Embarassing Question About Itch...

Updated on May 12, 2010
J.G. asks from Minneapolis, MN
21 answers

I'm not sure where to go with this, but I have a personal question. I've had a "feminine" itch for the last month. 2 weeks after it started I went to the dr for my annual exam and brought it up and asked to be checked for a yeast infection, which came back negative. I left it at that. The dr did not say anything looked or seemed abnormal. The itch is still somewhat persistant, and it seems like this is too long for something to last, so I am wondering if something else is wrong. I recently found out my husband cheated on me about a year ago, so I feel like maybe I need to be tested for std's, but then I wonder if I am just being paranoid. Any ideas of what this might be?

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S.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would get tested again for fungal or std's. But also it could be the soap you are using. I was using the same soap for a long time but then became irritated from it. Changed to another soap and it went away.

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J.M.

answers from Sheboygan on

As far as the itch goes, it could be caused by many different things, i.e. dryness, change in laundry detergent, new underwear, sweat, irritations from a new shaving cream, etc.
As far as getting tested for STDs, get tested. Some STDs are asymptomatic, and can also cause infertility or cancer. Hopefully, all tests will be negative, but better to be safe than sorry later.
Good luck to you.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

Go to the Dr. and be 100% honest about the itch and your husband. You can even start off the conversation by saying "this is a bit embarrassing" And try to reassure yourself that the doctor has heard this (and worse) many, many times before. Remember, your OB/GYN became an OB/GYN because problems like yours are of interest to them and they enjoy providing help, solutions and counseling to women like yourself. But don't wait - STD can lead to other more serious problems. And 2 months with an itch - ugh, go get rid of it. Good luck!! And feel better.

3 moms found this helpful
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I.G.

answers from Seattle on

You are not paranoid. Please see your doctor and get tested for STD's and bacterial vaginitis. Tell him about your persistent itch and your husbands unfaithfulness.
It could be non-infectious, hormonal issues and vaginal dryness can lead to this. But before going into this your doctor will want to rule out any infections. If you did happen to catch an STD, many can be treated, but if left untreated for a long time can lead to fertility issues and more serious complications.
Get tested and demand that you husband gets tested too, if you're still together.
Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

You could have something as simple as dermatitis or a vaginal infection that may not be sexually transmitted. And if it was as long as a year ago that your husband cheated, I would think you would have had symptoms of an STD sooner, if that was the issue, but based on the fact that he cheated, and that you have persistent itching, I'd go see your doctor again to be tested for STD's just to be safe, and to have the persistent itch addressed.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

It will make you feel better to check the STD question off your list. So, yes...Get tested. And while you are at it, your husband needs to get tested. It was something he should have done for you a year ago anyway to prove his commitment and contrition.

Other thoughts...

Yeast and bacteria have a sort of symbiotic relationship. They grow and fade in tandem and are largely tied to your cycle. So, during some parts of your cycle you could have a "spike" in yeast w/o a full-blown infection. But things can cause a spike in either one that can create a sort of roller coaster of treatments that don't quite seem "right". When you get further testing...Ask if there is a bacterial vs yeast infection. Talk to them about birth control if you are using it or have switched brands or have stopped using it. Such a change to your cycle can trigger the yeast/bacteria to get out of balance.

Back to your husband... It could be something simple (non-STD) but he could be the one passing it back to you and be asymptomatic himself.

One last thought...Try an "elimination diet" for your "girl". Target all the soaps, shampoos, lubricants, condoms, toilet paper, underwear, laundry detergent...That could possibly come into contact.Take away one thing at a time (for a least 1 week) and see if the elimination of any product brings relief.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you know your husband cheated - yes, get tested! Don't let it go! That being said, it could be related to other things. I developed an unbearable itch in my perineal area and cultures for yeast were negative. The midwife did notice some "fissures" but didn't see them as a problem in and of themselves and told me to return if it continued to be a problem. I let it go another year, and when they finally cultured the actual split in my skin, they found MRSA (methicillin-resistant staff aureus infection) which is a major problem and will spread to everyone in your house! That was treated, but the second culture showed high levels of 2 other bacteria. I thought I figured out that maybe the original cause of the skin split was that I was allergic/sensitive to the scented Always pantiliners or just the type of material they use on the top, but I avoided them last time and still have an itch. I guess what I am trying to tell you with all this garble is to think of what you may be coming in contact with (pantiliners, tampons, new detergents, etc.) that may be causing the itch, but if it persists make sure you don't take "nothing's wrong" for an answer. And definitely find out if an STD may be causing your symptoms!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

