Vaginal infection 1+ year. won't go away, all tests normal?

[mandapanda527]

For the past year I've been dealing with some kind of (vaginal) infection. Back in January of '09 I had a UTI for the first time, went to the dr, was put on Cipro. After a week or two the UTI went away, but then I developed this constant discharge, that is white and kind of pasty, has a sour smell, and I have occasional pelvic/back pain and pain with insertion. I was told BV and/or yeast but the cultures do not grow anything out. No yeast, no fungi, no bacteria, no aerobic or anaerobic bacteria. I just have 'lots' of white blood cells and a few 'clue cells' every now and again. I've been on constant medications, about 15-18 different kinds, including a 2 month round of steroids (they thought it was auto-immune, but those only made it worse). Had 2 cyrosurgeries because I was also told it was 'cervicitis' and the procedures would help--they didn't. I am negative for all STDs and had a normal papsmear. Had a vaginal ultrasound done and my ovaries were fine, I just had inflammation internally. The doctor I've been to most recently said that my vaginal tissues look very healthy and he is perplexed that every test is coming back normal; he started to think maybe the discharge was coming from my endocervix, so I'm on more meds that I have been on before, but the culture is still not growing anything out.

I've seen a ton of doctors and everything some how always comes back normal. However, this is NOT normal. Maybe it is a coincidence that it started after the UTI a year ago, but it is driving me crazy! I have not had sex at all since this started. It has put quite a strain on my relationship and has made me incredibly depressed. I am only 21 and as far as I know, I am very healthy, aside from this. I've never had any problems before and I just don't know what to do. This problem makes me feel disgusting and I'm just scared that no one can even diagnose me with anything. Please help!

[ligamara]

For months I had a burning, white discharge after taking flagyl and anti-yeast meds for what I know believe to have been vaginal atrophy due to breastfeeding.  My gynos didn't even offer the vaginal atrophy as an explanation even though I asked about it, but after reading up on it, I'm sure that's what I had.  I was no longer nursing, but the white discharge and pain and itching were seriously affecting my mental health.  All STD tests were neg, as were yeast and BV tests.  Finallly my 3rd gyno wrote out a prescription for SolcoTrichovac, a vaccine that helps agains Trichomoniasis (which I didn't have) and other, "nonspecific bacterial infections".  The gyno wasn't too enthusiastic about the vaccine, but she had nothing else to offer, and she said she had patients who swear by it.  After the 2nd of 3 injections, each 2 weeks apart, the white discharge and burning is gone!  I had been using boric acid suppositories for months as the only short-term cure that worked.  I tried everything, orally and vaginally -- probiotics, garlic, propolis, hydrogen peroxide, only the boric acid worked for 12 - 24 hours, and now of course, the vaccine.  Don't know if it's available outside of Europe.

[mandapanda527]

Hmm. I've never heard of that, but it's worth checking in to even if it isn't available where I am, thank you. How long have you been symptom free since the vaccine? Or do you just have to keep getting it if it reoccurs? I haven't tried boric acid yet, but I've been reading about it and most say it helps with yeast but not bacteria. I just keep posting this on every medical forum I can find and try to find people with similar stories so I can have new things to discuss with my doctors. So frustrating, but at least I am not alone. Very taxing thing to go through, both physically and emotionally, that's for sure.

Unfortunately for me, the probiotics have not been helping either. Doesn't help that I just got over my menstrual cycle I'm sure..still trying to hold onto some hope that it'll get figured out soon...by someone.


Also @ Mama2forya, I feel your pain. I've been to about 6 doctors for this problem over the last 13 months. I kept switching because I was noticing that the first 2 I saw never did any tests. They just kept writing prescription after prescription after prescription. I wish I would have spoke up and said "enough" because constantly being on meds isn't good for your body, especially when they aren't helping.

I am in the same boat as you are. I refuse to take any more antibiotics until we can get a clear idea as to what EXACTLY is going on. It's frustrating to get a doctor to actually listen and admit that they were WRONG about a previous diagnosis. Hang in there, we will both find someone who will help us get rid of this!!!

[01reddog]

As everyone else who has a comment on this site, I have tried everything, Dr's/prescriptions and antibotics, nothing worked.  Now, I am on Premerin, also using ALBOLENE to clean the whole area inc. dn my thighs.  Also, clean with this moisturizing cleanser after URINATING.  At least I am not BURNING as before, TIME WILL BE THE ANSWER....if all this works all of you will be notified.
01reddog

[moll11]

I have had a discharge for about 2 months that has a sour smell and definitely smells more after sex.  The difference is that mine is not white, its greenish yellowish and is very thick.  I went to the doctor because I thought I had BV or some kind of infection, but when I went she said everything looked normal and that she would send out a culture and order some tests.  The culture test came back normal and so did the tests (trich, chlamydia, gonorrhea). I also had my pap about a month and a half ago and it came back normal. The doctor told me the same thing (mandapanda527) about the 'lots' of white blood cells, which means 'i am fighting off some kind of infection'. I feel every person that has posted's pain.  It's very frustrating going to a specialist, such as a gynecologist, and having them not know what is going on with you. I have another appointment with a different doctor next week and hopefully something will come out of this, but unfortunately I have little hope. I don't think anyone has asked this, but does anyone get a smell or a raw irritated feeling after having intercourse after you noticed this discharge or are you all avoiding it?

[mandapanda527]

I've avoided sex completely since this started almost 14 months ago now. I can barely insert the applicators when I'm put on medication or tolerate the speculum during an exam. It's put a tremendous strain on my relationship, especially since I live with my bf, but I know if I try it's going to hurt like hell and I rather not ruin that experience for myself. Not to mention, I feel too disgusting with this discharge.

I recently noticed that sometimes when I urinate there are pieces of like skin tissue looking stuff. I emailed my gyno about this and he said to come into the office to give a urine sample. I did. He said everything looked fine, except there were traces of blood in it. This is the second time I've given a urine sample that has come back with 'traces' of blood, 2 different appointments at 2 different doctor's offices. Neither said anything about it, aside from it was there.

Shouldn't this raise some kind of red flag?

This is so frustrating. What the heck is going on with my body?!

[moll11]

I know my situation isn't the exact same or as severe as yours, but believe me I feel your pain. Last year I went through some gynecological issues for months and months so I know what its like to deal with doctors who can't tell you whats the matter and kind of blow you off.  Its really saddening, angering and scary all at the same time.  I'm your age and so I think its even more frustrating because you feel like 'im young i shouldnt be having weird health or issues like this'. keep a positive attitude and hopefully things will get better... I think the stress of this is probably reeking hell on your body and immune system as well.  I wonder if all of the medication has damaged the skin and now its causing horrible irritation or have you always had the irritation? O yea and I just want to say YOU ARE NOT DISGUSTING, having these issues does not mean anything about you, do not let this consume you, its good to remember that eventually it will go away and things will get better.