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Clitoris and Inner Labia are swollen, sensitive and irriatated

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 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.) Even the yeast cultures come back negative.  I've been going to acupuncture for the last 2 months and the symptoms are decreasing, but at a very slow rate. I have 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! I used to feel a rawness under the clitoris hood and between the inner labia a lot, but not as much sense I’ve been going to the acupuncturist, however- it is very rare that I feel any  itchiness. I have not experienced any colored discharge- though on bad days I do have more discharge then usual- but still clear. 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 HAVE A SENSITIVE BLADDER, or have had many bladder infections in the past, and have similar symptoms as me? Also, I have noticed when the clitoris is bothering me- I sometimes have white spots under the hood of my clitoris. After close inspection, I have found these little white spots are NOT part of my clitoris and can be removed. Once it’s removed (very sensitive and somewhat painful to remove) it looks like what a blackhead would look like, but white….?! I clean myself regularly down there so to have any buildup, like this, is very weird. For the last couple of months I’ve been using non-fragranced baby wipes to clean under the clitoris hood and around the vulva area and I’m still seeing these little white spots. IF ANYONE HAS SIMILAR SYMPTOMS PLEASE RESPOND. I’m doing a follow-up visit with the specialist at UCLA Medical Center in 2 months.

Wishing hope on all those who understand.

PC26
125 Responses
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Avatar universal
Do you currently have perioral dermatitis? You might have Genital Periorificial Dermatitis. It flares up with hormones (taking birth control, being pregnant or right before getting your period)
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Calling all ladies. I am going through these symptoms too. Sensitivity and irritation in clitoral hood and pins and needle sensation in groin. It comes and goes now after almost a year. But when it started i had constant throbbing in clitoral hood tht almost felt like i was constantly aroused and about to hv an orgasm. Couldnt sit with my legs closed at all.
Long story short, now my specialist says i have candida glabrata fungus. I have tried boric acid thrice but it doesnot clear up. Just goes down to light growth. Its been a year and i hvnt felt normal on even a single day. Has someone found anything tht helps? Plz plz plz respond
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Avatar universal
First, I would quit using the baby wipes, and maybe get some adult vaginal wipes, or just clean with a warm wet wash cloth... as the wipes will irritate it more. I learned that for myself. As for your symptoms, doesn't seem too out of hand to figure out. Check into probiotics, u can also use apple cider vinegar to ease and help with the symptoms. Google it, there are a lot of things naturally u can do. I'm suffering with similar symptoms, not all but most of what u are dealing with and it sounds like you may have a candida over growth, sometimes a doctor cant find it. Because it also lives in our gut, its hard to detect. Probiotics should help regulate the bacteria in your gut and vagina. Again, google probiotics & apple cider vinegar.. Oh and google candida overgrowth in intestines. I hope this helps :) Good luck!
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Oh, yeah, forgot to mention...not sexually active since I was 27 years old. I am now 50 years old, so definitely not related to sexual activity level....
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I have been having issues with my clit and vaginal area for a week and a half now. I think it started with a yeast infection in my vaginal area. I had to treat it twice in one week with monistat 1 day treatment to finally get rid of it (anyway, the vaginal itching went away). The clitoris is still itching and throbbing, my labia feels swollen. I just started my cycle tonight and have never had problems with my clitoris before. I have PCOS also, but that is hopefully not related. Every time my clit comes into contact with my poise pad (I also have stress incontinence), urine stream or even the blood from my cycle, it just sets it off. It is driving my insane! I tried monistat cream yesterday morning, thinking it was just left over yeast infection. OMG! I thought my clit was going to burn off!! I washed that off and used some Vaseline. It helps somewhat. I have also been using cortisone 10 max sometimes. And sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. I was scheduled to see my NP on Monday, but just started my cycle so I am not going until cycle is done. I have been reading everyone's blogs here, and I am so glad that I am not alone with this problem.
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Avatar universal
I see that the dates on here goo way back, but i figured id give information that i have found out. Anyone can look up priapism, it is rare with females less then a hand full of studies. I had all the symptoms swelling of the clitoris, itching, to the point it hurt to walk. Went to thd ER and met a great doctor who was talking to me about priapism. It can be caused by medications. Hope this might help some look into it see if it sounds like your symtoms then speak to your obgyn. It helped me if more females knew about this then maybe we can get some more studies for women.
