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Please Read. Sensitive Clitoris and Swollen Labia
My symptoms started with what looked and felt like a yeast infection under only the hood of the clitoris, once that cleared up I was still experiencing extreme sensitivity on the clitoris and/or the inner labia. My inner labia are swollen to some degree every day; sometimes sensitivity comes with this, sometimes not. When I say sensitivity I mean that every little hair, underwear or anything that touches my inner labia or clitoris is an irritant!! I can't wear underwear and I can only wear loose fitting clothing or the symptoms get worse. I've been dealing with this for 8 months now. I’ve been on a yeast-free and sugar-free diet for 4 months (this diet seems to help- even though I keep testing negative for yeast. Besides loosing 10 pounds- this diet has been AWFUL!!)
I used to feel a rawness under the clitoris hood and between the inner labia a lot, but I haven't felt this as much sense I’ve been going to the acupuncturist. It's very rare that I feel any itchiness. My acupuncturist and the specialist seem to think these symptoms are a result from having bladder infections in the past (I have a sensitive bladder), DOES ANYONE THAT HAS A SENSITIVE BLADDER, or have had many bladder infections in the past, and HAVE SIMILAR symptoms as me?
I've seen 2 doctors and 1 specialist, none have really told me anything and ALL tests always come back negative (I was tested for herpes as well.) I've taken Monistat, flagyl, cortizone (steroid) pills and cream and nothing has worked. The specialist has put me on a neurotransmitter medicine because she thinks the nerve endings in my vulva are misfiring, which sounds far fetched to me but at this point I'll try anything!
Is anyone else having similar issues??
I used to feel a rawness under the clitoris hood and between the inner labia a lot, but I haven't felt this as much sense I’ve been going to the acupuncturist. It's very rare that I feel any itchiness. My acupuncturist and the specialist seem to think these symptoms are a result from having bladder infections in the past (I have a sensitive bladder), DOES ANYONE THAT HAS A SENSITIVE BLADDER, or have had many bladder infections in the past, and HAVE SIMILAR symptoms as me?
I've seen 2 doctors and 1 specialist, none have really told me anything and ALL tests always come back negative (I was tested for herpes as well.) I've taken Monistat, flagyl, cortizone (steroid) pills and cream and nothing has worked. The specialist has put me on a neurotransmitter medicine because she thinks the nerve endings in my vulva are misfiring, which sounds far fetched to me but at this point I'll try anything!
Is anyone else having similar issues??
Okay this message is in two parts because apparently I've exceeded the 8000 character limit.
Continued...
If you have vulvar skin conditions it is a MUST that you switch to cotton pads. People like us, with very sensitive skin, have a horrific time during our periods if we are sticking to ******, damaging, sdjbg;dfngdpghnk;jdnfsfbgk;dflmg (**** pads and tampons **** me off) "feminine hygiene products".
Okay, so now I don't only use pads. I also use something called the DivaCup, it is wonderful and someday, when women smarten up and quite buying into the abject ideas of corporate menstrual products, it will take over the menstrual world. I love the DivaCup and I will let it speak for itself. Here are a few things I've taken off their website. Read more than I'm willing to post here at www.divacup.com. The DivaCup is available for $40 at any London Drugs and will last you up to 10 years. Can you imagine only spending $40 on period products in a decade? Any way, here is some awesome info from www.divacup.com:
The DivaCup to the rescue!!!
The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow. It is inserted in the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly.
The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. No need to touch the flow. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove. No mess!
The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women true freedom without the worry, guessing and unreliability that disposable feminine hygiene products pose.
The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows. Perfect for overnight use.
The DivaCup’s expert, proprietary, patent-pending features make it comfortable and assures ease of use and reliability. Perfect for traveling, running, biking, hiking, dancing, camping, swimming, diving, scuba, yoga, extreme sports and more...
