Just a reminder for anyone who needs it— let your vagina breathe. I go commando once I get home and while sleeping. It can relieve a lot of symptoms of discomfort like rashes or itchiness and for me, it prevents a lot of discomfort.

Basically what the title says and this is the most accurate way to describe it. I consulted a gynecologist about this earlier this year and they said to use warm compress. I did it for a few days but then stopped because it seemed highly unlikely to drain something that has been there for so many years. I'm unemployed so I still depend on my parents and there is still a lot of time left before I graduate and get a job. Sexual and reproductive health is a huge taboo in my place. I had to beg my mom to book an appointment because she believes that an umarried woman who has underwent a procedure down there is not holy. To her relief, the gynac just suggested the warm compress method(which did not work ofc).

I think atp medical prodecure is the only way to go. How do I convince my mother about this? and how do I make her realize that it is because I'm down and underconfident because of how it's been there all this time and not because I'm in a relationship with a man(I mean I am but she does not have to know that). Everything aside, it's really depressing sometimes and I hate the appearance of it. If there is a solution other than a surgical procedure, brief me on that as well.

My symptoms with lichen sclerosis developed slowly over time. It’s hard to know what is the impact of stress and what isn’t when you are in stressful seasons of life and so much of your life feels a little different and a little off. Among many other things, sex started to hurt a bit more. I noticed over time I would chafe super easily, could handle less and less stimulation before my skin felt raw, my vulva would be so sore after trying to have sex. These symptoms eventually progressed to feeling so dry all the time on my vulva, itching, chafing just from walking. Sex became even more difficult and discouraging.

I assumed that my difficulties with sex were because I wasn’t wet enough or not turned on enough. I felt like my partner didn’t know how to touch me in the ways I wanted because it all chafed or stung. I thought he didn’t know what “gentle” meant and couldn’t understand why this changed from the start of our relationship 8 years ago where I really enjoyed sex. I was so confused and heartbroken and frustrated. My partner is amazing, I’m so attracted to him, he is excellent in bed, great communicator, so understanding and really supportive of me when I can’t continue with sex because of pain etc. so I was so confused why my body didn’t seem to respond to him.

Then one day I tried to connect sexually with my partner, and even from only using my own hand on myself my vulva split along the crease. I was in so much pain and so upset. I finally went to the doctor about this.

Almost immediately I was diagnosed with LS just from looking at my vulva. White patches, dry skin, splitting skin, dull colour everywhere, lack of sensation, family history of autoimmune skin diseases etc. I started on daily clob for three weeks and had my check up and my doctor was shocked with how much my vulva had healed!!!

She said that initially my vulva was like a sad, stiff, pale butterfly and now she has beautifully mobile wings that are healthy, pink, stretchy with movement and life again!! My treatments not done- I still have white patches and more to get under control so I’m on daily clob for a week then moving to bi weekly and she will monitor me every 3 weeks until it’s more under control.

Anyways, after this appointment I felt a little more confident to initiate sex with my partner. First I just explored my vulva with my own hand to make sure I could control pressure and everything incase something hurt. It was great! So I got my partner to take over…. And it felt amazing 😭

I was almost in tears because I didn’t realize how much this disease took from me so slowly but surely. I didn’t realize how much sensation it dulled, how much pain and discomfort it caused. For me it developed so slowly over a few years so it just became normal to me.

So, I was able to actually thoroughly enjoy sex and being touched by my partner with no chafing, splitting, or pain after. I’m actually in awe because I just accepted so much of these symptoms as my life from now on.

I know I still have a ways to go and will be navigating this for the rest of my life (I’m 29F), but I wanted to share a story of hope on here! I also acknowledge that I some how lucked out with a fantastic doctor (I’m in Canada, and she isn’t my usual doc but I somehow ended up with her) and that there’s a lot of doctors/systems who create more barriers and challenges to getting the right treatment.

Sending love to everyone on this sub and strength to keep using your voices to advocate for your own care! May all our vulvas be like healthy, lively butterflies 🦋

(Cross posted to healthy hooha as well to help share some knowledge on symptoms of LS!)

