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Itch around outside of vagina

I have been experiencing an external itch in what according to diagrams is the vulva vestibule. It is usually not noticeable throughout the day only getting worse at night (perhaps because I take my mind off during daily activities) and on some days isnt noticeable at all.

This has been ongoing for about 3 weeks at this point and hasn't changed much since first occurring. The only issue is the itching, it only appears to be reddened/painfull if I irritate it, there is no internal itch/pain, no pain during urination, no changes to discharge or any noticeable smell.

I have experienced this before in June, where it lasted for a few weeks then stopped without treatment, during this time I took self-test for STDs from the NHS and came up negative for all tests ( HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia).

I have never experienced any gynecological issues before so am unaware of how a yeast infection or vaginosis would feel other than what I have read online, neither of which seem to match 100% with my experience. I have purchased treatment for both thrush and BV however, am wary of using these as I am aware than antibiotics and antifungals can seriously mess up the vaginal microbiome and lead to recurrent infection. If I were to use one I would need to be sure that it's the right treatment.

I'm not sure if this info is relevant but perhaps maybe factors?
-I practice good hygiene and shower every day/ every second day, ensuring I wash genitalia.
- I am not and have not been sexually active with anyone since May. However, I do use toys which I ensure are thoroughly cleaned before and after use.
- I have had Nexplanon in since May.

My only local sexual health clinic has a 1+ month waiting list so I would greatly appreciate some advice.

Does it sound like BV or a yeast infection? Or could it be something else? Are itches sometimes normal? Could it be because of my implant?

3 Responses
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973741 tn?1342342773
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi!  It can be confusing figuring out what is going on with our lady parts, I tell you!  So, do not treat yourself in my opinion at this time because you really don't know what is going on.  Can you get to a doctor?  They will do a simple swab of your discharge and visual inspection as well as ask you questions and you can have an answer pretty quick that way.  Once diagnosed the first time with a yeast infection, you can then treat on your own with OTC products.  To  my knowledge though, BV can not just be treated at home on your own but you need antibiotics targeting the typical bacteria involved that a doctor prescribes.  So a yeast infection has the hallmark sign of itching.  It typically does have some form of discharge with it. Sometimes clumpy, cottage cheese like. But sometimes not. The itch can be maddening!  Bacterial vaginosis has the hallmark sign of odor that is bad.  It too also often has discharge associated with it but it is thin and watery usually.  You are right that if the PH of your vagina gets 'off', either bacteria or yeast can grow. Hormones can also affect all of this and this is why some women get issues around their period on a chronic basis.  Not sure if hormones are involved for you or not.

Here's information on yeast infections  https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-vaginal-yeast-infection-basics

Here's information on BV https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/what-is-bacterial-vaginosis#1

So, what about the soap you use to wash?  Sometimes that can cause a reaction.  
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
Totally agree with specialmom - the BV itch can be maddening!

She also had a great idea to think about the soap you use to wash - if you've changed soaps, or laundry detergent, or started wearing a new kind of underwear, using new toilet paper, wipes - anything that has contact with your vaginal area, basically, it could be causing this. Even if you haven't changed anything, a product may have changed it's formula - think "new and improved!" - and be causing this problem.

It sounds as if you are in the UK (you mentioned the NHS) - can you get into a GP sooner than a month (and that's ridiculous, btw)? Any doctor should be able to test for yeast and BV.

Don't try to treat it yourself. We get it wrong a lot, and treating for the wrong thing can make things a LOT worse.

Let us know what happens.
Helpful - 0
134578 tn?1693250592
COMMUNITY LEADER
I don't think it sounds like BV, but it could be a yeast infection. You need a diagnosis not attained by looking things up on the Internet, though. Is there a way to get in to see any doctor (it doesn't have to be a sexual health clinic if the wait is that long) sooner than a month?
Helpful - 0
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