Please Read. Sensitive Clitoris and Swollen Labia

[PC26]

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 been on a yeast-free and sugar-free diet for 4 months (this diet seems to help- even though I keep testing negative for yeast. Besides loosing 10 pounds- this diet has been AWFUL!!)

I used to feel a rawness under the clitoris hood and between the inner labia a lot, but I haven't felt this as much sense I’ve been going to the acupuncturist. It's very rare that I feel any  itchiness. 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 THAT HAS A SENSITIVE BLADDER, or have had many bladder infections in the past, and HAVE SIMILAR symptoms as me?

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.)  I've 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!

Is anyone else having similar issues??

[SchrodingersMew]

I havent read all the posts on here, but Ive had similar issues. IN short,
I went to Japan and lived there for 3.5 months as a student. I'm 25, female

WHat happened:

I took horrible care of myself, drank, partied, and had (sometimes) unprotected sex with one person. At one point, he accidentally bumped my butt with his goods, abnd we had sex anyway. I remember thjinking to myself, "Welp, Im going to be sick in like 2 weeks.. Meh, whatever."

DIagnosed with a yeast infection and later some sort of bacterial infection by Japanese doctor. Prior to this, I had thick white discharge, fever, vomiting, and cramps. It took forever to get to the doctor, so I was desperate to not be sick and put unflavored yogurt on my vulva and clit (a terrible idea!) to try to stop whatever was there.

I eventually got to a docvtor, and  I took clomatrizole for the yeast, and some thing else for bacteria. I was clean with no STDs.

AFTER this is when I had the weird mystery vulva inflammation. My clit became inflamed and almost hard. It felt like I was constantly aroused which became pretty alarming. the shaft-like structure that the clit is attached to that would be my penis shaft if I was a man also seemed a bit inflamed

I went to an American doctor when I got back to the states. She got negative readings for STDs, yeast, and bacterial vaginosis as well.

She gave me antibacterial pills ( forgot the name, metrinizadol or something like that) and those worked. My clit felt beter after 5 days and the tingling, burning sensation started to stop. In addition, I took hot showers and gently cleaned the areas with Ivory sensitive soap, and later just warm water. I would dry off the area with a hair dryer on 'hot' and 'dry' . I also ate some fresh garlic (like one branch of the clove) a few days before my prescription ran out and greek yogurt after the first day my antibiotics ended. This seems to be working pretty well. It feels WAYYY better.

Overall, my hypothesis is that this is a bacterial infection and is curable

[Ballance118]

I am having the exact symptoms you are talking about but thought it was brought on by pregnancy. I didn't get this until about the 2nd month (I am now finishing month 5). I was hoping it would go away after birth but am now worried knowing that others suffer with the same thing that aren't pregnant! Please keep us updated and I'll post more if my doctor figures anything out.

[Smilesbright]

I am also pregnant and your answer was just what I was looking for. A lot of pain and sensitivity. Exact symtoms. Looking for a cure do you know?

[Clamb10]

Have them check your sweat glands.  I had a horrible infection in my sweat glands that only surfaced  when they swelled to a point where they had to be lanced.  it was awful but instantly cured a number of different issues.  Including swollen labia , sensitive clitoris and intermittent odor.  Best of luck!!

[b4weller]

Owe! Really, that is what ultimately fixed it for good?

[alliew10]

I've been having this problem also. It's just good to see that I'm not alone..

[dante_james1986]

How long does the clitoris stay sensitive after sex?

[Lavon92]

Also do not squeeze a place like this. If you do and it pops the opposite way it will go into your blood stream and you will get them all over your body. I know this because my mother has them and they got into her blood stream, she gets them in her eyes and mouth and everywhere else now.  It is also hereditary.

[Lavon92]

I'm having this problem right now, I just went yesterday and let my obgyn numb it and drain it but this morning it was bigger than yesterday and hurt a lot worse. I was going to go to the ER but when I went to pee and wiped I noticed that there was a little but of yellow on the toilet paper along with blood. I went and got a mirror and got more toilet paper and kept wiping beside of it and above it and more came out. It drained it's self for like 12 mins. Now it's a whole lot smaller and not as sore. It drained more after I took a hot bath with sea salt in it. You can also use Epsom salt. When I went to the dr. they gave me cypro and I think that had a lot to do with it. I feel a lot better now. If you have anymore questions about it email me and I will help the best I can. lavon_1992***@****

[Jmarie4492]

Hi, I'm experiencing a abscess in the clitoral area. I am 16 years old and this has never happens to me before. I just went to the doctor yesterday and gave me some antibiotics to treat it. But the thing is is that it popped this morning, and it's trying to drain out. I'm soaking it and taking my pills every six hours like she said to, but I was wondering if this was bad. If I should go back to the doctors now, instead of waiting till Saturday for my follow up.

