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What Does An Irritation To The Side Of Vagina Suggest?

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Posted on Wed, 13 May 2015
Question: Ive had an annoying irritation to the right side of my vaginal opening for years. I consulted with my GYN and he told me to stop shaving. I have not shaved the area and I still always have this irritation. In further research I have seen that it's possible my pH could be off? Could this be the cause of this irritation. I look at my vagina closely with a magnifying mirror and there's nothing that would indicate irritation, the area looks normal "Pink" not red.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Mostly due to pH imbalance.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

According to your information, vaginal irritation may be due to pH imbalance or low estrogen (indirect cause). I suggest you to undergo complete hormone profile (like serum estrogen level, FSH etc).

Following measures could be helpful in your case:

1) Use vaginal moisturizer cream like RepHresh pH gel or VAGISIL cream to avoid irritation and maintain vaginal pH. Maintain genital hygiene properly.

2) Wear only cotton clothes. Don't wear any tight fitting clothes/ underwear to avoid repeated friction/ irritation. Take sound sleep adequately.

3) 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 LIMIT Salty/ Sugary/ Fatty foods.

4) Avoid chemical cosmetics, perfume or scented bath products around genital area. Keep the area mostly dry. You also AVOID unprotected sexual intercourse with chemical lubricant (water based only) until problem is resolved.

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 S Patra

For future query, you can directly approach me through

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (55 minutes later)
Is there an over the counter pH tester I can purchase to find out? I guess I can look but it would be easier if you have me the information. Also I work out and tend to stay in my workout clothes.. Obviously tight fitting (not going to keep that up anymore) not to mention when I sweat, it would be a breeding ground for bacteria? What are some tests I can do on my own that would indicate the problem without having to see my GYN?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Details are given below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for follow up query.

1) You can get "Monistat Complete Care vaginal Health Test Kit" over the counter. It helps to determine vaginal pH. You can easily do the test at home.

2) Maintain genital hygiene and use slight loose fitting underwear/ dress to reduce sweating or irritation. Follow above said measures.

3) I am not sure if you have specific home based test to diagnose the condition. In my opinion you should undergo one vaginal swab culture test to rule out vaginal infection and complete hormone profile (serum estrogen, LH/ FSH, TSH etc).

Hope, I have answered your query. Kindly, close the discussion.

All the best and good luck.

Regards,
Dr S Patra
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. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra

OB & GYN Specialist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 4058 Questions

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What Does An Irritation To The Side Of Vagina Suggest?

Brief Answer: Mostly due to pH imbalance. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. According to your information, vaginal irritation may be due to pH imbalance or low estrogen (indirect cause). I suggest you to undergo complete hormone profile (like serum estrogen level, FSH etc). Following measures could be helpful in your case: 1) Use vaginal moisturizer cream like RepHresh pH gel or VAGISIL cream to avoid irritation and maintain vaginal pH. Maintain genital hygiene properly. 2) Wear only cotton clothes. Don't wear any tight fitting clothes/ underwear to avoid repeated friction/ irritation. Take sound sleep adequately. 3) 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 LIMIT Salty/ Sugary/ Fatty foods. 4) Avoid chemical cosmetics, perfume or scented bath products around genital area. Keep the area mostly dry. You also AVOID unprotected sexual intercourse with chemical lubricant (water based only) until problem is resolved. 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 S Patra For future query, you can directly approach me through http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326