Vaginal Irritation (graphic - sorry) - Women's Health Message Board

threesunsets · 03-27-2004, 07:27 AM

To start out with, I'm 26 and have been with my fiancé for almost 2 years.

Over 2 months ago I started getting really irritated on the inside only. The only visible change is in color, which has become a deep pink on the verge of red.

I immediately went to see my OBGYN who said that I had a bacterial and yeast infection and treated me accordingly - she checked me for all STD's at this point and all tests were negative. After the treatment, things didn't improve.

It doesn't bother me on a daily basis, only when my fiancé' and I have sex, and even then *usually* doesn't bother me until after. However, when we're done I go through at least 24 hours of serious intense pain that can leave me in tears (don't worry, we don't try and have sex often, just when I *think* I'm pretty much better).

I went back to my GYN about 3 weeks later (approx 4-5 weeks ago) with the same complaints. She verified that my yeast and bacterial infections were gone. She said that I have an allergic reaction to something, because the irritation is in a perfect circle (when you look inside you can see a distinct line of where it starts) and that it ends not too far up. She also said that it looks like it's from something that I wipe with. The pain that I'm getting after sex is from the constant motion and rubbing against that already irritated skin... and let me tell you, it feels like fire.

So I've tried to figure out what I'm allergic to (I've always been prone to allergies, so I'm very used to the switch it all until you figure out what it is). I've switched the following:
Laundry detergent - from Tide to All free and clear
Softener - from fresh scent to free and clear
Soap - from Dial (liquid) to Ivory (bar)

I've even gone so far as to take toilet paper to work thinking it might be their tp - with no results after 3 weeks (this reaction started a week or two after I started at the new job). I haven't switched my tp in years - I've always used Cottenelle.

I'm desperate. If anyone has any ideas, I'm game. Not only is this making me totally miserable (and sexually frustrated) it's really starting to have detrimental effects on my relationship. Please help.

TIA
3S

JenBrooke123 · 03-27-2004, 07:39 AM

Sometimes I have burning after sex as well. Not to the extent that you have but to the point that it bothers me. I think that it is irritated from the friction of sex. Not to be rude but do you use condoms? does he pull out? maybe your allergic to his sperm. If you don't use condoms maybe try using them now. Also, if you douche, don't, that could cause irritation. Are you well lubercated during intercourse? if not maybe try using a lubercation. Just some Ideas for ya. I hope it clears up for you.

Oh one more thing, maybe ask your boyfriend what he uses to wash with? does he use powder? cream for anything? what soap does he use etc..etc..

maybe it's something he is using that is causeing it.

threesunsets · 03-27-2004, 07:44 AM

Thanks for your help. We don't use condoms (I'm allergic), but he doesn't pull out. We live together so I know what soaps and things he uses. *sigh*

Thanks again.

ladivapr · 03-27-2004, 08:38 AM

Mmm...how about the pantiliners, tampons etc? (they should all be no scents) Ivory bar i dont think it is still a good idea, better change to Dove for sensitive skin (I have ultra sensitive skin too). Toilet paper I prefer charmin (with no scents, just the plain one) You dont wipe too hard dont you? (forget about the moisted wipes too) Underwear? Is it 100% cotton? Use lotions? There is got to be something so dont loose hope!

JenBrooke123 · 03-27-2004, 09:30 AM

Maybe your allergic to his sperm, it has happend before to woman. I know if I get any on my skin I get a small rash.

Yes no scented products, I cant use scented liners at all, I get an awful burning sensation.