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i am exibiting symptoms of swolen clitoris, yellowish discharge that seems to be coming from my clitoris, burning when i urinate... my symptoms started a week ago and it started while being intimate with my husband... i work in a call center so im siting 7.5 hrs a day and the whole time im having itching and burning. i dont know what to do i am at the end of my rope... sombody help me please
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Avatar universal
Hi   I have had a similar situation.....  and truthfully its driving me crazy.  I also have had the cultures  etc and nothing...  I first had this sensation which started with a horrible clitoral  sensation that I felt horny constantly and also vaginal horniness....   I thought it could be yeast but nothing     I went to a urologist and he thought interstitial  cystitis.    I was scheduled for tests but right before it went away.     it comes and goes chronically now.   there is no rhyme or reason for it.   at first I thought I had herpes but was cultured and nothing.  i don't know where to go from here .   i watch weary tight clothing.  i also wear cotton underwear now.   nothing with a ribbed crotch.    i drink a lot of water and watch the coffee.    i feel your pain for sure.   i asked my doc for something to numb the area   she wrote a script for lotrimin  script strength     i haven't picked it up yet       i don't want to even start dating because of this mess.   im older post menopause.  started about 2 years ago.....  on and off
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1 Comments
Hey! Did u find a cure? I am going through the same and dont know what to tell the doctor. They dont understabd me.
Monster
MJM654External User
Google Genital Lichen Planus.  It has all the symptoms that have been described here.  Even the white lacy webbing that some people have described. It is an autoimmune disorder. Most Gynecologists seem to overlook it! If not treated, it will just get worse over time to the point that intercourse is impossible. Google it and see. Hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
Hi, I am only 16 and idk I have had problems down there ever since I hit puberty at about twelve there was always an excess of bacteria and white discharge that smelled disgusting I hated it my underwear was always a mess, I use pads and try and keep it clean and moisturized but it only seems to make it hurt more, my clitoris hurts and my inner and outer labia are swollen and red I have examined it closely and sometimes find there is some white discharge acumulating around my clitoris and I just clean that off but idk its getting really bad for me I dont want to go to school or get up because everytime I move it hurts like hell it's really embarrassing and I have yet to see a doctor about it cuz I am extremely self conscious about anybody looking down there do to childhood sexual abuse trauma, i will likely go see someone anyways cuz its getting far to out of hand. I am sexually active or was at one point I guess this never seemed to make a difference i dont see any spots or cuts or anything that could be causing this irritation, I have also had a urinary tract infection recently they put me on antibiotics but it never seemed to make any difference.. :( i would appreciate any advice
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1 Comments
Seems like very resistant yeast infection to me? Take acidophilus pills every day, use ministat cream for at least 7 days & take prescription Diflucan pill.
Avatar universal
I had this many yrs ago, started 4 days before I got married. Sex was nearly impossible for months, I was an emotional wreck and in so much physical pain. I saw many many Drs. with multiple miss diagonsis. Finally got a treatment that worked and it saved my life and my marriage. This Dr. had me soak in a pan of warm water with about a cup of vinager added twice a day. Now the vaginal skin went thru lots of changes with these soaks the first few days. Skin swelled more, then edges of labia got really hard to touch. It also burned alot the 1st few min of soaking. But I began to see a change in about 3 days. The white crud around the clitoris was gone my skin was slowly going back to a normal pink and the pain was improving and normal sensation was coming back. I also used a cream called aci jel, not availiable anymore, but can use relaguard. One applicator full in vagina at bedtime for a week. It took a couple of weeks to go completely away. Now I use a vinager and water douche 2 times a week and it has been 16 years. About every 5 years I have a flare up and I go back to the soaks and cream. Now that I know what to look for it clears alot faster. I urge you all to try this, I was out of my mind when this happened to me. No one could help, my new husband couldn't understand so this really saved me.
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Avatar universal
Hi did you find anything out about from the MRI. I have the same symptoms as you and am wondering if I should have one scheduled. Thank you!