First post on here so if I am in wrong section or group LMK:

Anyway, I have a sensitive vagina & always have even before I became sexually active, my parent does as well and always have given tips as I grew. I am older now, and it seems my irritation has heightened up especially within recent years especially after losing my virginity about 4 years ago. I have somewhat of an uncomfy feeling every single day. Sometimes it’s mild and bearable with OTC cream, but sometimes it’s very annoying to walk, exercise, or do anything. It has ruined my sex life, sex drive, etc. I feel like I am at a loss and have tried everything. I am trying to determine if this is due to my labia minora being an outie and rubbing together. Tucking never works or stays in place. The daily irritation is always external most times unless i have a flare up and it goes into something more. The uncomfy feeling I feel also isn’t constant throughout the day, if i’m laying down or sitting i’m completely fine ( not like how with a yeast infection you’re constantly irritated), but the second i stand, clothing touches the area, or I start walking, there the uncomfortable feeling is. Also, I am not active with multiple sex partners, I have had one for the past year who’s not involved with anybody else so I doubt it’s simply caused by sex especially because i’ve went through this when i was not sexually active at all. Dealing with this, I have tried strains of good bacteria like lactobacillus crispatus along with a regular pre and probiotic. I use completely unscented soap and laundry detergent. I take probiotics daily or once every other day. I rarely ( if ever) wear panties inside my home. I drink kombucha. I also went to the gynecologist and got tested for everything even ureaplasma and mycoplasma, all test results are negative. I don’t put scented lotion on the upper part of my legs due to me being in fear that the scented product might somehow get around there and cause a flare up. I just am so sensitive to the point where I can’t do daily things without having the fear that anything will irritate me. I’m considering labiaplasty but I’m not sure. I just feel like i’ve already went down every avenue. Also, the vagina doesn’t look odd or anything. I am just so tired of hearing “let the area breathe” or “wear cotton” because I honestly try to maintain the healthiest and most cautious way of life because of this and can’t figure out the exact problem. I don’t want to live a life constantly relying on cream that gives temporary relief or in fear to wear shorts because i know i will be irritated. I can’t even wear things like workout rompers and I stay away from doing things that require walking. Please, if anybody has experienced this and went ahead with a labiaplasty or have had similar symptoms and found a solution, let me know. My life is a living nightmare and drains me completely.

I am veryyy sensitive down there. I’m prone to yeast infections. Antibiotic… boom. Yeast infection. I’ve even gotten mild yeast infections in the past after my period. I feel like I’ll get another yeast infection just by talking about yeast infections.

Just used the Skyn Elite condom the other night and I got a yeast infection (surprise) and BV on top of it. Does anyone have a condom recommendation for extra sensitive vaginas?

Okay, so in the past, I've tried liquid chlorophyll and outright HATED the taste. It left a such a bad aftertaste in my mouth, I shudder even thinking about it. So, I was wondering if anyone has tried chlorophyll gummies and had success at all? See my problem is I L O V E garlic, and eat it a lot, but I have a feeling it's contributing towards a bit of a smell I've been noticing coming from my nether regions. I do all the stuff you should do, I shower daily, make sure I wash down there, I use a small fan to dry myself down there before I put anything on, I wear cotton underwear only, I don't wear underwear at night, drink lots of water, etc etc, but I still notice a smell. I've been checked out and everything is normal so I'm guessing it's probably the garlic. Now I've heard chlorophyll does wonders for body odor in general so I was wondering if anyone has tried the gummy form and seen success? Or if there's something else I can take to help? I genuinely don't think I can give up garlic, not only is it good for you, it's also extremely yummy. Please help a girl out!!!

I’m honestly at my wits’ end and hoping someone here has experienced something similar or can offer some advice.😭

I’ve been struggling with a persistent vaginal odour since I was around 18. I first noticed something was wrong on a particularly hot, sweaty day when other people could smell a very strong fishy odour, but I couldn’t actually smell it myself.

Around that time, I found out my first boyfriend had given me chlamydia. When I was tested, I also discovered I had bacterial vaginosis (BV). I received treatment for both infections, and things seemed to improve temporarily, but the smell eventually returned.

