Vuvlodynia and onset

Hi all, new to this as well and not quite sure if im posting in the write way! But anyway, have suffered from this horrible thing for over a yr and a half, started with a new sexual partner. The thing is a had a huge reaction which all doctors and gyno thought was thrush or bacteria vaganosis, both negative. To this day i still believe i have a different discharge and smell, yet everything appears normal! Is the discharge a case for anyone else? yet a day doesnt go by where my vuvla is itchy sore burning etc.

You may have a different type of bacteria/yeast that they didn't pick up on a normal vaginal culture. I don't know if you are still suffering (I saw your post was from last year) but call your insurance company and ask if they cover a bacterial DNA probe. It will show EVERYTHING. I wasn't showing anything on a normal culture but tested positive for 3 different types of bacteria on the DNA probe. It took 5 Dr's before one of them offered me the test. Just make sure your insurance covers it because it costs about $3,000. I still don't know how much of it my insurance covers but regardless I was glad to finally find out. Good luck!!

What kind of stuff do they show on a DNA probe? Would this be useful for someone who has a lot of discharge? In my mind there is something "off" about the smell and texture of it, yet I never have bacteria or yeast either. Perhaps this is something I should ask for...

I always had a lot of discharge and chronic yeast infections back when I first discovered my vulvodynia. I had a thick paste like discharge, usually white and when I had the yeast or was starting to get yeasty it would smell. One thing that helps is keeping the area clean. Not to say you ladies aren't clean, just to be even more clean than usual. Now I only use unscented ivory soap on my private areas and I use the target brand, up & up, woman's sanitary wipes. They haven't given me a problem and they smell good and keep me fresh all day. Another thing too, 100% cotton underwear! It keeps moisture away which keeps the yeast away. After doing all those things I noticed a big difference!

-Jen

Is it still possible that there is yeast that is causing odor if I keep getting tested by my gynecologist for yeast and there's nothing? Even she thought there would be some yeast but then when she tested, she said there was none!

Hi raquelll,

The DNA probe shows anything and everything possible as far as both yeast and bacteria goes. I think the regular culture shows things like candida albicans (regular yeast) gardenella (BV), group b strep, and maybe 1 or 2 others. The DNA probe shows like 5 or 6 different kinds of yeast and 10-15 types of bacteria. When I got the paperwork back, I was amazed at how many things could be living up there

So to answer your last question, I'd say IF you have some form or yeast or bacteria that is not showing up on a normal culture, YES, that could be the reason for the discharge and odor. Have you tried probiotics or eating yogurt?

I've always felt I've had different discharge than the average woman, although I'll never really know for sure unless I go asking or look at other women's discharge, which obviously won't be happening.

I've always had daily discharge, enough to have to change pantiliners about twice a day. I've recently had to stop wearing them as I think they contribute to my chronic yeast infections and vulva pain, but I've worn one every day since high school (I'm 26 now).

It's a burden really, because I feel like I'm constantly wiping or walking around with wet underwear. I can't imagine that's normal, as I've never met another woman who has had to deal with it like I have, unless they are just too embarrassed to talk about it.

I don't know if the odor I have down there is normal, although everyone says if it's not foul smelling, it probably is. My husband doesn't seem to mind it, so I'm assuming it's a normal vagina smell.

When my pap smears or cultures don't come up positive for any type of infection, the doctors don't say anything of concern, so I'm assuming I'm "normal," but I still think the amount of discharge I produce is abnormal.

Yes, that is how I feel about the discharge! I've just given up wearing pantiliners or anything like that and have wet underwear all the time. Also, stained underwear. And yeah, nobody has ever complained about the smell or anything, but I personally am pretty sure it's not normal, even if a gynecologist has never really said anything about it. UGH vulvodynia mysteries...

raquelll wrote:Yes, that is how I feel about the discharge! I've just given up wearing pantiliners or anything like that and have wet underwear all the time. Also, stained underwear. And yeah, nobody has ever complained about the smell or anything, but I personally am pretty sure it's not normal, even if a gynecologist has never really said anything about it. UGH vulvodynia mysteries...

I feel ya. I've looked up "normal vaginal odor" and most sites say a "musky" smell, but like, what the heck does "musk" smell like?

I know for me, part of the unfavorable odor is my natural odor and sweat, so I notice a more normal smell after showering. I also blow dry my vagina after showers instead of using towels, which reduces the moisture down there and reducing the risk of bacteria from the towels.