[Teelana]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum but it sure looks like a wonderful (educational) and friendly place. Way back in June (after that month's period), I began experiencing UTI-like symptoms. To the best of my knowledge I luckily had never had such issues before so I really had nothing to compare what was going on to. Since then, I've had 2 urine cultures, both came back completely normal and clear. I've also had a negative (normal) vaginal swab. No, sadly, at the moment there is no man in my life, so that is not a possibility of the problem.

My gynecologist and I came to agree that most likely the source of my irritation was (unkowingly) for all my life (and I'm "old") using scented pads. They were not labelled as such and I never questioned it until I began having discomfort "down there." Sure enough, the pads contained a scented oil perfume to supposedly "act as an odor neutralizer." I have replaced them as well as taken careful time to also replace laundry and bath soaps with "free and clear" products. I do have to "admit" to not being too bright in that it only occurred to me last week that the all natural bar soap I had been using (in the shower) contained a scented oil. I have made that switch now, too.

Overall, the burning (both when urinating and at times when not) has gone away as has daily bigger twinges of actual vaginal pain. Probably once or twice a day, a very quick twinge, or pull, is apparent but it does not last. I am (thankfully) no longer having UTI-like bladder issues.

What is still going on (I realize it's only been a week since I've been 100% 'free and clear') is slight wetness/dampness every day. There's no color, at times, there is a slightly acidic/urine like smell but not always. Mainly a little damp in my panties (yes I wear only cotton. I even got some underwear a size bigger than I need to allow for more "breathing room).

My main concern, other than wanting this to clear up already is that my next period is due in a week or so. The first day of last month's was horrible. The burning and pain was intense. It did subside but still I'm crossing my fingers I truly have gotten better so that won't happen again! I've also never used tampons. I know for a lot of people the idea of pads, particularly the bulkier ones=diapers. Lol, it is true. In my case, something about the idea of a tampon inside me acting as a "plug" doesn't quite sound clean either. I mention this because last cycle (on day 4--I know, I should have tried day 1 or 2 when it was heavier), I tried my first regular sized tampon. It hurt/burned like heck going in. I finally got the darn thing inside but then panicked at the realization that it was inside me. I had only meant to "practice--" to see if the tampon might be less irritating than a pad. I finally managed to yank the thing out but as you can imagine, taking out a dry tampon does not =fun times or a good idea!

I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. I do drink cranberry juice, avoid tight clothes, drink more water than a fish, etc.

Thank you very much,
Teelana

[Teelana]

A "p.s" of sorts since I am not seeing an "Edit Post" tab....the last time I talked with my gyn, before realizing about the bath soap, he and I agreed to give this another week, since things were improving. If my symptoms then had not completely gone away (he did say this could take time, be slow) he would prescribe some sort of intra vaginal cream to supposedly help replace good bacteria. At the time he called, natuirally , I was inside a store, so cell reception not the best. I didn't quite make out the name of the medication he had mentioned just that it began with an "A" and sounded something like "asadafa" or "asdacka..." do either ring a bell for anyone on here?

My thanks again.

[ItsASecret]

I didn't quite make out the name of the medication he had mentioned just that it began with an "A" and sounded something like "asadafa" or "asdacka..." do either ring a bell for anyone on here?

Acidophilus?

[Teelana]

I think that's it--thank you! I don't suppose you (or anyone else) has ever been prescribed it? I am wondering obviously if it works and also if it well..hurts to apply. The doctor made it sound like it was an intravaginal cream. Again, I have no infection either vaginal or bladder nor any other gyn issues. The doctor did say he was able to see some "localized" irritation from my vaginal swab but again said that was most likely due to my using scented stuff.

[ItsASecret]

No I have never been prescribed it. I think there are oral pills and a cream but I am not sure, either way all it does is give you more bacteria from the "normal flora" variety. Basically it is not going to harm you to take it since the same bacteria in the prescription are present in your vagina right now. It is never guaranteed to work as with anything really but it is so widely prescribed that it is one of those drugs that simply does not have any major side effects (worst may be increased irritation but that is rare).

[Teelana]

Thank you again. Since my period is supposed to start end of this week or early next, I'll see what happens afterwards. Otherwise, it looks like I might need to try it. I just want this to be gone. If anyone on here has used this I'd appreciate hearing thoughts and as I said above, if it hurts to insert. From Google it looks like the "intra vaginal" option (which the doctor said would be what he'd order for me) is a suppository. I couldn't find anything about a cream--I'm positive he said "cream." I guess it doesn't matter much as long as it works!

[Katie35801]

You can get it from a local healthfood store or order offline. I am taking Jarrow's FemDopholis.

[Teelana]

Thank you, I'll check into that.

[Teelana]

Here I am on "Day 3" of my period and the burning is back. Intermittent but back. It actually restarted the day before my cycle started. I think it's now been 2 weeks since I've been completely free and clear in terms of soap products. I have made the switch to unscented (supposedly also oil free) pads but am wondering if they are possibly still a factor since the burning is worse now than when I was not on my period. I guess I'll find that out this weekend. I appreciate the reassurance that the Acidophilus can't harm me should I chose to try it. I'd still appreciate any firsthand acidophilus accounts. Also, what is the difference between the kind I can buy at a health food store and what the doctor prescribes? Or is the difference that at the store, I would get capsule or suppository form and the doctor mentioned a cream. Just wondering. Yes, money is an issue so good to have that heads up there too.

Thank you all very much (again).

[Teelana]

Darn my "5 minute" editing window is up. I forgot to ask if you ladies would recommend my having a second vaginal swab done before trying the acidophilus. It's been 6 weeks since I had it done. Again, like my urine cultures, the swab came back completely normal. This is semi -embarrassing to admit, but this is the place to "admit" freely...this gynecologist is new to me. I first saw him in late August at the recommendation of a former nurse who is also a friend of sorts. She thinks the world of him as a doctor. He has been very nice to me, and I've overcome most of my initial anxiety about seeing a male gyn. I still would probably prefer a woman for any longer type of exam. I know a big part of it is my complete fear at the idea of the speculum. Google tells me there are numbing creams that can assist, still the idea... Also, maybe I'm just "old fashioned" in thinking only my future husband/long term Mr. Right should see my "lady bits." I know the gyn does this for a living, nothing "new" to him. That was my long winded way of saying other than the one swab, he's never done anything/checked me out "down there." During our last phone call (the one that took place inside Target), I had the courage to ask him if he thought his taking a quick look would be a good idea, he just said, since nothing came up on the swab or cultures, that time was my best bet and/or the acidophilus. And that, is really all for now.