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Avatar universal
OMG!  My clitoral pain started after a course of antibiotics for a sinus infection also!  I went ahead and used Monistat 3-day treatment after the 10 days of antibiotics as I can usually expect a yeast infection.  Then, 20 days ago I got this clitoral pain that was excruciating.  I no longer can wear underwear or pants, just a loose shift-like dress.  I am 58 and had a hysterectomy 7 years ago and a bladder sling 10 years ago.  I sometimes feel like I am having a constant orgasm without the enjoyment part.  It doesn't bother me at night though.  I am now bedridden and have an ice pack between my legs for relief during the day.  I cannot sit and walking irritates it.  I went to my PCP and she said maybe yeast infection (even though I had used Monistat.  3 pills and four days later, I could not stand the pain and went to a OB-GYN who got me in to see her the same day I called.  Oops I forgot to mention that my PCP prescribed 5% lidocaine for the pain and it didn't work.  Anyway, at the OB-GYN clinic the doctor said to be patient and it will go away.  Whatever "it"is.  I started crying because I couldn't stand the pain and no one was helping me.  She just turned and walked out the door.  Over that weekend I went to the NVA.org site (National Vulvodynia Association) and joined this Association after reading all this info on their site.  If you don't have a lot of money, they will still let you join for $15 instead of $45.  Believe me, it was worth it.  I got a list of OBGYNs that know about vulvar and clitoral pain.  One of the Drs. was in my area and that Monday morning I called at 8 am and was able to see her that same day.  I finally found someone who knew about what I was going through.  She scheduled an MRI and I had it this past Thursday and I am just waiting for the results.  I just need help with this pain.  I don't want to be in bed all the time with ice between my legs!  But, I do feel as though I am on my way to an answer.  I will keep you informed if you like.  We are close in age and we both got this after antibiotics for a sinus infection.  May I ask which antibiotics you took?  Anyway my main symptoms are a throbbing pain in my clitoris and pain in my vulva also.  Maybe it has to do with nerve endings.  I hope to hear back from you if you feel like it.



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Avatar universal
My symptoms, just like the others here, started a few days ago.  At first I thought I irritated things when I used this new shaving oil, however, the swelling, tenderness, itchiness and white stuff showed up yesterday.  So stayed up half the nite researching and found this site...thank goodness...but sounds like there is no easy fix.  Using mupirocin ointment on it now just to soothe it, but, not getting better.  I don't wear underwear...gave it up at retirement...lol.  I am 63 and still very active sexually, but, have not had sex since end of December so don't think this is related.  This has never happened to me before.  But, just did finish a round of antibiotics for a sinus infection.  I may have one yeast infection in my life, but, don't think this is it either.
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Avatar universal
pls let me know the treatment for ur problem if it has cured
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Avatar universal
Chlorella and lactoferrin absorb all the pollutions we are affected by
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And of course use only natural soaps like avalon organic, all natural laundry products like biokleen , 100% cotton underwear, ETC!
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Avatar universal
ITS THE TOILET PAPER !
EVEN THE BEST LIKE UNSCENTED CHARMIN HAS INCREASING
AMOUNTS OF UNDETECTABLE CHEMICALS ON IT.
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Avatar universal
ITS THE TOILET PAPER !
EVEN THE BEST LIKE UNSCENTED CHARMIN HAS INCREASING
AMOUNTS OF UNDETECTABLE CHEMICALS ON IT.
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Avatar universal
I don't know if this helps, but I have been having the same issues. I am using the summer's eve sensitive to clean and it seems to help with some of the pain and the swelling. We are at a loss as well, however, I found it interesting that you had a sensitive bladder. I have interstitial cystitis, a bladder condidtion, and maybe the two are linked?
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Avatar universal
I have just developed the same symptoms. The weirdest part for me was the super sensitive white "spots" just under my clit's hood/edge of the hood. Clitoris is definitely sensitive and swollen and when I wipe after going to the bathroom my whole labia feel very raw and irritated, but this quickly subsides. I too had a really bad yeast infection that persisted for a few weeks but went away, or so I thought. A week later my clitoris started to itch, I was worried about an STD but my OBGY said I look completely healthy down there and just have me more antifungal medicine. She recommended an antifungal cream for the clitoris discomfort and it has helped alot/no more itching. But now my clitoris just feels swollen and achy all the time. I inspected myself this morning to find what looks like a super tiny white spot that's extremely sensitive/almost painful to touch. So confused! Please contact me if you find out what's going on! ***@****
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3185583 tn?1383330681
just the past few days it has been swollen and slightly red around my cliortis with occassional itching and soreness when wharing tight or close fitting clothes. this isnt the first time...its reaccuring... idk what it is and i also tested negative for everything. I have eczma and this irritates it and causes a slight rash on the inner lips of my vagina. It ***** and is painful.
