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What Causes Chronic Pain And Itching Inside The Vagina?
Question: Hi Dr. Grief,
I have been experiencing a vaginal problem on and off for months now. It seems to be triggered by sex, but is not an STI or UTI. I have been tested for bacterial vaginosis as well and that has also been clear. No yeast infection either when this happens. The symptoms are a itching deep inside my vagina as well as a throbbing sensation. The itching is almost constant but the throbbing is not. I can tell when the throbbing is about to start when I urinate and a funny smell is emitted. The throbbing usually starts a few minutes later and lasts for hours. When I urinate and it passes over my vulva it stings. This stinging sensation gets extremely intense and then kind of releases, which is a temporary relief of the throbbing. I also get lower abdomen pains when the throbbing occurs. Occasionally it also feels like a stinging inside the vagina and even a stabbing at times. No doctor has been able to help me yet, can you please help?
I have been referred to a gynocologist but have to wait until 2nd July to see her. The referral letter from my GP says:
9months ago after commencing relationship developed vaginal itch, then throbbing, then pain extended up vagina. Becan stinging a stabbing pelvic pain, eased by sitting down, worse as day goes on, bad in the morning and then manageable during the day. IC not painful, no change in d/c, swabs and urine specimens NAD. Had course of AB which each time settles Sx. Recurred 5 further times each time after more frequent sexual activity, sometimes with condoms, others without. Contraception at presents condoms and recent start on pill "yasmin". Pap smear up to date, normal. No CI OCP
I have been experiencing a vaginal problem on and off for months now. It seems to be triggered by sex, but is not an STI or UTI. I have been tested for bacterial vaginosis as well and that has also been clear. No yeast infection either when this happens. The symptoms are a itching deep inside my vagina as well as a throbbing sensation. The itching is almost constant but the throbbing is not. I can tell when the throbbing is about to start when I urinate and a funny smell is emitted. The throbbing usually starts a few minutes later and lasts for hours. When I urinate and it passes over my vulva it stings. This stinging sensation gets extremely intense and then kind of releases, which is a temporary relief of the throbbing. I also get lower abdomen pains when the throbbing occurs. Occasionally it also feels like a stinging inside the vagina and even a stabbing at times. No doctor has been able to help me yet, can you please help?
I have been referred to a gynocologist but have to wait until 2nd July to see her. The referral letter from my GP says:
9months ago after commencing relationship developed vaginal itch, then throbbing, then pain extended up vagina. Becan stinging a stabbing pelvic pain, eased by sitting down, worse as day goes on, bad in the morning and then manageable during the day. IC not painful, no change in d/c, swabs and urine specimens NAD. Had course of AB which each time settles Sx. Recurred 5 further times each time after more frequent sexual activity, sometimes with condoms, others without. Contraception at presents condoms and recent start on pill "yasmin". Pap smear up to date, normal. No CI OCP
Brief Answer:
VULVODYNIA SHOULD BE RULED OUT.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
According to your information, we need to rule out VULVODYNIA, which may be associated with chronic pain and itching. It affects vulva area, vagina and often occurs without an identifiable cause or visible pathology. Hormonal treatment is best modality to combat this condition.
Next thing, you have to ELIMINATE or CORRECT some additional predisposing factors like diabetes, mental stress, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, using more steroid, weak immune system, Cervicitis, poor genital hygiene etc.
To summarize, you have to modify all these things to get effective result and you must consult with your GYNECOLOGIST for proper guidance.
TREATMENT: 1) Vaginal suppository with combined Clindamycin and Clotrimazole can be used for 5-7 days.
2) Use vaginal moisturizer cream like RepHresh pH gel or VAGISIL cream to avoid repeated irritation and maintain vaginal pH. Maintain genital hygiene properly.
3) Wear only COTTON underwear. Don't wear any tight fitting cloths or pants to avoid repeated friction/ irritation. Take sound sleep adequately.
4) Take healthy diet with anti oxidant (like Vitamin -E or C, Selenium, Zinc etc) supplements. Drink plenty of water or juice for better systemic circulation. You must avoid salty, sugary or fatty foods. Low-oxalate diet is preferred.
5) Use ONLY water based lubricant during intercourse. Avoid chemical cosmetics or soaps/ perfume or scented bath products around genital area. Keep the area mostly dry.
Hope, it helps for your information. Kindly, close the discussion if you don't have any other query.
Wish your good health and take care yourself.
Regards,
Dr Soumen
For future query, you can directly approach me through
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326
VULVODYNIA SHOULD BE RULED OUT.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
According to your information, we need to rule out VULVODYNIA, which may be associated with chronic pain and itching. It affects vulva area, vagina and often occurs without an identifiable cause or visible pathology. Hormonal treatment is best modality to combat this condition.
Next thing, you have to ELIMINATE or CORRECT some additional predisposing factors like diabetes, mental stress, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, using more steroid, weak immune system, Cervicitis, poor genital hygiene etc.
To summarize, you have to modify all these things to get effective result and you must consult with your GYNECOLOGIST for proper guidance.
TREATMENT: 1) Vaginal suppository with combined Clindamycin and Clotrimazole can be used for 5-7 days.
2) Use vaginal moisturizer cream like RepHresh pH gel or VAGISIL cream to avoid repeated irritation and maintain vaginal pH. Maintain genital hygiene properly.
3) Wear only COTTON underwear. Don't wear any tight fitting cloths or pants to avoid repeated friction/ irritation. Take sound sleep adequately.
4) Take healthy diet with anti oxidant (like Vitamin -E or C, Selenium, Zinc etc) supplements. Drink plenty of water or juice for better systemic circulation. You must avoid salty, sugary or fatty foods. Low-oxalate diet is preferred.
5) Use ONLY water based lubricant during intercourse. Avoid chemical cosmetics or soaps/ perfume or scented bath products around genital area. Keep the area mostly dry.
Hope, it helps for your information. Kindly, close the discussion if you don't have any other query.
Wish your good health and take care yourself.
Regards,
Dr Soumen
For future query, you can directly approach me through
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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