Still no results after seeing 4 specialists

[Jayci]

Hi guys
I have recently been seeing a gyno who sent me to numerous of other specialists for an issue that I have been having for many years.

Every off month (a week an a half before my cycle), I get an itchy feeling around the anus and vagina, sometimes it can be inflamed and really painful to touch and sore when having sex. I cant say I've noticed a smell or discharge, however, the itching and the pain is starting to be an issue for me.

The gyno found that I have tested positive with Strep B three times, however, he really didn't find anything else of concern. I was sent to three other specialist including the infectious disease specialist and all of them haven't found anything of major concern. This is great however, it's making me feel really disappointed in the medical field as they've all had years of training and yet they can't figure out between them all what it is?

Last month I went to the infectious disease specialist, this week I returned to him for tests so that he can see what is going on.. Test results came back normal with no signs of infection.

I am now being forwarded to a doctor who is a BV specialist, I am a tad annoyed as the fact the gyno ruled it out completely when asked. I never did get to say to the gyno - how can you rule it out completely when you have no real idea of what I have, shouldn't you be testing everything?

I am hoping that the specialist who specialises in BV can find something and or can say that yes that is what I have. I am finding that not having a name to what I am experience is almost pushing me over the edge as mentally it is frustrating and I am just over being told everything is ok and its normal.

I am just over it... I want to hear everyones stories and words of advice what I should do?

[CHANDLERS WISH]

Hi Jayci,

I'm pleased you keep trying because someone will have an answer for you, don't give up.



I'm bringing your thread up, we were off for a couple days and your Thread got lost.

Take care.

CW

[WildChild]

Weird. What comes to mind is that the hormones levels in you body change throughout your cycle. In the premenstrual phase both estrogen and progestrone are high. Both are low during menstration and postemenstrual phase and during ovulation estrogen is high. So the only time that progestrone is high is during that premenstrual time. This may provide a clue as to what is going on?

I did a very quick search but mostly found info on the artificial progestrone and ads for skin care products which contain it. I did find one lab paper that indicated some skin irritation from lab exposure. Do some serious searching, see what you can find? Take that to your doc? Perhaps you have an unusual sensitivity, your natural discahrge would be a little different chemically during that time maybe that is causing a reaction to some product you use? Detergent? Soap? Body wash? It's worth some time researching and some question asking.

[Jayci]

Hi All
I have just seen a Gyno who specialises in vulvo-vaginal issues here in Brisbane, Australia. She mentioned that my issues that I have been having with getting thrush before my cycle is normal for some.

I was recommended to change my pill to the Mirena and or to take 6mths of anti-fungal tablets with a check up every month on my liver.

The main concern is if I didn't want to change contraceptive and take the anti-fungal tablets, what would the chances of the candidiasis returning before my cycle? I don't want to be paying all that money on treatment and it not work.

I am considering strongly changing to the Mirena over the pill, however, I am not sure what will happen as the main hormone in it, use to make me have my period every 3 weeks when I was on the Mini Pill. Has anyone ever changed contraceptive for this issue and if so, did it work?

Cheers

[WildChild]

Have you considered trying a nonhormonal conception control such as a plain IUD? Your body may do better without the extra hormones to deal with.

[Jayci]

Have you considered trying a nonhormonal conception control such as a plain IUD? Your body may do better without the extra hormones to deal with.

Hi WildChild, what do you mean about a nonhormonal conception control? I thought the Mirena was one of them being an IUD. If it's not, are there any other ones you can suggest and I will talk to my gyno when I see her next.

Thanks

[Awoman2]

My first guess would have been Herpes but you would've tested for that already, i presume. I have a very similar issue at the same time every month, just days before my period, but I know it's because of the herpes virus and I'm able to stave it off by taking Red Marine Algae tablets daily once i feel it coming on. Once my period is gone I never have another incident like that until the next period.

[Mes T]

Hi WildChild, what do you mean about a nonhormonal conception control? I thought the Mirena was one of them being an IUD. If it's not, are there any other ones you can suggest and I will talk to my gyno when I see her next.

Thanks

The Mirena IUD has hormones and quite frankly I've mostly heard of women having problems with it if anything. Granted, this was when I combed message forums, and of course people with complaints are more prone to post there, but still.

The copper IUD is the one with no hormones and as far as I know is much less notorious for causing problems. It's the one I currently have and I couldn't be happier.

[Jayci]

My first guess would have been Herpes but you would've tested for that already, i presume. I have a very similar issue at the same time every month, just days before my period, but I know it's because of the herpes virus and I'm able to stave it off by taking Red Marine Algae tablets daily once i feel it coming on. Once my period is gone I never have another incident like that until the next period.

Hi Awoman2
Yeah I have had that tested awhile back and it came back negative. My gyno believes that its a condition called Cyclical Thrush where it comes a week or a week and a half before your period. It is a condition that many Gyno's don't know much about. This Gyno is a member of a committee for Australia and New Zealand, similar to the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases committee (edit) and they discuss things like this. If you want to read up on this condition, it can be found referenced in Chapter 10 of The V Book.

[Jayci]

The Mirena IUD has hormones and quite frankly I've mostly heard of women having problems with it if anything. Granted, this was when I combed message forums, and of course people with complaints are more prone to post there, but still.

The copper IUD is the one with no hormones and as far as I know is much less notorious for causing problems. It's the one I currently have and I couldn't be happier.

Thanks Mes_T - I think the Mirena whilst it is still new (especially here in Australia) I guess it has mixed reactions. I have a friend that is on it and has not had any problems with it. I know that my Gyno mentioned not to go on these forums as they don't really tell you the full story. Like any contraception, it will work for some and won't work for some.

I will discuss with my Gyno about the other forms of IUD before making up my mind on what I should do.