I’ve always wondered whether having both infections affected my vaginal microbiome, as I’ve struggled with this ever since.

Fast-forward five years, and I’m now 23 and STILL dealing with the same problem.

I’ve had countless GP appointments, examinations and vaginal swabs. I’ve repeatedly tested negative for BV, even when I’ve had swabs taken while experiencing the strong fishy odour.

I’ve also been tested for:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhoea
• Trichomoniasis
• Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma
• Thrush
• Other common vaginal infections

I’ve had my cervix examined, and everything looked normal.

The ONLY thing that’s recently come back positive is Group B Streptococcus (Strep B). I’ve been prescribed amoxicillin but haven’t started taking it yet, so I’m hoping this might finally make a difference.

My symptoms:

• Strong vaginal odour, often described by others as fishy.
• Excessive discharge, sometimes enough to make my underwear feel soaking wet.
• The more discharge I experience, the stronger the smell becomes.
• Occasional irritation and discomfort.
• Sometimes I can smell myself, but often I can’t, which makes me incredibly anxious.
• Symptoms fluctuate in severity but never seem to disappear permanently.

What I’ve tried:

I genuinely do everything I can to maintain good hygiene.

I wash externally with a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, wear 100% cotton underwear, avoid thongs, wear loose clothing, regularly groom my pubic hair, take probiotics, drink plenty of water, use a bidet and always wipe front to back.

I’ve tried changing my underwear, hygiene products and daily routine, but nothing has permanently helped.

I’ve also noticed that my discharge sometimes decreases when I stop drinking coffee. Recently, I switched to green tea and noticed an improvement. I’m considering cutting out caffeine, alcohol and reducing my sugar intake to see whether my diet could be contributing.

I’m not sexually active and haven’t been for over two years.

What frustrates me most is that I’ve been tested while actively experiencing the strong fishy odour, yet everything still comes back negative.

I’m a very hygienic person, and I genuinely don’t know what else I can do. It’s affecting my confidence and everyday life, especially because other people sometimes notice the smell when I can’t.

I’m now wondering whether I could have aerobic vaginitis (AV), a vaginal microbiome imbalance or another condition that isn’t being detected through routine testing.

Has anyone experienced anything similar?

1. Persistent fishy vaginal odour despite repeatedly testing negative for BV?
2. Group B Strep associated with excessive discharge or unpleasant odour?
3. Aerobic vaginitis that went undiagnosed for years?
4. Symptoms improving after changing your diet or cutting out caffeine and sugar?
5. Any specialist tests or treatments that finally helped after years of negative results?

I’m planning to ask for a referral to a specialist because I genuinely don’t know what else to do.

I’m only 23, and the thought of dealing with this for another five years is exhausting.

If anyone has experienced something similar and eventually found an explanation or solution, I’d really appreciate hearing your experience. ❤️

Hello!!

So I've been owner to a handful of vibrators and dildos, and sometimes when I was them, after leaving them out to dry they tend to collect dust. Its not a crazy amount, but I'm not really sure how to go about re-cleaning them if when I set them out to dry they'll just get dusty again. They live in a microfiber bag after they've been washed. I'm just not super big on using them if its a risky they may have dust and debris on them from when they were washed.

Thank you!

I am a virgin and I have a hard time putting in a suppository. My obgyn proposed that I go to him to put it in if I have a hard time doing it but I can’t, he hurt me a lot last time during the consultation so I can’t imagine him putting a suppository inside of me, I feel like it will hurt a ton and I prefer to do it myself Any tip will help thx😘

I’m 19 and had sex for the first time couple days from writing this. Here’s the context before the issue. I knew it was going to hurt since his thing was like… hella girthy. We used condoms and lube, but since I was a little stressed I think I was more closed up there. He could only fit the head in there, and after a while of moving it around he took it out and found I started bleeding. I assume it was my hymen tearing, and I expected some light blood. However it was dripping out lots of blood, and took a few minutes to stop. I wore a liner afterwards but sometimes it would bleed later during the day, and if I shifted wrong sitting it kinda stung slightly. I peed multiples times after sex.