Latex-free, plastic-free, hypoallergenic
No dyes, colors or additives
Comfortable, reliable
Clean, convenient, easy-to-use
Worn for up to 12 hours at a time
(and may I add that there is no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome)
----------------
Like a tampon, when your flow is very heavy, you may leak so I suggest that you wear a cotton panty liner when you are at the peak of your cycle.
I should also add that the Diva Cup has a very neat feature: it is also a measuring cup so you are able to track how much you've bled!
If any one wants to ask me more about the Diva Cup please feel free, I'm an advocate of alternative menstrual products and love to talk about how beneficial they are for our cunts and environment.
Suggested reading:
**** by Inga Musico . Order it online at http://www.amazon.com/****-Declaration-Independence-Expanded-Updated/dp/1580050751/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220495686&sr=8-1
I love this book, it introduced me to alternative menstrual products, taking back derogatory names for the vagina (such as ****), and was an over all great read that made me so happy to be a woman.
The Camera My Mother Gave Me by Susanna Kaysen Order it online at http://www.amazon.com/Camera-My-Mother-Gave-Me/dp/0679763430/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220495803&sr=1-1
This book is one woman's journey through a painful, incurable vaginal disorder. It's funny, it's relatable, and if you're going through vaginal ****, it helps to read about this woman's journey. I read it in one day when I was .... 18?
OK... there have been a few developments in my own case and I'm going to post an email that I just sent to one of the MedHelp members. Sorry to laze out like this, I've just done a lot of typing and don't feel like rewriting it for a group audience:
I've gone through a few different cycles, one of them being a very dry vulva which included peeling! That was terrifying. It's only happened once though.
My vulva isn't as dry anymore, but it's swollen on one side and the other side is forming into many different vertical layers, if that makes sense. The swollen side is lumpy and also a bit layered.
I've gone to my GP many times. The things I've tried are cortisone cream (though I suggest getting a cortisone ointment because it helps with the dryness) and has been effective in keeping away rashes and itchiness if applied a few times a day. This is a product that you can pick up at a drugstore, it's over the counter. Just use a small amount and don't apply it more than four times a day. At first I was putting in my clitoral hood but I've stopped that and I seem to be less irritated.
I've tried a stronger steroid called fusidic acid. It irritated me a little but controlled the irritation with the cortisone cream. I used it for several weeks and found that it took the swelling down a little but by no means completely dissipated the swelling.
No one suggested this to me but I've boughten vitamin E capsules which I break open and spread onto my vulva. It soothes and is good to control scarring. I'm not sure if this has any healing effects but I use this when I feel i'm becoming too dependent on the cortisone.
I also have environmental allergies so I've stopped using scented laundry detergent (especially for my underwear) and double rinse my clothes. I also have stopped using dryer lint sheets as they contain more irritable scents.
Don't use scented soap. If anything, use a mild baby soap. I just use my hand and warm water to wash.
My doctor told me to have vinegar baths but I found these to make my situation worse. Baking soda is a little better though I've only done that once.
My doctor doesn't know what the hell is going on so I'm waiting to see a dermatologist. I'm pretty sure that I have Lichen Simplex.
Do you have any other areas of irritation on your body? I've been getting little itchy bumps on my abdomen, chest, ankles, heels, arms, and hands. Also one of my ear canals has been bleeding and on some sites I've seen that linked to Lichen Simplex.
This has been a very frustrating experience for me. It has taken away my sexual confidence and sometimes makes sex painful as touching and rubbing is irritating.
You need to get to some sort of a doctor. Though I haven't had one yet, I know that a punch biopsy is crucial for diagnosing vulvar conditions and ruling out vulvar cancer.
Hang tough leighdy, this isn't an easy go.
That's it for now... but I'll be back soon with a poem that I wrote about my very disruptive gynecological situation.
Love,
Burning69
Continued...