Please help, this has never happened to me before and its scaring me :(

[Jmarie4492]

Hi, I'm 16 years old and just recently got swelling in the clitoral area. I've had it for four days, and yesterday being the fifth, I went to the doctors. She was shocked to see how swollen it was, she thought I had it for longer. But she told me it was an abscess and it freaks me out. It was the size of a grape apparently, and I'm basically on bed rest because the more I move, the bigger it gets. She gave me some antibiotics to get rid of it. It hurts to sit, lay, and walk certain ways. At three am this morning i woke up to feeling wetness on my bed and me. I thought it was just my period, but when I turned on the light it was clear and a little bloody. The abscess popped. It pusses out blood and clear liquid in my case and it made the swelling go down, but only slightly. It also gives off a foul smell that made me nearly gag. I still get a shooting pain, but more like occassional sting to it. It's really scaring me and I don't know whether to just let it be and wait to go to the doctor for my follow up, or go now.. Please help:(

[gemmiferg]

I feel like I just joined a club. I am monogamous and STD-free. I started experiencing a seriously itchy clitoris problem after having and clearing a bacterial infection, so I think in my case the anitbiotics might be the right track (I'm on flagyl). I was amazed however that cortizone does nothing to relieve the swelling and itching! It has been going on for 2 weeks now with no improvement and I, like most of you have been a bit miserable at times. If this goes on much longer, I may take the advice of Estelle02; though I am healthy and fit, removing my vices (coffee and beer) could make me even more cranky!  Thanks for your help; I will keep all posted on whether the flagyl works.

[Estelle02]

I've got the same issues everyone else seems to have- swollen labia, sensitive clitoris, an overall feeling of over-sensitivity/irritation/burning that seems to come from nowhere.  I also have issues with headaches, my digestive tract and some slight anxiety issues.  I've mentioned all of these symptoms to my doctors and haven't had any helpful diagnoses.  

Instead of trying to treat all of these things as separate issues, I treat them like symptoms of one issue- nerves!  So I try to eat a diet rich in omega-3's (I also take fish oil supplements) and B vitamins, and keep away from caffeine, very acidic foods, alcohol and refined sugars.  I always notice these symptoms worse when I've been eating an unhealthy diet or stressing too much, so I treat it all as one auto-immune/anxiety disorder and that's been helping.  I also eat yogurt everyday to keep myself from being prone to yeast infections and to resupply my body with healthy probiotics.  

Does anyone else use this approach as well?

[Mich70]

I have this problem (swollen labia, hurt to walk), and just wanted to give an update.  I went to a Gyn. specialist, and he took a test and I have a type of yeast infection that doesn't respond well to medicine.  I think it was candita glabratta.  He prescribed 200 mg of fluconazole tablets to take orally once/week.  Plus he prescribed these boric(?) acid vag suppositories to take 1-3x/week.  I feel a lot better.  He said that a combination of the bike riding I did over the summer and the amoxacillin caused it.  I can walk and sit more comfortably now.  It doesn't take me a week to recover from sex anymore.  I had a test and they said I don't have it anymore.  I'm almost symptom free, so they said I should just take the vag suppositories until I feel completely better.  This started over the summer, and the symptoms were subsiding a lot before I finally got in to see the Dr., and after a month on the medicine, this is where I am.  Before I saw the Dr, I was wearing only skirts with no hose (wear thigh highs, knee socks, boots), sleeping with no underwear and wearing only cotton ones, I was using an over-the-counter anti-itch cream (1-2%hydrocort) on it, and sometimes I was wearing boxers instead of regular underwear.  I was taking the underwear off when I got home.  I cut out  sugar, breads, pretzels, and most junk almost entirely.  I bought yogurt with sugar substitute in it, and took probiotics (align) for a couple of months.  I was listening to my body and not doing things that bugged it, like sitting on the affected area.  I also think it would have helped if I bought larger regular underwear.  Good luck!

