itching and discomfort

[sayeh]

i have had itching in my vaginal area, some discharge and i have been seeing some white spots that rub off. should i wait to see if it goes away or is it urgent that i see a doctor?

thanks

[sayeh]

i am sure that Dr Brown will give you better medical advice than me. but if you want to try a home remedy and have the patience to go with it: try vinegar. every time you go to the bathroom rinse the area with diluted (something like a spoonful to a cup) vinegar. this does not irritate your skin and should return the PH to the right levels. make sure you choose a simple vinegar - like the cheap ones that just say vinegar on them. if you pad dry you shouldn't be left with a vinegar smell. it worked for me!

[nopanic4me]

That's EXACTLY what I'm going through!!!  I've tried all the medications possible, even anti-biotics and it just doesn't go away.  I even tried to not have sexual contact and it STILL won't go away.  It used to when I refrained from intercourse, but now it doesn't matter.  The day after I get off my period, BAM, here we go again, I just don't know what to do anymore and I'm sooooo sick of making excuses as it's soooo embarrasing.  What's wrong with us?  I went to an infectious disease doctor once even who said it was a type of yeast called Candida Albicans which, if you look it up, is extremely hard to get rid of.  That could be your problem too, I'm not sure anymore what it is, if I'm getting it back and forth with my significant other or what???  Doc, please help us!

Thank you

[sayeh]

I have recently had my Pap test and STI exam and it didn't show anything. I will go to Walmart for the kit.
Thanks for the prompt response :)

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
It sounds like you may have a yeast infection.  If you have any risk factors or concerns about sexually transmitted diseases, it is always better to get checked out right away.
If you are certain it is not something like that, you could get a vaginal pH kit at the store (eg Walmart) to determine whether it is a yeast infection, and then use an over-the-counter remedy (such as Gynelotrimen) if it is yeast.  If it is bacterial, you will probably need some antibiotics to clear it up.  If you try treating yourself, and it doesn't get better, then it is most definitely time to go to the doctor.
Good luck!
Dr B

[NeedHelp463]

I've had the same issue for years of a thin white discharge, no itching but some irritation.  I would suggest talking to your doctor.

[sayeh]

i hope it does! just keep using it for a few days after you think it's over and that way you'll be sure you get rid of it all. good luck!

[nopanic4me]

you know I actually just tried that the other day and it has worked, for now.  It's hard to be positive at this point but it really seems to have helped.  I did the vinegar with some water and also am using vagisil and it seems to be okay, hopefully it can keep it under control...thanks for your help!!

[Jennifer0779]

I am so glad to have found this site.  I have been battling bacterial infections for awhile now. All of a sudden I am now getting yeast infections. In fact I just finished my period and not even day later I am feeling like i have a yeast infection. I am little itchy and i feel irritated, no cottage cheese like discharge just milky and thin. As well no fishy odor.

Here is the thing, I follow every suggestion i have ever been given by a doctor. No washing with soap, no baths, use warm water, no wipes, no sex in pool and urinate  and wash after sex, wear cotton undies, change clothes after working out, and so forth. Yet I am still afflicted with this lovely infections.

The only thing I can think of is that it is my birth control.  Here is the catch though. I am 28 and it is the first birth control  I have used that works for me. No spotting, or bleeding for months on end. Please I need help. I feel like I am  going to go crazy!!!!  

[nopanic4me]

Also, I have tried almost all over-the-counter aids.  I also have just finished a course of pennicillin for streptococcus something or other, could that be related as well?  Thanks.

[nopanic4me]

Dr. B:

I have had recurring yeast infections (candidiasis albicans) for the past three years and it seems as soon as I get it to go away, I get another...It is very annoying.  Is their anything I can do out of the regular regimen gyn's use since they are not working??  For example, foods, over-the-counter aids such as vagisil or some kind of ph balancing kit?  I also have osteopenia and am only 38, could it be tied to some kind of immuno issue or could it be early menopause as I have very short periods, maybe two light days a month??

Thanks for your help.