If you have vulvar skin conditions it is a MUST that you switch to cotton pads. People like us, with very sensitive skin, have a horrific time during our periods if we are sticking to ******, damaging, sdjbg;dfngdpghnk;jdnfsfbgk;dflmg (**** pads and tampons **** me off) "feminine hygiene products".
Okay, so now I don't only use pads. I also use something called the DivaCup, it is wonderful and someday, when women smarten up and quite buying into the abject ideas of corporate menstrual products, it will take over the menstrual world. I love the DivaCup and I will let it speak for itself. Here are a few things I've taken off their website. Read more than I'm willing to post here at www.divacup.com. The DivaCup is available for $40 at any London Drugs and will last you up to 10 years. Can you imagine only spending $40 on period products in a decade? Any way, here is some awesome info from www.divacup.com:
The DivaCup to the rescue!!!
The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow. It is inserted in the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly.
The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. No need to touch the flow. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove. No mess!
The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women true freedom without the worry, guessing and unreliability that disposable feminine hygiene products pose.
The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows. Perfect for overnight use.
The DivaCup’s expert, proprietary, patent-pending features make it comfortable and assures ease of use and reliability. Perfect for traveling, running, biking, hiking, dancing, camping, swimming, diving, scuba, yoga, extreme sports and more...
Latex-free, plastic-free, hypoallergenic
No dyes, colors or additives
Comfortable, reliable
Clean, convenient, easy-to-use
Worn for up to 12 hours at a time
(and may I add that there is no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome)
----------------
Like a tampon, when your flow is very heavy, you may leak so I suggest that you wear a cotton panty liner when you are at the peak of your cycle.
I should also add that the Diva Cup has a very neat feature: it is also a measuring cup so you are able to track how much you've bled!
If any one wants to ask me more about the Diva Cup please feel free, I'm an advocate of alternative menstrual products and love to talk about how beneficial they are for our cunts and environment.
Suggested reading:
**** by Inga Musico . Order it online at http://www.amazon.com/****-Declaration-Independence-Expanded-Updated/dp/1580050751/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220495686&sr=8-1
I love this book, it introduced me to alternative menstrual products, taking back derogatory names for the vagina (such as ****), and was an over all great read that made me so happy to be a woman.
The Camera My Mother Gave Me by Susanna Kaysen Order it online at http://www.amazon.com/Camera-My-Mother-Gave-Me/dp/0679763430/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220495803&sr=1-1
This book is one woman's journey through a painful, incurable vaginal disorder. It's funny, it's relatable, and if you're going through vaginal ****, it helps to read about this woman's journey. I read it in one day when I was .... 18?
OK... there have been a few developments in my own case and I'm going to post an email that I just sent to one of the MedHelp members. Sorry to laze out like this, I've just done a lot of typing and don't feel like rewriting it for a group audience:
I've gone through a few different cycles, one of them being a very dry vulva which included peeling! That was terrifying. It's only happened once though.
My vulva isn't as dry anymore, but it's swollen on one side and the other side is forming into many different vertical layers, if that makes sense. The swollen side is lumpy and also a bit layered.
I've gone to my GP many times. The things I've tried are cortisone cream (though I suggest getting a cortisone ointment because it helps with the dryness) and has been effective in keeping away rashes and itchiness if applied a few times a day. This is a product that you can pick up at a drugstore, it's over the counter. Just use a small amount and don't apply it more than four times a day. At first I was putting in my clitoral hood but I've stopped that and I seem to be less irritated.
I've tried a stronger steroid called fusidic acid. It irritated me a little but controlled the irritation with the cortisone cream. I used it for several weeks and found that it took the swelling down a little but by no means completely dissipated the swelling.
No one suggested this to me but I've boughten vitamin E capsules which I break open and spread onto my vulva. It soothes and is good to control scarring. I'm not sure if this has any healing effects but I use this when I feel i'm becoming too dependent on the cortisone.
I also have environmental allergies so I've stopped using scented laundry detergent (especially for my underwear) and double rinse my clothes. I also have stopped using dryer lint sheets as they contain more irritable scents.
