atrophy eventually leads to itching, irritation, and painful intercourse.  If you were my patient, I would suggest going off of everything for 1-3 months.  (Unfortunately it takes awhile to reverse if caused by long term OC use--you won't notice a change for several weeks).
In addition, it is always good to help out your "good bacteria" population by taking probiotics and yogurt, etc.  One thing that can really help with the symptoms in the mean time (you will think this is nuts, but try it!) is Crisco.  Simply apply to the affected area as needed until the symptoms improve.



Good luck!
Dr B

[angel5014]

A related discussion, Lichen Sclerosus was started.