vulva hot, stinging and burning

[Sunflower22]

Hi,

I'm posting here because I really am at my wits end and hope maybe peple will have some suggestions as to what is going on with me! For the past year, I have been experiencing burning and stinging in my vulva (which is NOT made worse by peeing), which comes and goes but can last for over a month and is extremely uncomfortable. The area looks normal, and there is no unusual discharge. The last time I had these symptoms was in March - they came on suddenly with a stinging sensation, and lasted for 6 weeks. During this time, I was tested for all STDs (all negative), tested for bacterial infections (negative) and treated repeatedly for thrush (even though all lab tests came back negative). Eventually, the symptoms eased on their own. I dont use chemical irritants etc so dont think thats the problem. My symptoms returned 5 weeks ago - again, all tests are negative, I was treated again for thrush (no relief, and lab test came back negative).

Could the repeated topical thrush treatment have made things worse? Also, I've heard of conditions called lactobacilliosis and cytolytic vaginosis (overgrowth of lactobacilli). My symptoms do not appear to be related to my menstrual cycle - there is no particular pattern - but could overgrowth of lactobacilli still be my problem? I would like to hear from anyone who has suffered from lactobacilli overgrowth.

Sorry for the long post but I really would appreciate some advice!

[DallasAlice]

I'm 59, had a complete hysterectomy in '98 and in the last 8 months, started to have wonderful sex again after many 'dry' years.  In fact, the first time trying brought me to tears from the pain ... so quickly took myself to my GYN who found a BV along with severe drying and thinning of vaginal walls ... (Vaginal atrophy)  Girls, if you don't use it you lose it.

Anyway, used the Metronidazon cream as directed for infection and also started using Premarin cream to try to help out that dryness and thin little walls.  Sex got better and better.  We use Albolene as a lubricant, no condoms, and lots of digital stimulation deep in my vagina.  We found my G-spot girls.  What a treat.  

But, over the last 4-6 months, have been experiencing burning in that area ... vagina ... ?  Bladder?  What all's down there?  I don't have any repro organs.  The pain is inside the frontal wall of vagina (around the g-spot area) in about a 2-3 inch radius.  Comes and goes but lately coming more and going less.  And, more intense buring pain, like a 6 to 7 on a scale of 10.  

Somthing interesting happended before the pain started months ago.  When having sex and lots of g-spot exploring one night, I felt amazing itching on OUTSIDE of area on surface of my skin.  It was intense itching that felt like it was coming from the inside out up through my skin to the surface.  Scratching didn't help.  Sometime after that I started experiencing this lower burning, burning pain which as I said, has increased.  

I have not been to my GYN and thought I'd do some research first and found this site.  Honestly, doesn't sound like our GYN's know too much, does it?  So, I hope I'm talking about the same stuff y'all are talking about.  

I like the idea of sitz baths and wine so far and plan to draw myself a bath and pour a little vino even though it's not even noon yet.  Let me know what you girls think about this.  Let's keep in touch.  I feel better just knowing y'all are out there.

Barb from Dallas

[Shannon38]

I, too, had a hysterctomy almost 3 years ago. for the last 1 1/2 years I've had this insane burning/hurting of the vulva. Mine will start out vaginally, then progress to meatus irritation, which makes me feel like I have to pee. I've been treated for yeast, BV, atrophic vaginitis, lichens sclerosis, you name it. I went to a urologist who did a cystoscopy for possible Interstitial Cystitis, but it came back negative. However, I went to a pelvic pain specialist recently who said he things I do have Interstitial Cystitis. Anyhow, long story short, you might want to check into Interstitial Cystitis, as it can cause all the symptoms you are describing. I'm not sure yet if I have that or not, as the specialists seem to be disagreeing, but, one thing I've read about IC is that alcohol makes it worse. Drawing a sitz bath sounds like a good idea, particularly with the baking soda, but I'd maybe skip the wine as it might be instigating your issues. Alas, I love a good glass of wine so I'm struggling with that one myself. Think I'll try to sitz bath though, might help. Funny, I got married last June (2009) and while we were in Jamaica, we were having sex 2-3 times a day. I didn't have any of this vaginal burning. It was completly gone. I come home and it returns. Wonder if the ocean water had anything to do with it?

Good luck and keep in touch. I wish we all could find a solution.

