Thread: Severe Discomfort/Burning Near Vaginal Opening (Graphic)

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am 19 years old. I've been dealing with a reoccurring problem for roughly the past three months but until now I've been reluctant to look for help because of how personal it is.

My problem began for the first time a few days after a rare try at masturbating using feminine products. What I have been living with is a burning/stinging sensation near the vaginal opening that lasts anywhere from one to roughly eight hours at a time. Through my own observations I've noticed that this is being caused by the inflammation of a specific place -- the soft, pink palette of skin -- near the vaginal opening. During each "attack", this place has become visibly swollen, red, and sensitive to the touch. It becomes much easier to manage when I'm able to lay down without any clothing being able to contact the area but even then the burning is still very present. One Bartholin's gland also appears to be red and somewhat swollen during the "attacks". Another symptom is feeling like I constantly have to pee, even when I know that I don't. When the area is inflamed, the only reprieve is to sit on the toilet and try to urinate. I may have a drizzle here and there but nothing that should cause such a powerful urge to urinate. Peeing is also extremely painful both during and after -- immediately after the urine stream is over, however, is when the pain is the worst. So much so that I've been reduced to tears on more than one occasion. I will occasionally notice blood in my urine. When the pain dies down so does the inflammation so this is not a constant problem. On the contrary, the "attacks" seem to be brought on spontaneously and I never know for sure when they are going to occur. However, they seem to happen more frequently when I'm active in the day-time (walking and moving around). I am not sexually active nor have I ever been; I am a virgin. I took a test for a UTI which came back negative.

This is beginning to affect not only my personal life but my work life as well. I support myself with my income and, realistically, I can't afford to take off work to sit in the bathroom. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any idea what it could be? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!