constant vaginal burning

[helpmenow911]

I have been having constant vaginal burning for 6 months now, and I need this pain to go away. All tests came out negative, for blood tests, pap smear, clymedia, gonerea, everything. Recently one of my gynecologists took a culture and said I have a bacterial infection. I am taking medication for the bacterial infection, and it doesn't seem to be helping my pain with the burning. I don't know whats wrong, and don't know who to go see anymore. I have gone to a herbalist and she gave me a few herbs to take, which I am still taking and not seeing results. I have gotten a cat scan, and an ultra sound and they are both normal. What doctors should I see next? One big thing I notice a huge deal of vaginal burning when I smoke marijuana? I feel that that has something to do with this all, I have smoked before, and having had burning in the past. What is wrong please help!!


This discussion is related to Constant symptoms for 6  weeks - don't know what i have.

[JoJo377]

Look into finding a urogynocologist or a pelvic floor specialist. It might be pelvic floor dysfunction. I have been experiencing the same thing and had all the same tests done as you and they were all negative.

[Smhealth]

I know this post is outdated but Im hoping to give you an alternative opinion. cytolitic vaginosis, fir sure, if you ask me.  Check it out and talk to you Dr. I suffered for years w very similar symptoms and diagnosis (its in you head, nothing can be done...Very disheartening) and finally got an answer that made a difference. The issue could be an over growth of the good bacteria, lactobacilli, (taking antibiotics tends to make it even worse).When there is too much they create a hyper acidic environment by releasing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide by products and closely mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection with out evidence of yeast. The cure, while counter intuitive, is a baking soda and water douche to introduce alkalinity back to the vagina. There are many suggestions on frequency and mixture but I found a combination of approaches worked best.  First- no tampons. Blood is alkaline and good for this condition (note, i said condition, not infection) commit to at least three cycles w pads. Second- 1-2 tblspns baking soda and 16ozs warm water douche everyday for 1-2 weeks depending on severity of symptoms. Third- douche for an additional 2 weeks every three days as symptoms arrise. Then wait and see, douche when u have symptoms only, so as not to over alkilinize and then end up w a yeast infection or BV. This can take a few months to cure. Avoid probiotics during this time (yogurt, kefir, etc) so you arent feeding the problem. Additionally, avoid lots of sugar so you dont feed yeast while trying to regain balance.  Sex is also a good thing, so long as you are not experiencing any irritation, as semen is also alkaline. Most Drs do not recognize this condition, as they believe good bacteria is a good thing, but it is becoming more widely known and understood. Good luck and i hope you are feeling better and have not been suffering for years like I did.

[gracefromHHP]

A vulvodynia specialist would be helpful if you can find one near you.

Have you tried anything otc like replens or rephresh?  What about soaking in the tubby with epsom salts thrown in?

grace

[helpmenow911]

I went back to the doctor and she told me there isn't anything else she could do, I have seen 5 gynecologists now, and don't know where to head to next? Do you recommend anything else to do, or other specialists I should see?

[gracefromHHP]

It really doesn't sound like cytolytic vaginosis since you have burning and not copious amounts of discharge. Your doctor also evidently saw evidence of bacterial infection and not evidence of a cytolytic process going on.   As jess already said - bv can really suck sometimes.

if the burning sensation continues after you are done treating your bv fully, return to your gyn for further evaluation. sometimes bv causes the skin in the genital area to dry out and be overly irritated and things like topical estrogen creams are helpful for that.

grace

[helpmenow911]

I took the baking soda bath last night, and I feel a little better. should i do another baking soda bath again? I have had burning long before I had a bacterial infection, and also took 2 other medications to clear up my bacterial infection, so maybe it's already gone.

[auntiejessi]

Oh if the burning gets bad, you can always sit on an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas to help reduce that.

Aj

[auntiejessi]

You can try the blood test for herpes - it never hurts to know your status.

Honestly, I wouldn't do anything else except take the meds right now.  Since you aren't sure what is going on, you don't want to do anything that might cause more irritation, or might alter the Ph balance of your vagina even more.

If you are on metronidazole at that dose, you have been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis.  If your symptoms clear, you don't need any further testing.  If they don't, ask your doctor for an endocervical culture and see specifically what grows.  

Good luck - I know this is a pain and very frustrating.  

Aj

[helpmenow911]

yea i have stopped smoking pot, but i still have burning and pain when I am not smoking. Could it be cytolytic vaginosis? I am now taking metronidazole, w2hich is a pill ofr bacterial infections, that I take twice a day for seven days.Should I try the baking soda sitz baths anyways? will it hurt me even if I dont have that? Should I find out exactly what bacterial infection it is? I got tested for herpes through a culture test, should I try the blood test as well?

[auntiejessi]

Well, first, if you notice it when you smoke pot, don't smoke pot for awhile and see if that helps.

I'd also follow up with your doctor to make sure the bv has gone away.  Sometimes that can take a couple of rounds of meds.

Aj