Question: I have been battling some kind of a vaginal infection off and on for over two months..have been given maybe too much information and tried too many things before going to my doctor who diagnosed a fungus infection, prescribed the 2 pills and cream, which I thought might be working..then for some reason it seemed to return so 2 more pills and cream were prescribed. One day after the last pill I had a horrible bright red and itching response. Went to the Dr. (not my regular one but her partner) who took a quick look, called it fungal again and prescribed a powder to be applied 3 times a day. That was last Monday..so far not much of an improvement especially when I come in contact with fabric. I have an appointment with my regular doctor again next Tuesday. This is driving me nuts and I have to have an answer..could it be something else, bacterial, something invasive from the garden (where I am sure it all started as I always did lots of mulching and cutting back bad branches, etc. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! XXXXXX

In my explanation re my symptoms and treatments, I neglected to include the fact that I had this infection two years ago (from working in my garden) and it was diagnosed by my (then, since retired) nurse practitioner and treated successfully with clobetasol cream. When this started again, I used some of the remaining cream and had my present doctor order a new prescription. I had just started using it when my pharmacist suggested I had a "fungal infection" and should use Lamisil. Wish I had just called and gone to see my gp then. The rest of the meds/failures followed. Also this is a rash that extends from the top of my thighs to my inner vaginal lips. It does not involve the vagina itself. I was able to exercise off and on during these treatments, but after a treadmill bout and no shower for a few hours, it came back, and after the second round of pills and cream, last weekend I was very RED and itching. My doctor's partner barely looked at it early last Monday morning and rediagnosed a fungal infection and prescribed the powder. I will see my regular doctor on Tuesday but my nerves are getting the better of me after struggling with this for so long.
I still think it is some kind of infection and need to get it resolved soon. I know it involves my crawling around in the mulch and possibly some leaves that were bug-infested. I've had no problems with vaginal dryness since menopause which occurred at age 55 and have been quite active until this hit me. Could this be either bacterial or even parasitic? Thank you for your help.