Getting a little freaked out.. itching, mainly - Women's Health Message Board

myskyren · 11-18-2007, 06:08 AM

Right, so, I'm having some problems with itching "down there." It's just been for a few days, and it was after using latex condoms with spermicide on them (in the shower, too, though I doubt that makes any difference at all).
I would figure it's just a reaction, but we've been using the same condoms for several weeks. Can an allergic reaction just happen at different times or something? (My skin also seems to be sensitive to foreign chemicals.. I've tried using hair removal gel before on various areas and it didn't really work.. just made the skin sore).
Also there seems to be a lot of dead skin (which I notice when I'm showering and washing and such), and kind of a different scent.. is that just because it's a rash? But there's no unusual discharge or anything..
It doesn't itch that bad, usually, if I leave it alone, and there don't seem to be any other symptoms.

Also, if it happens that I have to see a doctor about it.. does anybody know about some method of testing that doesn't involve an actual examination? (Maybe just taking a sample myself and bringing it in to be tested?) Because frankly, I am absolutely completely facking horrified of doctors...

janewhite1 · 11-18-2007, 07:53 AM

Spermicide can be irritating to the vagina, and (since it's a chemical irritant and not an allergen) it's possible that your body was able to deal with it for a while, but it's just had too much exposure.

Try giving your vagina a break, then using condoms without spermicide. If the irritation continues, or gets worse, or you get a wacky discharge, you'll need to see a doctor.

And, yes, the doctor will examine you, though it'll most likely be just looking and taking a swab. You can't take the sample yourself, it has to be done with proper sterile procedure to be accurate.

Hope this helps.