Constant symptoms for 6 weeks - don't know what i have

[confused05]

Hi,
Over 6 weeks ago I slept with a guy and the condom slipped down. A day or two later, I started experiencing burning, itching, soreness, stinging, and a milky white discharge. A week after exposure, I also had flulike symptoms (sore throat, fever, fatigue) which lasted 2 days. I was initially treated for a yeast infection (took Diflucan twice) the itchiness subsided but other symptoms persisted. After 4 weeks, all STD tests were negative, though I realize it may be early for something like Herpes to show up. A urine test showed a low grade urine infection - I took Cipro but my symptoms are the same. Tests were neg for bacteria, but I was treated for a bacterial infection just in case (metrozinadole) and that didn't make a difference either. For 6 WEEKS, I've had CONSTANT vaginal soreness (raw feeling), burning (but not when peeing), aching, and stinging. I have seen 3 doctors 5 times, and none of them are able to help me. About this guy, I found out he has had many sexual partners and also had genital warts in the past. My pap smear and HPV test were negative. What do you think is causing my symptoms?? What can I do to get better? Please help!!!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your symptoms sound most like yeast infection.  Some yeasts are resistant to standard medications, such as fluconazole (Diflucan).  Trichomonas is possible as well.  Herpes is a distant possibility.  The symptoms don't sound much like gonorrhea or chlamydia.  Finally, maybe an unusually prolonged chemical irritation or allergy, e.g. to latex or lubricant?  Presumably you're not using any vaginal hygiene products--deodorants, douches, etc; if so, stop.

At a minimum, tell one of your doctors--whichever one seemed the most competent, if there are differences--and request culture tests (not just exam under the microscope) for yeast and trichomonas.  If the yeast culture is positive, which is what I suspect, make sure the lab determines whether it is Candida albicans or a different species (e.g., Candida tropicalis; non-albicans yeasts more commonly are antibiotic-resistant) and also test it for antibiotic sensitivity.

If all that still is unrevealing, get tested for herpes and also seek out a gynecologist with particular interest in infections.  Most medical schools, or large medical centers in larger cities, will have such persons--but you may have to make some phone calls or do some web-searching to find one.

Come back with a follow-up message and let me know what happens.  Good luck--  HHH, MD

[confused05]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I had a yeast culture done about 2 weeks ago, and it came back negative.

I will get tested again for herpes, though it might still be early (now I'm at 6+ weeks). The doctor said that the IGM was 0 in the test I took at 4 weeks, and said if I had herpes, some level would have registered by then. But, I will get tested again.

I don't use any chemical irritants, so I can rule that out. As for an allergic reaction to the latex, seems strange it would last this long.

Is it possible I did get herpes or HPV and they just haven't showed up in the tests yet? I read on the internet that these two viruses can cause vulvodynia, which seems to be what I'm experiencing.

[mamabear28]

Hi
I was in the same position as you. I had ( and somewhat have ) constant symptoms and my first fear was genital herpes. I am currently six and a half months pregnant and I have suffered ever since the beginning of my pregnancy because my doctor only tested me once for yeast and it came back negative, since the symptoms continued she said it was probably due to the pregnancy ( horormones, swelling, etc. ) and she reassured me that it was completely normal I did have her examine me several times after that and since I didn't have the typical discharge she never cultured me again. I finally got to the point where I couldn't deal with it anymore I called my Dr. on the phone and she suggested that I do try the over the counter medicane for yeast. I really wanted to take the pill form of the medicane but she informed me that sometimes it doesn't work well since you aren't treating the site of the infection. I was much better after I started the medicane. My first round of medicane was only for 3 days once I was done it still felt like it was still there so I decided to take a seven day treatment and when that was done I was a new person. I have since learned a lot about yeast infections they can sometimes be difficult to get rid of especially if they have gotten really bad like I said I have improved but it will take sometime since for me to be 100% since the vaginal skin became so irritated. I hope this makes you feel better!!!!
Mamabear

[mamabear28]

Oh Yeah I forget use no prefume soap, laundry soap anything that has a scent don't use there are a lot of products that cotain no dyies or prefumes. Where only cotton umderware no thongs or g-strings. Air the area as much as you can. Try to sleep without underware if you can. Try to keep the area clean and dry also. All these little tips have helped me a great deal.

[monkeyflower]

I just thought I'd suggest doing a quick search on cytolytic vaginosis. It's basically an overgrowth of the normally beneficial lactobacilli, and it's often misdiagnosed as yeast (or missed altogether). However, unlike yeast infections, it tends to burn more than itch.

Also, an IgM herpes test isn't accurate. Ask your doctor for the HerpeSelect type-specific herpes blood test instead.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

With apology to monkeyflower, most experts agree--as do I--that there is no such thing as overgrowth of lactobacillus; and that "cytolytic vaginitis" doesn't exist.

HHH, MD

[hcs123]

I respectfully disagree with HHH, M.D. After nearly two years of being misdiagnosed with yeast infections and vaginal bacteria infections, and being given every antibiotic and antifungal treatment to "cure" me, I've finally been diagnosed with cytolytic vaginosis (CV) not more than a week ago. I've been doing the baking soda sitz baths that are recommended for treatment, and I'm seeing huge differences in the amount of discharge and discomfort. It's so nice to finally get to feeling better after nearly two years of this horrible condition.

so Confused, I suggest you ask your doctor to examine your vaginal wet smear and look for these signs of CV: an abundance of lactobacilli, an noticable lack of white blood cells and "tore up", unhealthy looking skin vaginal skin cells.

The symptoms I've been experiencing for two years are (were): a white, odorless discharge, VERY painful intercourse, and some burning during urination. If you can't find a doctor that is willing to examine you for CV but can't "fix" you otherwise, keep on looking.

Hope this helps!!

[helpmenow911]

A related discussion, constant vaginal burning was started.