Shannon

[Steph217]

WOW! Everything I just read here sounds so familiar. I too have been dealing with the same issues with the burning and uncomfortable sensation in the vulva area. I noticed that my symptoms started shortly after my 2nd biopsy which took place last year. I really am beginning to think that the biopsies are one of the main causes. What really upsets me is that I feel like it has really affected my sex life  with my husband.. I feel sore whenever we have sex, and my orgasms also appear to be more shallow since. It made me so angry that the doctors could not come up with a proper diagnosis or solution to the problem. I finally gave up and went to see a holistic practitioner who only works with natural alternative products. She diagnosed me with having an infestation of (candida, (yeast) throughout my body. I have been using her products and hope to see a difference. She also told me that all of the biopsies are not good, and that most of the time it will cause irritation. Many people have normal biopsies with healthy cells, but once they have had more then 1 or 2 done, then the unhealthy cells seem to start breeding. This woman is wonderful, and she has helped several people I know that have even more serious problems, so I trust her. I suggest that all of you find a qualified homeopath path local in your area. I really do not believe in having to do so many pap smears and biopsies. In my opinion, I feel worse since I have had them done. Sometimes the less you mess with things, then the better off you are.

[Northcoast]

I am another woman having the same burning sensation.  It's right outside of the opening of the vagina.  I can see an inch long very red strip of skin.  Went to the GYN and was told everything looked fine but she'd do some tests.  Well, came back that I had Bacterial Vaginosis (I'm sure the Dr was surprised because she pretty much dismissed my complaints at first).   But I had no classic symptoms of BV like discharge or odor.  Just this darn patch that burns.  She put me on a week of Clindamycin phoshate cream injected into the vagina.  But that didn't help.  Went back and they tested again and the BV was still positive.  So, she put me on Metronidazole pills 2x a day for 7 days and Metronidazole gel every night injected into the vagina.  Then the side effects started.  Constant headache, dizziness and feeling terrible.  Went off the pills after 3 days since these side effects are listed on the paperwork. But continued with the gel.  One more night to go and today the burning is back again.  It's never been terrible burning, just uncomfortable.  I also notice that just sitting causes my whole vulvar area to be compressed and uncomfortable.  Never noticed this before.  So now the GYN wants to do a biopsy.  Some people have posted that they've had this.  I'm wondering if it hurts or not.  Can anyone give me their experience with a biopsy down there?  The GYN said that after that she would look at my hormone levels (I'm 51 and post menopausal).  One thing that seemed to help the burning a bit was a hydrocortisone cream that the GYN prescribed.  But I don't want to use that while I'm still on the other gel.  Man, being a girl ***** sometimes!   Hope everyone finds an answer!

[prosto_prelest]

Hi everyone! Wow what a relief to find out that there are people who have the same problem!
I have had this burning sensation for 3 years now and I want to share my remedies with you girls as i know how life debilitating this can be.
First this that helped me was parsley tea. The grosest thing in he world but it did help me a little. Then the baking soda baths.
AND!!! The strangest thing! Relieving sexual tension helped SO MUCH!
I started having sex at least 6 times a week and the burning went away! I think mastrubation will help too.
Good luck to all of you!

[jbcheers]

It's really true that misery loves company especially when you are trying to find a solution.  My pain started with doing a Monistat 1 day that was horrific.  The pain was unbearable for the first day and a half and then my period started.  So after another week saw the gyno on call.  All tests negative.  Pain started getting bad and the vestibule area was red.  Called doc on call after I couldn't sit in the church pew - was given Cipro and diflucan.  Nothing changed so I saw my normal gyno and he said he thought there were papilloma and irritation maybe caused by yeast - gave me a cream and said it would be better in 3 days. WRONG.  Started to hurt when peeing - didn't want to wear pants, sit, etc. Went back got new cream-Betamethosone.  New cream didn't work so I increased the area I put it on.  Big mistake apparently was reacting to the propylene glycol in it.  Went back and had a biopsy which showed inflammation (most likely contact or allergic dermatitis).  Finally went to a derma. (both drs. did not think I had vulvodynia) got pramasone and allergra (she doesn' see the red irritation) and have had a roller coaster ride.  Some weeks good then some days bad.  I have also tried prednisone (didn' help) and bathing in an aquatic salt bath.  I called a vulvar specialist but at $1300 for an initial (non insurance) visit I decided to wait it out longer.  I truly believe that the problem is dermatological and started with the use of the horrific Monistat.  I am now taking Citracal to reduce the aciditiy in my urine and using a squirt bottle after urinating to remove any acidic urine.  Would love to hear from anyone else with a similar experience or perhaps help someone with some of my suggestions.