[mollie1]

hello,

i've had a lot of vaginal problems for most of my life. my problem started probably around 13 years old, when i first got my period. i am 18 now. i recently found this website, read a lot of stories others have posted, they helped me put things in perspective but i still have questions about my own diagnosis. i was hoping you could help.

i've had vaginal discharge for a long time. i mean, like others have mentioned, i don't really smell any 'fishy' scent. it doesn't burn or itch but it is very uncomfortable. my periods are also very, very irregular. i usually get my period, on average, every 2 or 3 months. when i do have it, it usually lasts for 6 days (which is normal but my period itself just never comes.) i think i'm infertile(?) also, the inside of my vagina is kind of swollen and a little bumpy.

i have never been to an obg, i know its silly and dumb, but i do not like the idea of someone seeing me naked and touching me. i told my mother about my personal problem. she told me to take cranberry herb pills and drink lots of water. i usually forget to do this.

i mean, i found out when i drink lots of water and take the cranberry pills the discharge goes away until i get too confident and my soda-drinking and snacking habits returns.

so what i'm asking you is what do you think my problem is?

-after reading many cases on this board you answered a lot of things that i should stop doing. because of the discharge i usually wear panty-liners (dumb, i know... not to mention they are 'always' brand) i did not know that they only make symptoms worse. i also make sure i clean my private parts very well with soap in the shower. it is scented soap. i also have poor eating habits (as well as being a heavy soda drinker)

so what i have decided so far to see if this would work is:
-stop wearing the liners
-wear cotton underwear
-do not wash with scented-soap
-drink plenty of water
-healthy eating/physical activity
-take herbal cranberry pills

i will track my results


what do you think might be wrong with me?
also is what i have listed of things to change okay?

i hope you can help, im really depressed because of my problem. i can't live with it anymore and i am really ready to change. i actually got courage to ask for advice on here. i want to feel confident again.

[free spirit]

mollie,

A good first step is asking questions. The things you have listed to change are all good. If you notice a difference when you eat a lot of junk, then your body may just be sensitive to what's in processed foods.

It really would be worth your while to go see either a gyn or someone at planned parenthood. They really could help answer your questions. For starters though, you might want to check out the book 'Our Bodies Ourselves'.


There is a lot of basic information in the book and may help to reassure you. As we go through our cycle (whether regular or not) our discharge in both amount, color and odor will change. That's normal. It's even normal for it to wet your underwear to the point it feels uncomfortable. Best thing to do there is bring a spare pare with you to change when you can't stand it anymore.

If you feel irritated by the discharge, you could use pure coconut oil. Just a little dab on the irritated parts a few times a day will feel wonderful. It's a semi-solid at room temp and melts quickly. Since you are only using a small fingertip amount, it won't stain or leak through.

Your best bet though, is to find the courage to go to someone and talk about your fears.
best of luck.

[Jayci]

Mollie
I agree with FreeSpirit your best bet is to pluck up the courage and go speak with a female doctor about these issues, might be better than going to a male doctor and you dont have to feel embarrassed by it. Unfortunately for me I haven't been able to, my doctor is male and has put me onto a gyno who is male.

I would ask for blood tests to check your iron levels and whole blood work cause most females can have low iron which could cause infections or issues down there - my gyno is looking into that as well as other issues that I have. I also recommend that you ask to have a look at your ph level down there to see if it has too much acid or its just ok. Bacteria cant grow down there with acid.

I do suggest trying to wash your underwear in sensitive skin clothes detergent, as well as towels, maybe you are allergic to perfumes that normal detergent contains. I have tried this and it has helped. I just need to go back and buy some more as I can tell the difference.

You must cut sugar out of your diet, processed foods, "junk food" as they are all high in sugar including soft drinks. They aren't great for your health and can also cause problems with how you are feeling now and in the long run - refined sugar is bad in ones diet.

You could just have reoccurant yeast infections and or a bacteria infection. I'm not a doc but just having a guess.

Let us know how you get on and if those suggestions help. Good luck and please pluck up the courage to see a female doctor about this issue. I do understand how you feel however, it's not normal and needs looking into.

Jayci

[CHANDLERS WISH]

i mean, i found out when i drink lots of water and take the cranberry pills the discharge goes away until i get too confident and my soda-drinking and snacking habits returns.

You answered your own question?

Together with the knowledge of what helps yeast form, such as tight jeans, wrong soaps, etc.

Congrats.

All you really need to do is believe, and stay in touch and remember to do the things you are doing...

This is a sign for everyone that reads your thread.

Now as for remembering?

It's like the pill how do I remember, put it by my toothbrush?

Same principal..

Write a post it note, stick it on your mirror, read it daily.....

CW