Don't use scented soap. If anything, use a mild baby soap. I just use my hand and warm water to wash.
My doctor told me to have vinegar baths but I found these to make my situation worse. Baking soda is a little better though I've only done that once.
My doctor doesn't know what the hell is going on so I'm waiting to see a dermatologist. I'm pretty sure that I have Lichen Simplex.
Do you have any other areas of irritation on your body? I've been getting little itchy bumps on my abdomen, chest, ankles, heels, arms, and hands. Also one of my ear canals has been bleeding and on some sites I've seen that linked to Lichen Simplex.
This has been a very frustrating experience for me. It has taken away my sexual confidence and sometimes makes sex painful as touching and rubbing is irritating.
You need to get to some sort of a doctor. Though I haven't had one yet, I know that a punch biopsy is crucial for diagnosing vulvar conditions and ruling out vulvar cancer.
Hang tough leighdy, this isn't an easy go.
That's it for now... but I'll be back soon with a poem that I wrote about my very disruptive gynecological situation.
Love,
Burning69
YES PADS AND TAMPONS ARE THE DEVIL and are extremely disruptive of the natural ecosystem that your vagina has created. Let me tell you...
Pads and tampons contain bleaches (to whiten cotton from it's natural colour), scents (to mask your supposed stinky vag. You are not stinky... and if you are, you have an infection and should not mask the symptoms with vag deodorizers... they make the problem much much much much worse. Treat your foul-smelling discharge appropriately, go to the doctor!) and are overall extremely damaging for the environment.
I've not boughten a box of tampons or pads since I was 17. I am now 22.
I first realized that I didn't like a cotton wad sitting in my vag for hours and decided to switch to pads. But pads are smelly and the plastic covering made me itchy. I started making my own pads. My DIY pads are simply: a flannel covering, two layers of terry cloth, and a thicker cotton or denim bottom layer to absorb any possible leaks. I used a pad as a pattern. These pads did not make me itch, I've reused them hundreds of time, they're cheap, and it makes me feel good to take control of my own menstrual care. If you're not into sewing you can buy a similar product over the internet such as "Lunar Pads". Here is something I've copy and pasted from a site:
----------
Why use cloth menstrual pads?
After all, you are used to using disposable menstrual pads - you like their convenience - so why change?
There are many reasons to change to using cloth menstrual pads. Some of them include:
Improve your health by reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals. Disposable pads contain a myriad of chemicals and additives which serve to increase their absorbancy and keep them looking white and bright but these chemicals don't do you any good at all.
Your genital tissue is highly sensitive, and these chemicals are easily absorbed into your body, causing irritation and discomfort in the process. We already live in increasingly polluted environments, so it makes sense to reduce your exposure to chemicals in any way you can.
Increased comfort - Because Pleasure PussT cloth menstrual pads are made from natural cotton fabrics, they are cool and comfortable to wear. Unlike plastic used in disposable pads, cotton allows your skin to breathe, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections.
Natural cotton is also unlikely to cause any irritation to your sensitive skin. And lets face it - that part of your body is one of the most sensitive parts of your whole person - so be nice to it.
In addition, Pleasure Puss Cloth Menstrual Pads don't have any sticky bits on them to get stuck to your skin, your pubic hair or your underwear - No ouch here.
Convenience - By using cloth menstrual pads you always have fresh, clean pads on hand when you need them - meaning there are no more last minute dashes to the shop.
Pleasure Puss Cloth pads work just as well as disposables - Cloth Pads have come a long way from the days of sticking rags in your underwear. Pleasure Puss Pads are a one piece design - just like disposables. They are superslim just like disposables. They are absorbent just like disposables and Pleasure Puss have a leakproof layer running the length and breadth of the pad saving your clothes - helping you feel confident that your pad will not let you down.