[angela907]

Hey all,

I just found this list and read through all your comments.  It sounds like there are quite a few different issues going through here.  Mine are similar to those of the original post - swollen labia (one side or the other, but never both sides at once) and clitoris, along with itching, particularly under the clitoral hood.  

I'm 34 years old and I've had problems with frequent UTIs and yeast infections for the past ten years.  I got my first UTI on my honeymoon and have averaged two per year since then.  I'm starting to think, however, that most of my 'yeast infections' weren't caused by yeast at all.  Treating them with Monstat usually helped, but sometimes only very briefly.  About seven or eight months ago I noticed my first bout of swelling - I noticed it right after sex, but the intense itching had been around for a few days prior.

I freaked out and called my doctor (a GP, not a gynocologist).  By the time of the appointment (three days later) the swelling had reduced significantly and she found nothing really wrong.  She suggested that it might be an allergic reaction, but we were at a loss as to what might've triggered it, as I'd tried no new soaps or detergents or anything else.

Since then, it's come back several times.  I've discovered that taking an antihistimine like Benedryl has given me some relief, though usually only temporarily.  I stopped using the soap I'd been using in the shower (Castille soap) and switched to body wash, but that didn't stop the outbreaks.  I tried not wearing underwear, but find that my discharge is greater during outbreaks and without underwear I feel too damp and exposed to be comfortable.

I'm pregnant now and my OBGYN hasn't found anything unusual in any of her tests or PAP smears, though I haven't told her about this issue specifically.  Since getting pregnant, I had no trouble at all until just recently.  

Over the past week, I thought I had a yeast infection and my OBGYN suggested a 7-day round of Monostat (she trusted my self-diagnosis and suggested this over the phone).  It helped somewhat, but now, three days after the round finished, my labia is swollen and itchy and ridiculously sensitive to the touch.  I noticed that the moist wipes at the doctor's office (had an appointment the day before yesterday) were Castille wipes, and I got a flu shot, but otherwise, once again, I have no probable cause for a flare up.

I'm not supposed to take oral antihistimines because of the baby, but my doc approved the Benedryl cream.  It tried a dab of it on the swelling tonight and initally it burned.  Yikes.  Big mistake, I thought.  But now it feels much better.  I don't think the swelling has gone down much, but the itch is pretty much gone.

I really, really don't want to just 'live with' this for the rest of my life.  It affects my sex life with my husband as well as my general sense of well-being.  Plus, it's no fun being itchy and in pain for days or weeks at a time.  After my daughter is born, I plan to track down a cause for all of this and get it taken care of.  For now, the tests and treatments might not be good for the little one, so I'll wait and hope to have few to no outbreaks for the next four or five months. Wish me luck; I know I'll need it.

I want to thank all of you ladies for your detailed listing of symptoms and treatments.  It's great to know that I'm not the only one this happens to.  Makes me feel less freaky.

[esperanza71]

Has anyone had any luck with this? This is my first time posting but i have had tis problem for about 6 months now. It comes and goes. It first appeared for one week, only in one spot right on my clitoris. It went away for a few months, but i was always very careful and nervous that it would reappear. A few days ago, it started to get irritated for the third time. It can sometimes get so painful that i cant concentrate.
More than anything, i am worried about my mental health. I want to stay positive, but it is so hard when this is happening and ther are no answers. Anyone have any alternative medicine suggestions? I am fed up with the doctors i have been seeing.

Sending you all my solidarity.

[mich86]

Hi all, i had similar symptoms as above a couple of years ago. Sensitivity and swollen and reddish clitoral.  I went to a sexual Dysfunction expert called Dr. kellogg in Philadelphia and she found an ingrown hair that had led to an infection.  The dr. had to remove the ingrown hair-it was really painful as you can imagine and then I was given clobestol.  Eventually it healed and I was back to normal.  Now I am having  similar symptoms and am wondering if it is happening again.  I started reapplying Clobestol again to the area and it is irritating for about an hour in my lower area but then it subsides.  Just thought I'd share.

