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Soreness, Itching, Redness In Vagina. No STI. Earlier Taken Antibiotics For Sinusitis. Need Help

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Posted on Wed, 10 Apr 2013
Question: Hi,
I have recently returned from Asia and have acquired some sort of febrile illness (prob flu). With it I have sore, itchy and red lady bits but no unusual discharge.
I have one sexual partner with no STI's.
I have tried making a paste of bicarbonate soda and applied "downstairs" yesterday and the day before. This stung so much I had to wash it off both times after about 5 mins. Since yesterday, the soreness has worsened.
It looks raw and red. I haven't had sex in a while due to the discomfort.
I am careful to always wear cotton underwear and wash daily with soap-free cleanser.
Also, about 6 weeks ago, I was on a course of antibiotics for sinusitis (reluctantly). I was taking Inner Health Plus probiotics to combat any loss of good flora. I have started again with the IHP since lady bits have been playing up. No relief in sight!
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
K
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (29 minutes later)
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for consulting us.
The most common vaginal infection that effect women is fungal infection. Any illness, course of antibiotics or recent change in climate (specially hot & humid) may predispose to it. Fungi are normally present in the vagina & they just overgrow whenever they get an opportunity.
If you are sure that it is not a STI ( sexually transmitted infection) then the most likely cause could be a fungal infection as I have already stated.
Don't apply bicarbonate paste as it will definitely irritate the raw area.
I suggest you should visit a Gynecologist for confirmation of diagnosis. A simple anti-fungal cream or tablet (pessary) may solve your problem. But, if your doctor is not sure about the nature of infection he/ she may advise you some swab tests.
Don't forget to discuss about your flue if it is not settled within a couple of days.
Hope I have given you the desired plan of action. If you need more help please write back.
Best Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (1 hour later)
Many thanks for your insight.
I forgot to mention I was applying Canestan Cream topically a few times a day and this seems to have not made a difference.
Just out of interest, what STI's give the same symptoms? I am curious to know. I have had the same partner for 4 years and as far as I know he is completely monogamous!
Many thanks for any further advice.
K
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (24 minutes later)
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in.
Your symptoms are not specific & there are many STI's which may present this way like gonorrhea, chlamidya, herpes, chancroid, Granuloma inguinale, molluscum contagiosum, genital warts, toxoplasmosis etc.
It could also be allergy to some new product you used or you may be suffering from vulval dermatoses.
So, if you have tried anti-fungal creams & there is no relief you must see a Gynecologist at the earliest to get yourself tested & to get specific treatment.
Wish you good health.
Take care.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi

OBGYN

Practicing since :1997

Answered : 1042 Questions

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Soreness, Itching, Redness In Vagina. No STI. Earlier Taken Antibiotics For Sinusitis. Need Help

Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for consulting us.
The most common vaginal infection that effect women is fungal infection. Any illness, course of antibiotics or recent change in climate (specially hot & humid) may predispose to it. Fungi are normally present in the vagina & they just overgrow whenever they get an opportunity.
If you are sure that it is not a STI ( sexually transmitted infection) then the most likely cause could be a fungal infection as I have already stated.
Don't apply bicarbonate paste as it will definitely irritate the raw area.
I suggest you should visit a Gynecologist for confirmation of diagnosis. A simple anti-fungal cream or tablet (pessary) may solve your problem. But, if your doctor is not sure about the nature of infection he/ she may advise you some swab tests.
Don't forget to discuss about your flue if it is not settled within a couple of days.
Hope I have given you the desired plan of action. If you need more help please write back.
Best Regards.