[lafemelle]

So, I've posted here over and over and over again...but it's been awhile, and after some new developments I'm starting over and hoping for some feedback.

Two years ago, I developed a heavy yellow discharge, accompanied by a prickly burning sensation. I started out by getting examined for yeast/bacterial infections, neither of which were the culprit. From there I was tested for all STDs, which all came back negative. I was treated for everything--yeast, bacteria, cervicitis--probably five or six treatments in the first few months, and nothing worked...the irritation and the discharge persisted.

I finally changed doctors, and started over. Again, I've been tested for yeast and bacteria COUNTLESS times. I've had vaginal cultures every couple of months that come back showing nothing wrong, perfect vaginal flora, etc. I have normal pH but have been treated for an imbalance just in case (didn't work). I've used steroid creams, they did nothing.

So...back in November I saw a new doctor, who insisted I have a colposcopy even though my pap the year before came back normal. She took a biopsy which showed I have vaginal dysplasia. My doctor said that was the cause of my symptoms, and she put me on Aldara cream for it but my body reacted negatively and I had to cease 1/3 of the way through the treatment (which, sadly, had done nothing for my symptoms).

A month ago I quit taking bc (been on it for 6 years) to see if that changed my symptoms any, because I've read it can cause similar symptoms to mine long term. At first it appeared they were getting better, but they have now gotten worse again in the past week or so. Two weeks ago I saw my doctor again, who insists the dysplasia is to blame and I might want to consider surgery to get rid of the tissue. However, she's having me wait three months being off birth control because she claims it could have been hindering my body's ability to fight off the dysplasia, so she wants to see what happens over the next couple of months.

So my question is--if my bc is to blame for my heavy discharge and the constant AWFUL burning I feel, how long would it take being off of it before my symptoms clear up? And is it possible that vaginal dysplasia can cause these symptoms? Everything I've read on the subject has said it's not symptomatic...so I'd hate to go through with surgery if there's a chance I'll still be left feeling miserable and disgusting even after I've gone that far...

[Disco]

Did you ask your doctor these questions?

[lafemelle]

Yes...what she said is that the dysplasia is to blame for my symptoms and that my being on birth control was the reason my body's had it for 2 years without fighting it off. I have a hard time believing it...I'm still baffled by the fact that I even have dysplasia, seeing as my pap smears ALWAYS come back normal.

[WildChild]

A pap smear involves material collected from the cervix not the vagina. That may account for it not showing up.

[hope4Kathy]

Hi there

From what I read and understand here on what you have explained us in my PERSONAL opinion NO it is not to blame ''the heavy discharge''. Yes you have had the discharge for the past two years after all of the tests that you have done over and over with probably different doctors and to find out down the road that you have VAGINAL DYSPLASIA. Now see that is the problem right there MAIN ISSUE. You see any woman can get the discharge so you go to the doctor. The doctor takes few swabs for yeast/ bacterial infections since you had a heavy yellow discharge, accompanied by a prickly burning sensation which of course the doctor and you think it is just some yeast/bacterial infection. Of course by having any abnormal discharge from there you were tested for all STDs, which all came back negative. You were treated for everything, yeast, bacteria, cervicitis five or six different treatments in the first few months. After all of that you still have the same problem over and over again. So luckily your vaginal PH balance shows normal. Which does happen to women even if they had different treatments for their infection. You see you can have as many different tests, as many different creams. Some might work temporarily some no use at all, but when that happens there is obviously a good explanation for it and finally someone out there figured it out. All you needed to do was have a COLPOSCOPY examination by a gynecologist.Then the pathologist examines the BIOPSY so here you wait for about two weeks or less to find out your results which comes back saying you have VAGINAL DYSPLASIA. By having that you are also at increased risk of having cervical lesions as well. You see what you should be understanding now is that you should be thinking HPV (human papiloma virus). Just because you got tested for STD's and swabs showed negative for many of us, but once you go to the gynecologist and do a bit different tests then it all starts coming to pieces. Many women do not have symptoms for years and years and one day it shows up on that last visit to the gynecologist. It is a silent thing. If your doctor told you to wait three months you can go ahead and wait and see if it starts clearing up, but chances are 50/50. If you type in vaginal dysplasia on google ex: a lot of things will come up and you just have to be like a sponge and take all the information down. I understand it is a surgical procedure if you do decide to go for it, but in these circumstances we don't have millions of options and maybe that might be the option for you. You have had this problem for two years or so and I know you have gone to different places, doctors and well If I were you I would do it. It is all up to you if you want to go with it or not. Yes it is a bit painful women say but it might remove the unwanted cells that are causing it. You wouldn't want it to become severe dysplasia down the road. You can ask your gynecologist if you have any questions/concerns. The only way you will help your self is if you stay positive and always seek answers from your doctors. You have to be pushy about it, that is the only way to help your self.
And keep in mind if you are a smoker by any chance you should be quitting (alcohol should be avoided and eat lots of fruits and vegetables), exercise at least 3 times a week.

I hope some of my explanation helped
Good luck with your decisions and keep us all updated

Kathy,

[lafemelle]

Thanks for the response Kathy.

I do think inevitably I'll have to have the surgery. The only reason I'm hesitant is it's painful AND it's expensive, and the thought of it not working/clearing up my symptoms makes it hard to imagine going through it. But I think you're right, it's been a long road to get here--even to get to the point where I found out I have dysplasia--and at this point, I'm kind of out of options.

[hope4Kathy]

I know it is very hard to afford it all and the pain, no one likes pain. I live in Canada so the health care system is a bit different here then in the United States. I hope you will be able to afford the cost if you decide to go with the procedure. Have a talk with your doctor and ask all the questions.

Good luck to you, and again keep us updated

Kathy,