Showing posts with label vulvar pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vulvar pain. Show all posts
Saturday, December 11, 2010
How the HELL am I supposed to know?!?!?!
OK, so I am ALWAYS paranoid about getting some kind of vaginal infection, and the idea of any additional vagina problem gives me severe anxiety!! I always have burning and sometimes itching, so I worry that I would not notice a difference if I did get an infection since I live with the same symptoms EVERYDAY! So, with that said, let me explain my situation right now......I have been VERY sick for over two weeks, and I knew that I should go see a doctor, but I could not make myself go because I knew that he was going to give me an antibiotic!! And of course, we all know what can follow an antibiotic......a damn vaginal infection!! Well, I tried to convince myself for two weeks that my body could fight off whatever it was that I had all on its own if I just gave it enough time. Then, after two long miserable weeks, I finally decided to face reality and went to the doctor. He said that I have strep, a sinus infection, an ear infection, and bronchitis. Surprise surprise....guess what he gave me....yup...a damn antibiotic!! I swear I started to feel extra burning as soon as he handed me the paper with the Rx on it!! I told him how worried I was about getting a yeast infection and asked him to also give me an Rx for Diflucan. He did, so you would think that I would be fine and not all paranoid about it. After all, if I did get an infection, all I have to do is take the pill. Sounds pretty simple and the problem will be solved.....well.....my brain does NOT agree with that logic:( My anxiety is almost unbearable!!!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Avoiding Vulvar Irritation
I want to share some tips that my PT told me on how to help avoid vulvar irritation.
Clothing
Wear 100% cotton white underwear. Wash them in Woolite and double rinse in cold water. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Do NOT wear pantyhose or tight clothes.
Hygiene
Wash with only mild soap. Avoid all fragrances and deodorants. In severe cases, try spraying the vulva with clear luke warm water and pat dry after urination. Some women dry the vulva with a cool hair dryer. Tipping the pelvis slightly forward while urinating usually results in less contact of the urine on the skin of the vulva. Use white unscented toilet tissue. Wash your hands before and after urination. Wash your hair with your head tipped back or forward over a sink or tub so that no shampoo or conditioners run off the vulvar area.
Mensturation
Avoid tampons if possible. If they must be used, be sure they do not contain fragrances or scents. Avoid switching brands frequently. Use all cotton menstrual pads. Change pads frequently to minimize moisture. Do NOT douche with anything.
Sexual contact
You and your partner should wash your hands before engaging in sexual interactions. Allergic reactions to contraceptive jellies, foams, creams and condoms may be a component of your condition. Patients often find that any cream or lotion with propylene glycol in it is irritating to the vulva.
Comfort measures and other suggestions
Avoid bike riding. Some people find ice to the vulva is helpful in decreasing the pain. Others find that warm baths or compresses help. Try to avoid extremes of temperature in either direction. Daily walks and staying generally active have been helpful to many patients. Deep breathing and relaxation also helps many patients to cope with the pain as well as to decrease its occurrence. If you experience vulvar pain, try applying candula cream.
Diet
Eat a healthy diet to avoid possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies especially Vitamin B6., Zinc, Magnesium, and Iron. Eat a low-Oxalate diet. A low acidic and high alkaline diet can make a huge difference. Drink lots of water. Preferably mineral water since it is high alkaline.
Clothing
Wear 100% cotton white underwear. Wash them in Woolite and double rinse in cold water. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Do NOT wear pantyhose or tight clothes.
Hygiene
Wash with only mild soap. Avoid all fragrances and deodorants. In severe cases, try spraying the vulva with clear luke warm water and pat dry after urination. Some women dry the vulva with a cool hair dryer. Tipping the pelvis slightly forward while urinating usually results in less contact of the urine on the skin of the vulva. Use white unscented toilet tissue. Wash your hands before and after urination. Wash your hair with your head tipped back or forward over a sink or tub so that no shampoo or conditioners run off the vulvar area.
Mensturation
Avoid tampons if possible. If they must be used, be sure they do not contain fragrances or scents. Avoid switching brands frequently. Use all cotton menstrual pads. Change pads frequently to minimize moisture. Do NOT douche with anything.
Sexual contact
You and your partner should wash your hands before engaging in sexual interactions. Allergic reactions to contraceptive jellies, foams, creams and condoms may be a component of your condition. Patients often find that any cream or lotion with propylene glycol in it is irritating to the vulva.
Comfort measures and other suggestions
Avoid bike riding. Some people find ice to the vulva is helpful in decreasing the pain. Others find that warm baths or compresses help. Try to avoid extremes of temperature in either direction. Daily walks and staying generally active have been helpful to many patients. Deep breathing and relaxation also helps many patients to cope with the pain as well as to decrease its occurrence. If you experience vulvar pain, try applying candula cream.
Diet
Eat a healthy diet to avoid possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies especially Vitamin B6., Zinc, Magnesium, and Iron. Eat a low-Oxalate diet. A low acidic and high alkaline diet can make a huge difference. Drink lots of water. Preferably mineral water since it is high alkaline.
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