Weird "Downstairs" Irritation

Updated on December 07, 2012
S.T. asks from Hiawatha, IA
11 answers

Hello Mamas,

This is really embarrassing. I've never asked a question on a forum like this.

We recently moved and don't have insurance until January. I simply can't afford to pay for a Dr. visit.

Since having our daughter, my "downstairs" has been "wetter", while this is great for our sex life. It seems that day to day wear in my undies, which I change daily, my "downstairs" is sore. Not itchy or burning like a yeast infection, but, raw like sunburned skin or chapped lips. It just aches. and when I wipe it irritates it more.

If I didn't know better I would think I have a diaper rash, without the diaper!

Is this possible? Has anyone else experienced this? What can I do about it?

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm sorry if I was too graphic.

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V.P.

answers from Columbus on

I've never had a yeast infection, but I did have bacterial vaginosis after delivering my son once, and it was consistent with what you're describing.

2 moms found this helpful

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C.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know the feeling, and it sucks!! I had this a while back when I tried out a new detergent "Gain" (with some aroma). I can't use scented detergents because it gives me allergies and burns my vagina. I went to the doctor and he diagnosed me with an allergic reaction to the fragrance in the detergent I had began to use. I got a topical cream, rewashed my clothes with my normal no fragrance detergent and it cleared up within 2-3 days. Good luck I think you'll be okay but try to go see a dr.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

Well... A diaper rash is often a yeast infection of the skin.

Personally... I'd go out and get a yeast infection kit (with the external cream as well as ovule) and see if it goes away. Not all yeast infections are 'the same' in the way they present. You've just described how MY yeast infections present when I've been using linty (like charmin) toilet paper.

Which is another possibility; that you end developed a sensitivity to whatever you're using to wipe with. I used to be just FINE with linty paper (except for having to sit and pick, and pick, and pick, and pick, and...). But after my son was born, linty paper triggers yeast infections. I do t know why. I just use scott, instead.

In the military, in the field, we learned that baby wipes almost universally cause yeast infections when used to wipe every time. Yep. "Diaper" rash + yeast infection + war zone = no bueno. Shudder. Awful stuff. It's one of the first things new fis were say down and warned about. Don't poke a tamping back in, because your hands will NOT be clean, and don't use baby wipes to wipe unless you want a 'burning ring of fire'.

1 mom found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

could be an infection, or just a plain old allergy. i know my delicate bits got more and more delicate after babies, to where i now can't let anything scented with 5 feet of 'em.
try getting rid of anything with scent, and use a squirt bottle to clean yourself after using the toilet, then pat gently dry. if that doesn't help in a couple of days, go get checked out.
khairete
S.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from Seattle on

Maybe read this link in regards to your issue. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. I am not a doctor just a thought... Also do you have a planned parenthood in your area that would do an exam at low or no cost.

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/tc/bacterial-vagin...

Best of luck,
L.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.H.

answers from Milwaukee on

It could be a bacterial infection. You could wear panty liners and change every hour or so to keep you drier. Also get to the Dr. as soon as possible. Also being that irritated I would not be having intercourse.

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T.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

try using vagiasil's powder, it will help keep you dry and if it is just from being to wet your symptoms will clear up if they dont you will need to see a doctor. Good luck

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R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

It seems to me that there is an infection that has the symptoms you describe, but I can't remember what it was. You could try a vinegar douche, but I think you might need to go in for treatment. Also, there are iodine suppositories you can buy online from Canada (I think that was where I last bought them) that are very effective. See this:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12011527
I
I think this was the Canadian online pharmacy I bought from:

http://www.canadapharmacy.com/

For the Canadian online pharmacies, they require that you send a copy of a prescription for anything that typically needs one, but I'm pretty sure the iodine suppositories are over the counter in Canada, so you don't need a prescription.

Another option is: when I had no money, I went to Planned Parenthood for gyn treatment. They were the ones who found my pre-cancerous condition that my previous idiot doctor missed, and probably saved my life.

But yeah, I'm pretty sure you have an infection, so you should either go to Planned Parenthood or buy the iodine suppositories.

R.A.

answers from Boston on

It sounds a little like Bacterial Vaginitis or it could be allergy related. I know, I get a little irritated "downstairs" from scented dryer sheets, and detergents in soaps, etc. Even pads/tampons.

I have actually put the monistat cream on the outside area to help with irritation, that has helped at times. Other times, I have used a cortizone cream if it is really irritated/puffy..However, if those do not work, or increase irritation, discontinue and go to an Urgent care facility to get checked out.

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D.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

Eat some yogurt and/or take a probiotic. PH could be off and those will help!

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J.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

A couple others have mentioned it, Bacterial Vaginosis. NOT FUN!
You will need to get on a perscription....perhaps you can go to a Planned Parenthood. I had this once and went there as well.

Be warned, once the medication starts working, you will have a horrible discharge. It goes away fairly quickly with the medication though.

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