You'll get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that at least in one small way you are not contributing more rubbish to our already overloaded world. The statistics on how many tampons and sanitary pads that are added to landfill each year are frightening. In most cases they don't break down, nor are they recycled. By using cloth pads, you can help reverse this trend and leave the world a better place.
You will feel more in touch with your body - it is amazing what effect the process of no longer throwing your blood in the garbage has on your relationship to your body and your periods. Many women have reported on how using cloth pads has changed their attitude to themselves - positively.
You will save money - Investing in good quality cloth pads will cost you only a small percentage of what disposables are costing you now.
(http://www.menstruation.com.au/menstrualproducts/whyuse.html)
----------
Pads and tampons contain bleaches (to whiten cotton from it's natural colour), scents (to mask your supposed stinky vag. You are not stinky... and if you are, you have an infection and should not mask the symptoms with vag deodorizers... they make the problem much much much much worse. Treat your foul-smelling discharge appropriately, go to the doctor!) and are overall extremely damaging for the environment.
I've not boughten a box of tampons or pads since I was 17. I am now 22.
I first realized that I didn't like a cotton wad sitting in my vag for hours and decided to switch to pads. But pads are smelly and the plastic covering made me itchy. I started making my own pads. My DIY pads are simply: a flannel covering, two layers of terry cloth, and a thicker cotton or denim bottom layer to absorb any possible leaks. I used a pad as a pattern. These pads did not make me itch, I've reused them hundreds of time, they're cheap, and it makes me feel good to take control of my own menstrual care. If you're not into sewing you can buy a similar product over the internet such as "Lunar Pads". Here is something I've copy and pasted from a site:
----------
Why use cloth menstrual pads?
After all, you are used to using disposable menstrual pads - you like their convenience - so why change?
There are many reasons to change to using cloth menstrual pads. Some of them include:
Improve your health by reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals. Disposable pads contain a myriad of chemicals and additives which serve to increase their absorbancy and keep them looking white and bright but these chemicals don't do you any good at all.
Your genital tissue is highly sensitive, and these chemicals are easily absorbed into your body, causing irritation and discomfort in the process. We already live in increasingly polluted environments, so it makes sense to reduce your exposure to chemicals in any way you can.
Increased comfort - Because Pleasure PussT cloth menstrual pads are made from natural cotton fabrics, they are cool and comfortable to wear. Unlike plastic used in disposable pads, cotton allows your skin to breathe, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections.
Natural cotton is also unlikely to cause any irritation to your sensitive skin. And lets face it - that part of your body is one of the most sensitive parts of your whole person - so be nice to it.
In addition, Pleasure Puss Cloth Menstrual Pads don't have any sticky bits on them to get stuck to your skin, your pubic hair or your underwear - No ouch here.
Convenience - By using cloth menstrual pads you always have fresh, clean pads on hand when you need them - meaning there are no more last minute dashes to the shop.
Pleasure Puss Cloth pads work just as well as disposables - Cloth Pads have come a long way from the days of sticking rags in your underwear. Pleasure Puss Pads are a one piece design - just like disposables. They are superslim just like disposables. They are absorbent just like disposables and Pleasure Puss have a leakproof layer running the length and breadth of the pad saving your clothes - helping you feel confident that your pad will not let you down.
You'll get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that at least in one small way you are not contributing more rubbish to our already overloaded world. The statistics on how many tampons and sanitary pads that are added to landfill each year are frightening. In most cases they don't break down, nor are they recycled. By using cloth pads, you can help reverse this trend and leave the world a better place.
You will feel more in touch with your body - it is amazing what effect the process of no longer throwing your blood in the garbage has on your relationship to your body and your periods. Many women have reported on how using cloth pads has changed their attitude to themselves - positively.
You will save money - Investing in good quality cloth pads will cost you only a small percentage of what disposables are costing you now.
