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!

[leaves14]

Didn't you test negative for bacteria?  Well, I got some more test results today. Supposedly this new swab they did on me would show anything and everything. Well, it showed nothing! no bacteria, no yeast, nothing.... My gyno has no other treatment options for me. He wants to refer me to a physical therapist who does therapy for vulvodynia. Maybe I do have vulvodynia (which I'm not happy about), but vulvodynia doesn't explain why I still have abnormal discharge.

Have you gone to the holistic doctor yet? How did that go?

Tomorrow I'm going to an Asian doctor to try some herbal teas.

I will keep you updated. Hopefully, we can both find something that will help us!

[mandapanda527]

I have heard of vulvodynia, but from my understanding that's more of a chronic pain issue and wouldn't explain anything like discharge. The specialist I see actually runs a vulvar disorder clinic and that was the first thing he thought before he saw me. Once he did see me, he immediately ruled that out. Apparently when gynos have no clue what is going on, they send people to this vulvar disorder clinic...they  get all the "wtf" cases >.<

Anywho, I'll be posting here tomorrow after I have my appointment. I have a list of bacteria, yeast, and fungi to ask this doctor about and I will insist he start doing more tests. Hopefully we figure something out and I can relay it along.

[leaves14]

I spoke with a doctor that thinks I have vulvodynia. Have any of you heard of that or considered that as a possibility? The thought terrifies me because there is no definitive cure. There are things that can control the symptoms, but doctors don't know what causes it or exactly how to cure it. I'm trying to stay positive, but thinking that this might be chronic is really depressing me.

[mandapanda527]

My appointment is actually on the 25th of this month. I will mention it but I am pushing the ureaplasma/mycoplasma test more than anything. My doctor said he would research it some more. I am also going to talk with him about seeing an infectious disease doctor, as they may be more aware of various infectious agents that could be causing this that are more uncommon. I will let you know how it goes! Hopefully I will finally find an answer soon.

[leaves14]

Hey! I was curious if you asked your doctor about SolcoTrichovac vaccine that ligamara mentioned. I asked my doctor about it. He just said that he had never heard of it and he didn't seem interested in researching it. I think I'm going to push the issue with him though. Also, I was going to tell you that of the natural remedies I have tried GYNATREN (not the vaccine) worked the best for me. You can buy it at most health food stores in the probiotic section. You take one probiotic orally and another probiotoc/boric acid capsule vaginally. It didn't totally clear up my problems, but it helped a lot. I am considering trying it again (maybe for a month straight). Well, keep me updated. I really want to know what works for you, and I will keep you updated on my situation as well.

[leaves14]

Well, let me know if you decide to try the flagyl again. Do your doctors even know for sure if you have BV? Well, I have had a pretty horrible week . My pain was getting worse and worse. I thought it was just my "other" problems, but turns out I had a UTI on top of everything else. Now I'm taking antibiotics for that, and I'm afraid that will further mess up the balance. I go to my gynocologist tomorrow. I am going in prepared with a long list of desperate questions. I'm trying to stay positive, but the longer this goes on the harder it is to stay positive. Please keep me updated and I will do the same. Take Care!