[Sarah001]

I've been having alot of soreness, redness and burning around the vulva area so my GP has decided I need a swab, however the swab he recommends is a high vaginal one and one of my friends said this isn't the best way to go, she thinks I need one of the area that is giving me problems in case there is an infection there that hasn't found it's way to the cervix. Does anyone know which area I would need the swab in or should I try and persuade the nurse to do both?

[CHANDLERS WISH]

The swab he is referring to is called a Pap Smear and the only way you do that is via the cervix. The same cultures that are on your vulva area and also deep inside, to the cervix and they are higher content in there even if you don't feel anything in there.

It could be a simple thing like Thrush, but your Doctor wants to make sure that, that is all it is.

In the meantime, try putting natural yoghurt around your vulva area, it will help calm it down as well as warm baths.

CW

[Sarah001]

Thanks for the reply, it's definitely not thrush or bacterial vaginosis because I've already been tested for those and tried countless thrush treatments too including using Acidophilus capsules as pessaries and none of it worked. I just wondered because they are also considering a UTI if the bacteria could have just settled around the vulva and not actually worked its way further up and if there is some I don't want them to miss it!

[Sarah001]

If anyone has the same predicament as me and is wondering what the answer was I got swabbed both high up and a bit lower down as the nurse agreed it would be better to cover both areas just in case.

[Joey]

I really wouldnt worry Sarah - if the type of swab is concerning you, speak to your Nurse about it, but dont get anxious about what your mates are saying...you are going to a NURSE afterall. She knows what shes doing. You'll be fine.