(http://www.menstruation.com.au/menstrualproducts/whyuse.html)
----------
Wow, finally a site that is exacatly what I'm going through!! I'm 34, married,13 yrs. same guy, one child, have thyroid disease, fibromyalgia and to top it off an itchy flower! My grandmother always called it a flower so..here I am with an EXTREMLY itchy flower. Mine started last June 07'. I've had ultrasounds/biopsy's/blood tests..etc..been to the OBGYN/ family Dr and dermatologists that have all given me different types of creams and pills (you guys mentioned above already) and just this week the Dr. put me on Diflucan for 7 days to see if that helps. She suggested that my next step be the infectious disease specialist...which of course makes me seem like I'm a lepper!
and just in case I Forgot to mention, I don't sleep around..and my husband would be too scarred to cheat on me....Gotta love older brothers and uncles that carry guns for a living! ☺
I did get a lot of great advice and I am going to look up many of the disorders mentioned above! Sorry you are all going through this, but you have to admit, it does make me feel better that were not alone!
I just wish our Dr's could find a cure!!
Thanks so much!
and just in case I Forgot to mention, I don't sleep around..and my husband would be too scarred to cheat on me....Gotta love older brothers and uncles that carry guns for a living! ☺
I did get a lot of great advice and I am going to look up many of the disorders mentioned above! Sorry you are all going through this, but you have to admit, it does make me feel better that were not alone!
I just wish our Dr's could find a cure!!
Thanks so much!
Hi there-
It could be a reaction to the pads your using but I think my problem is more severe than that. I use to use pads but haven't for a year now. I hate tampons but I have to use them now or there's just too much irritation. I don't use anything at night, just a towel to protect my sheets- whatever I can do to NOT irritate down there- I do.
As for my health- I've still been sticking to the yeast free/sugar free diet and I feel much better (along with the other stuff I've listed above). I still eat my Dreyer's frozen yogurt and pasta every once in a while (and I can't deny drinking alcohol from time to time) but I really regulate it and I'm doing good. I become swollen sometimes but not too sensitive. I haven't been to the doctor in a while because even with insurance it gets expensive and honestly, it's been nice to have a break from them. THOUGH ANYONE WHO HASN'T BEEN TO A DOCTOR- GO!!
That's all for me.
-PC26
It could be a reaction to the pads your using but I think my problem is more severe than that. I use to use pads but haven't for a year now. I hate tampons but I have to use them now or there's just too much irritation. I don't use anything at night, just a towel to protect my sheets- whatever I can do to NOT irritate down there- I do.
As for my health- I've still been sticking to the yeast free/sugar free diet and I feel much better (along with the other stuff I've listed above). I still eat my Dreyer's frozen yogurt and pasta every once in a while (and I can't deny drinking alcohol from time to time) but I really regulate it and I'm doing good. I become swollen sometimes but not too sensitive. I haven't been to the doctor in a while because even with insurance it gets expensive and honestly, it's been nice to have a break from them. THOUGH ANYONE WHO HASN'T BEEN TO A DOCTOR- GO!!
That's all for me.
-PC26
I've had similar problems too
baldder/kidney infections
a short term bowel problem at one point that went away.
and now this week I thought i was getting a yeast infection
and to my surprise i now have sore swollen labia's (yeah, both sides)
Does anyone think its maybe a reaction to the pads we are using.
I was wondering that since i've had on and off spotting for the last three weeks
due to getting off depo provera (stopped using it almost 4 months ago)
I was also wondering how everyone else is doing?
It's been almost a month since the last post.
hows everyones lame vaginas?
baldder/kidney infections
a short term bowel problem at one point that went away.
and now this week I thought i was getting a yeast infection
and to my surprise i now have sore swollen labia's (yeah, both sides)
Does anyone think its maybe a reaction to the pads we are using.
I was wondering that since i've had on and off spotting for the last three weeks
due to getting off depo provera (stopped using it almost 4 months ago)
I was also wondering how everyone else is doing?
It's been almost a month since the last post.
hows everyones lame vaginas?
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