O. thought I had was if you have recently changed soaps, shower gels, personal lubricants, laundry detergents, etc. That might be causing the itch.
I agree with Ina about getting tested and having your husband tested as well. At least for your own peace of mind. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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V.S.

answers from Atlanta on

You are correct. You must go back to your OB-Gyn and be check for STD's and have an HIV test, and start eating yogart and see if that will help with the itching. Still get the tests done.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

I too had this happen and couldn't figure out for months what it was. It would get better then worse but never went away. It finally dawned on me that the only thing that I had changed was my toilet paper! I had purchased a jumbo pack of Charmin because it was on sale and when I went back to my usual Northern tissue, the itch was gone!

1 mom found this helpful

E.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi there,

Don't be embarrassed :) If your gut is telling you to get tested for STD's, then perhaps you should get tested. I don't think you're being paranoid, and if that is what it will take to put your mind at ease, then you should make an appointment and schedule these tests. Also, do you have any other symptoms? Maybe have the doctor do other tests as well, perhaps for an UTI? I'd say, just make another appointment for your piece of mind, and relief :)

1 mom found this helpful

M.S.

answers from Omaha on

If I use perfumed soap or detergents I get itchy. Do you have reason to believe that your husband is still being unfaithful? When an old boyfriend cheated on me I had lots of issues going on down there. No STD's just wasn't right. Bacteria from other women can easily be passed, even if he showers. We are very sensitive down there. If he's puttin where he shouldn't then bringing it home to you, your body will react. Be careful.

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L.V.

answers from Sioux Falls on

It could also be a fungal infection like jock itch. Women get this too. I would definately see your doctor again about your concerns.

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M.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

J.,
I had a similar scenario a couple years ago with my husband. I mentioned something to my ob. (I think the conversation started with me crying and saying, "I've got to talk to someone, and I'm hoping you can help!) She not only did a full STD screen, a pelvic exam, several other screens (yeast, etc), and a bit of mental health counseling, but she put me in contact with several womens groups who could relate to what I'd been through. I'd make a return trip if I were you. The more honest you are with your medical professionals, the better care you'll get. I'd also try cotton panties (if you aren't already) as they "breathe" better than the other fabrics. Good luck!

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K.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

GET CHECKED for trichamonas or clamidia....hope you put him to the curb..

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B.R.

answers from Milwaukee on

If you aren't drinking enough water it might be causing it. Also, if your blood sugar is off you might be itchy...sometimes eating more yogurt will help, drink some cranberry juice...
I agree with everyone else--get back to the doctor.

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L.H.

answers from Milwaukee on

I would say to get tested for the STD. Itching can be caused by a number of things and you are right a month is too long to go with that discomfort.

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J.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

I agree to get checked for stds, but it could also be your soap or detergent. I am extremely sensitive to different detergents and soaps that cause me to itch. Think back if you switched products.

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S.T.

answers from Des Moines on

i would get tested, just in case. i wouldn't call that paranoid, i'd call it being cautious. who knows if the other woman was disease-free? i know i'd get tested if it were me. you can never be too safe when it comes to that kind of thing.

I.M.

answers from New York on

J.,
If it is a yeast infection with about two yogurts a day you will be feeling better in no time. If I was you, I would still go to the doctor's office and ask him to be tested for std and anything else he can test you for. Don't wait too long and go check yourself again.
Blessings

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S.D.

answers from Topeka on

GO to your DR get tested for all STD's including HIV.Did you get a bacterial vaginosis test?They can usually do this under the microscope if needed send off to lab

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