[trilbey111]

I have a lot of these symptoms, but for me, it started after an assault.  I immediately thought stds and the stress was unimaginable because I had to wait 3 months for herpes and HIV tests to be accurate.  Finally all tests were negative, but the symptoms remain and 2 gyns have no idea, other than bacterial vaginosis, which I've never had before.  Creams and pills still did nothing.  I also have a yellow discharge (been 4 months now) and a creepy crawly prickly sensation from my clitoris to my rectum.  It feels like a UTI, hemorrhoids, but I don't have those.  Also, it doesn't burn when I pee, but it comes out very warm.  The labia swelling and clitoral sensitivity began after I used a cream for BV, and it hasn't gone away.  My kegel muscle feels sore too.  Its best when I lay down, and worsens with activity.  I don't know if my assailant infected me w/ some unknown disease, or if the stress from the assault is playing a number on me.  I just want a name for what this is!!!

[TanteWilla]

Found you by accident, researching  my psoriasis.

Try this:
First of all; try a Dermatologist, not a gyno.

1) Ask your Doctor to try Naftin, a really good anti-fungal. (Just in case.)

2) Clean that hood carefully:
(you might want to have a glass or two of wine first)
Buy a waterpic. use warm water, set to LOWEST SETTING.
Go all around the sides and top.
Don't keep going if it hurts, or is just too sensitive. You have to build up a tolerance. Come back tomorrow.
If it seems to help, use a little vinegar, or something you would feel safe douching with.

3) Don't be alarmed if you orgasm; don't become addicted to the waterpic.

4) You may want to consider having your hood surgically opened.

5) You may also want to explore:
Hiradenitis suppurativa
Acanthosis
Fox Fordyce

[ihbs]

Hi

Commenting on Vulva swelling and discomfort as well as discharge thinking it is a yeast infection when it is not.  It is called Lechen Sclerosis and it is an autoimmune disease.  When you have one you
end up with more autoimmune diseases.  Thyroid disease is the most
common.  Have your Doctor run autoimmune panel first steroid cream
is the only way to make it better.

[roxygurl25]

Here is some info that I found useful when I started experiencing these symptoms:

There are two main types of vulvar pain:

Localised vulvodynia (vulvar vestibulitis)
Vulvar vestibulitis is pain or burning sensation caused by something touching the vestibule. Pain is caused by sexual intercourse, insertion of tampons, riding a bicycle, gynaecological examination, tight clothes, any situation where the vestibule is touched. There is usually no pain if the area is not touched. Vulvar vestibulitis is diagnosed by touching the vestibule with a Q-tip. Even light pressure such as this can cause pain.

Generalised (dysesthetic) vulvodynia
Generalised or dysesthetic vulvodynia is pain, burning, stinging or rawness on or around the vulva, labia, vestibule, clitoris or perineum most of the time, whatever they are doing. It is not dependent upon touch or pressure but this can nevertheless exacerbate the symptoms. Urination may cause pain and burning. Sexual activity is sometimes so painful as to be impossible, while at other times there may be little or no pain. Generalised vulvodynia is diagnosed when there is a history of constant pain with no visible cause or other identifiable disorder.
  

Vulvodynia can have a profound sometimes devastating effect on a woman since it may affect her social life, work and domestic functioning, her ability to simply sit in a chair, her sexual relationships and may cause intense depression.

Although treatment is available (local anaesthetic ointments, antidepressants, anticonvulsants) to treat these pain conditions, vulvodynia can sometimes be difficult to treat. Studies are looking into new treatments.

For further information:
The Vulvodynia Survival Guide by H. Glazer and G. Rodke, New Harbinger.
National Vulvodynia Association http://www.nva.org
International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal

[mammaj]

It has been a while since I posted. Now 3 yrs of this issue, skin peeling on labia and clitoris hood, worse with yeast, I cut out yeast for 3 months and it got better for a month and then reverted back for no particular reason.  Did the whole dr.  thing, they find nothing wrong with me.  In the beginning I had 2 yeast infections and then one bacterial vaginosis infection, this was after giving birth and being put on the IUD, which was removed.  I dont use tampons, certain toilet papers irritate the girl below, only wear cotton panties.  None of these issues occurred before I had my 2nd child.  I'm 33, long married in a happy commited relationship. Sex feels like rug burn and I'm allergic to all lubricants even the glycerine free....I find that vaseline on outer lips...I know I know is the only thing that works.  Very frustrating. My father recently informed me he has had the similar issues as a male since he was 8 sensitivity to detergents, underwear, etc.  I do have skin conditions, acne, eczema (very minor) and I'm pretty sure dermatitis so I am careful to everything i put on my skin and dont use soap down below, just water...everything irritates.  I had these same symptoms as a child and seemed to outgrow but after the birth of my second child they seemed to reappear.  I am thinking from research that I probably have some type of dermatitis, lichen sclerosus, and a hormonal imbalance from my child bearing.  I have suffered from complex migraines since the age of 8 and after the birth of each child, they have disappeared so I believe this all to be some how connected.  itching seems to disappear with period as well as rug burn sex, only to return after period ends. I know there are thyroid imbalances in my dads side of the family and I'm trying to get family history to figure it all out.  I also know with weather changes the rest of my skin ..mexico hot humid to cold and no humidity, seems to fall off of my face. Many observations over time and trying to find a dr. that actually listens as well and isnt looking for their money and kicking my *** out the door.  let me know of any similar experiences.  I am a healthy, active mom, in good shape, eats well, doesnt even like and rarely has sugar, ready to take on the world and please my man kind of woman who has been plagued by this issue for years and open to any and all answers or feedback. Hang in there ladies, we will figure it out.

