Burning Vulva

[Frustrated750]

I am a healthy 29 year old female.  Approximately two months ago I got symptoms of what I thought was a bladder infection. I was prescribed some antibiotics but the symptoms never went away. I have been to several doctors who all say the same thing.  I have white blood cells in my urine which would suggest either infection or inflammation but when I get a urine test it comes back with no growth.  I have had burning pain in my urethra which has irritated my vulva and also I have the urge to pee even after I just have finished.  I am waiting for a referral to a urologist but am in constant pain while i wait to get an appointment.  What could be causing this and is there anything I can do to decrease the pain?

[texel1515]

I have similar symptoms:  a cycle of itchiness and then burning on my vulva outside of my vagina but also up in the region of my urethra.  My urethra itself itches.  Tests for UTI have come up negative although I did have one more than a month ago and persistant yeast infections lasting until a month ago (all resulting from antibiotics taken two months ago).  Now I am just left with this cycle of itching and burning which I can't decide if related to my vulva (vagina) or urethra.  My gyno thinks that I need to wait it out b/c the skin is affected by all the different creams I used for my past yeast infection (now gone).  Sometimes it seems better for a few days and then it becomes itchy and then burns all over again.  What could this be?

[Michu37]

I have the same symptoms

[Michu37]

Have your symptoms improved

[GuitarRox]

Do you have this issue? We'll try to help. Tell us what is happening with you.

[Michu37]

Yes.
Thank you
It's a similar thing.
Started off as a UTI. Dysuria, urgency, frequency, suprapubic pain. Urine showed only trace pus cells and RBC. Nitrite and culture negative.
It resolved with antibiotics. But after 4 days, my vulva and urethra started burning. I have been on ceftriaxone, doxycycline, metronidazole, levofloxacin. But vulval burning during urination and urgency are persistent since 3 months.
Ultrasound, cystoscopy, colposcopy, swabs, bloods, urine are all normal. But symptoms are persistent.

[GuitarRox]

How are you doing? Any further developments or resolution?

[Michu37]

No development or resolution. Persistent symptom of burning vulva and urgency.
It feels like my vulva has become very sensitive.

[Dorado50]

I just started with the same problem. My doctor said it has to do with the premenausepause.He gave me some hormone cream for my vagina. I also went to the hospital and I tested positive for bacteria. I got medication. Please let me know if any body get any good news. I will let u know if the hormone cream works.

[sweety79]

I too have suffered symptoms similar to yours. I burning but like you I don't know if it is the vulva or urethra. I have been treated for UTI, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast. Just this morning I had difficulty strating to urinate and the stream was really slow. Do have any problems with starting urination or anything?

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,

Have you been exposed to any sexually transmitted infections?
Do you have any white discharge per vagina?

You mentioned that you have had urine exams which reported the presence of white blood cells. Did they also report the presence of any bacteria?
Have you been on any antibiotics for this condition?
Do you have any pain during sexual intercourse?
Do your symptoms get worse just before your period?

Though the commonest causes for your symptoms incluede UTI, STI, vaginitis, etc., there are other conditions which are generalized and cause bladder symptoms.

If you have any family history of diabetes, you need to get that ruled out as an underlying factor.

If predisposed to developing kidney stones, you will need to have radioimaging done to rule out the same.

Another condition that presents in women aged 30 or so is interstitial cystitis. This will be evaluated by your urologist.

Meanwhile, you can do the following to obtain some relief of your symptoms:

Drink fluids in excess of 2000 ml.
Avoid the use of coametics or irritating chemicals at the urethral opening.
Maintain hygiene. Especially before and after sexual intercourse.
Increase quantity of vitamin C inyour diet.
Take tylenol for the pain every 4-6 hours.
Use a heating pad for the pain.
Do not resist the urge to pass urine.

Do keep us posted on your doubts and progress.
Regards

[Overit81]

I have similar symptoms and my urine test also comes back with no growth.  Am interested to know what you find out.