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Avatar universal
Okay, so, I've been applying coconut oil, which has completely stopped the dryness and chafing, but not all of the itchiness. I had an exam yesterday, and oh the look on the OBGYN's face when I told him I was using coconut oil. "Is that what that's for?" he asked. Heh. Anyway, he didn't detect any dryness, and could not, with his own eyes, see any yeast or bacteria inside my vagina. He took a swab and checked under a microscope and still didn't see anything. Although he told me that he doesn't always see everything on his own, he and the nurse acted and spoke to me as if they were quite sure my tests would come back negative. He also told me I could continue to use coconut oil as much as I wanted. Relieved, I slept soundly.
And awoke to the lab calling me with test results- a bad sign. Turns out I have BV, as I had predicted. I think that the above comment about menstruation changing pH levels makes a lot of sense- I noticed the fishy odor the very morning after having sex with my partner, and I was on my period. I think it's a combination of his sperm and being on my period. Now I have to use some scary creme to cure (at least temporarily?) my BV. I'm going to research some alternative medicines, but I will still use the creme, just to be safe. Sigh. The stories in this forum are truly saddening. Healing thoughts to you all!
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Avatar universal
Hello, everyone. I'm sorry to see that so many of us are suffering, but relieved that we are here to support one another!
Now, I have been a vegan for seven years, and I tend to stay quite healthy. Stress, however, is my and everyone else's main enemy! I recently went through a very stressful financial crisis, and my diet became toxic during that period. I was eating far too much sugar, carbs, and was drinking massive amounts of coffee. I used to have these things in moderation, but this was total overload. Then, after about a week of stress and poor eating habits, I was feeling depressed, lethargic, and had low self-esteem. Do not underestimate the dangerous powers of SUGAR and STIMULANTS. They can override your system, your mind!
Not only was I feeling terrible emotionally, but I began to notice my inner labia seemed to be protruding more than usual, and were itchy. I thought it was just because I had recently trimmed my pubic hairs to be as short as possible. I hadn't had them trimmed for a while, so I had forgotten what things usually look like down there! The itch was there for maybe a day or two, and then I had sex. My partner and I got caught up and didn't take our clothes off completely, hah.. He had pushed my panties over to the side while we were having sex. I didn't notice it being uncomfortable at the time, but the next day was awful. My inner labia were not only dry and itchy, but chafing! This has never happened to me before, and I was instantly worries about STDs, UTIs, etc, which I have never had before. I'm a firm believer in natural medicine, and have never taken medication besides amoxicillin for ear infections when I was a child.
Here's to the cure: coconut products truly cure more ailments than any other product out there. Read the book "Coconut Cures" by Bruce Fife. I use coconut oil for a sunscreen, cooking oil, on toast, on wounds (literally heals wounds and burns overnight). It's also antimicrobial and antibacterial. So I thought, if you can eat it, it moisturizes your skin, and kills microbes and bacteria, then it should help with dryness AND an infection, if present. Last night, I drank two huge cans of coconut water, and this morning I put coconut oil all over my outer and inner labia. I also decided that I needed some probiotics, but wanted to stay away from soy (which has oxalates; I did research on vestibulitis diets and found that many foods I had been bingeing on, but was not used to consuming, were high-acidity foods containing oxalates- no bueno!) so I turned to kombucha. This morning, I have only had tea and kombucha so far, and I feel satisfied, so I'm going to try to cleanse, intake a lot of fluids, and only eat when truly hungry, so that all of my energy goes to healing my body.
I haven't experienced ANY itching since I put on the coconut oil and began drinking kombucha this morning. I highly recommend that you at least try the coconut oil, coconut water, and kombucha. Make sure that these products have no added sugars, are completely organic is possible, and especially make sure that the coconut oil is extra virgin and unrefined. I'm also considering soaking a cloth pad with coconut water to soothe my labia. It might sound weird, but coconut is really soothing. I'll update if I have any other tips, or my condition doesn't go away.
I should also note that I'm quite positive that I don't have a UTI, since it doesn't burn when I pee. I believe it's just a skin irritation, due to friction and a highly acidic diet. I have never been able to tolerate citrus, and my father is even highly allergic to tomatoes, coffee, beer, etc.
Sorry for the length of this post, let me know if the coconut oil helps. It may be a bit tingly at first; I believe this is just the feeling of those microbes getting beaten up! :)    
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