[Jessii94]

My labia is swollen and i have a lot of discharge. i am finding it very uncomfortable and it irritates me when i wear loose cotton underwear i have even tried just wearing very loose fitted trousers but it still feels very itchy and irritates me. i am going to the doctors this week about it but i am pregnant and i am worried that they are going to tell me that this has affected my baby does anyone know if symptoms like this can affect your pregnancy?

[youngadult116]

Just like everyone else... "I'm having the same problems." It began a few days before my period, lasted through the period, and about a week after that. My vagina was cake like (like flour and water), plus it was itching, burning, and discharging. When I rubbed or scratched it (sometimes I had to) my vagina lips (labia) and clitoris began to swell. At one point I even had a boil (an abscess)... about the size of a golf ball, growing on my inner thigh (which had never occured before).

First I thought I had an STD or HIV... but I forever and always stayed protected and with one person at that... but it was an option. I went to the clininc and tested negative on the STD and HIV... but positive for a Urinary Tract Infection. I was givin antibotics (some pills because the cream wouldn't have felt right) for the UTI and for the boil (to flush out my blood flow) and drank plent of cranberry juice. Days later the boil busted and my UTI was way better... due to the fact that the boil was holding all that infectious bacteria.

So through all this I believe most of our problems are between a Urinary Tract and Yeast Infection. I barely ever use the washroom... due to the fact that I'm a student and hate using our school bathroom which is very disgusting... so I'm forced to wait till I get home. Holding my urine for long periods of time have caused me to get a UTI before... which I think is my problem as well. It's very unhealthy and I recommend everyone just USE THE BATHROOM!!

As far as ways to reduce the pain... DO NOT DOUCHE!! All it does is flush the bacteria back in your canal and can worsen or prolong your  problems.
As far as the yeast infection... those our sometimes caused due to low PH levels... and to get them back up you can rub/soak/bath your vagina in baking soda. It doesn't burn and it's actually soothing. Do it for a few days and you'll feel a difference.

Hope everyone gets better and I'm happy for you if you're already better... cause it's very uncomfortable and we just want to live or lives women!

[frustratedwoman]

I cant believe this! I have had these exact symptoms for such a long time now- I thought it was normal and I would just have to deal with it. For some reason part of the time it is ok and part of the time not.


When it goes through a bad stage and I can't have sex at all, my partner gets down because he doesn't quite understand this- he thinks sometimes I just cant be bothered or worse that I am unnatracted to him. I can tell he feels slightly emasculated by only being able to have sex when I feel like it (which is all the time by the way!) but I can tell he sees it as a bit of the 'I've got a headache' senario.  
I can deal with it affecting me but not putting our relationship under strain- I wish it was more widely spoken about so that men were aware that this is a real problem, especially when your doctors are telling you theres nothing wrong!!


Perhaps this is where that myth that a woman's sexual appetite reduces as they age comes from- more women than we realise could be suffering from this sort of discomfort which manifests itself in this way- but what have they got to back it up with? Or more important, what is the solution?

[PinkRush]

im only 15, and im having the symptoms of a swollen clitoris and white discharge. i had a rash about a couple weeks ago and its gone now, but everything is still swollen and it hurts really bad. i went to an OBGYN and she is going to lance it and said it was a possible cyst that needed to be drained. ive had sex once before, and it seems like after that all these problems started occuring . . do you think this could be possibly an STD ? im so scared and have no idea whats wrong wth me and was wondering if any of you could give me some answers . thanks.