A couple of other possibilities that I forgot to mention - Staph or strep B infection can also cause symptoms similar to yeast infections...
I will definitely keep you posted. I'm going to be talking to my doctor in the next couple of days to set up appointments, so I will let you know if she suggests anything new....
I also forgot to add that I've read that many women with yeast do not show up positive on yeast cultures, another thing to keep in mind. Hang in there!
Thanks so much for responding, I'm glad I'm not alone in this. Sounds like you have already ruled a few things out. If the other tests that you're about to take turn out negative, you might want to have them test for lichen sclerosis. You might not even have anything as serious as this, and I am no doctor by any means, but I just know it's another condition that can cause redness and tearing. From what I have read it seems to be pretty rare though. I am no expert, just trying to help you possibly rule something else out. :) Let me know how everything turns out for you.
It sounds like we are in a very similar situation. I have been suffering from vaginal redness, burning, and discomfort for a few months now. I also get a tear right above my outer labia in my pubic hair region. There is only one and it appears in the same location each time. It occurs quite frequently now. It appeared, healed, and reappeared all in a matter of one week. I have been tested for herpes and STDs, and I had a wet mount done to check for yeast. Thus far, all have come back negative. The doctors that I have seen say that my symptoms are not like those of herpes, but I am still very worried. When I go for my next doctor visit, I am going to be retested for herpes and request both a bacteria culture and a blood sugar test.
From the various threads I have read, our symptoms could possibly be herpes, yeast, BV, or vulvodynia. I too wish I had more answers.
Hopefully we will both find some relief from all of this soon! At least it is comforting knowing that we are not alone!
Thank you so much Grace. Yes I already have an appointment at planned parenthood, it's not for a whole month though! Ahh, waiting another month is going to be torture, I already feel stupid for not doing something sooner. In the meantime, what does this sound like to you? I do not expect to get an internet diagnoses, but I have read a lot of your posts and you seem to have a lot of knowledge on both herpes and yeast. Anyone else have any input? I would appreciate it.
Go to planned parenthood or a public health clinic if you don't have insurance. They charge on a sliding scale so it will be cheaper than a visit to a private gyn. You need to have a wet mount done for yeast and bacteria to see if either is an issue. Some will offer the herpes type specific igg blood tests but not all do so you'l have to ask.
the longer you don't treat vaginitis the more you are at risk of having the skin in your genital area become thin and then it breaks more easily. Walking around with this for this long is just adding to your problems. Just go be seen and find out what is going on.
grace