Now, it’s been two days. Sometimes during the day after I sit or after I pee (sometimes) the area around the pee hole and vaginal opening get really uncomfortable, like a mild stingyness, it doesn’t sting or burn tho. Sometimes as I pee it’s sore a bit. I assumed it was UTI, so I got to checked with a doctor. Doctor said they tested my urine and no sign of infection. I told them about my hymen tearing but they were rushed and we didn’t get into it too much. They didn’t know about the bleeding, but they did test positive for blood in my urine sample. So now I’ve been uncomfortable for the past two days bc my vaginal opening area is really uncomfortable and I don’t know how to help it. I also don’t know if it’s normal for this to happen.

Is this normal? If so how long does this usually last? What should I do about it right now?

I have noticed that I get really bad itching on my labia minora after using tampons. I did keep getting yeast infections and am prone so I kept thinking that was it but i noticed that i would be completely fine and then after using a tampon during my period or not (occasionally I would also use one for discharge if I was going to an event and was paranoid and didn’t want to use a liner) and then my minora would itch so bad. No itching inside of the vagina or weird discharge. I would take a fluconzole and then the itching would go away. This specifically happens after using Tampax tampons. Are there any super size tampons out there that are safe to people that have these sensitivities with their skin or prone to yeast infections? I’m not sure if this is dermatitis or yeast that keeps happening. I am scared of diva cups from past experience and I don’t enjoy pads or period underwear at all because I’m so paranoid about leaking lol

Hi I took a fluconazole 150mg pill on Thursday afternoon so maybe I’m thinking too much on this but yesterday morning I was getting worried as my discharge was very thick and clumpy white. Today I woke up and it was more normal looking kinda milky white and more slippery but still white and not clumpy anymore. Is that a sign it’s working I do still have some itching and irritation but mild. Any advices or input would be appreciated thanks !

I've recently noticed an onion aftertaste (not smell tho) similar to armpits which i never had before, and ive been masturbaiting and tasting myself from time to time for years.. im 18 so im wondering if it's because of the PCOD meds ive been taking or if its a new thing i developed after puberty if thats possible? i would honestly like for it to be because of the meds and not permanent but idk if it could actually be related😭

Please help me guys am really dying inside I can’t handle this
I tried all medication for anxiety nothing is working then went to EMDR and my therapist was not good with it and fucked me up ..
my medication that I have been using so far is cymbalta 60 mg dose
My doctor told me to switch to Effexor…
I don’t know i am suffering from withdral now and have no idea how I can Handle the withdrawal now it’s awful .. I did tried Effexor before and it worked perfect but same time have very negative said on my sex drive

I kinda of gave up to be honest
Nothing is working …

My anxiety is destroying my health my relationship and everything …..As well I have anxiety attachment

I am deeply suffering I wish I am not on the earth

Hi I am 22 yo and I have had issues with incontinence since I was a kid. For some context I am autistic and have ADHD and I am often unaware of the signals my body is telling me. So I often forget to eat or pee or drink water basic human functions that I don't notice until it's an emergency (starving, severely dehydrated, unable to hold my bladder) I knew this was a problem when I was a kid but never had the words for it and it really only happened when I was sick. (I am also chronically ill). I often knew I was getting sick before I actually got sick because I would become incontinent a day before typically.

I have been pregnant 3 times and have no kids (draw your own conclusions). I know pregnancy doesn't have to affect the pelvic floor but it can be a factor. Ever since becoming pregnant incontinence has gotten way worse. To the point that I am periodically wearing diapers and have a change of clothes everywhere I go. My breaking point was yesterday when I already needed to do laundry I didn't even feel the urge to pee like I normally do but the second I stood up it just came out with no warning at all, and I had to find the only pair of pants I had that were clean (awful texture).

I know a physical therapist would help but my insurance doesn't cover it (I've been to PT 3 times before for other reasons and was never covered). I'm just at a loss about what to do. I feel old and ashamed and it happened at work once and my change of clothes were in my car and it was really embarrassing to have to explain to my coworkers bc as the lead on shift Im not allowed to just leave without telling someone. (Even if it is just for a couple of minutes). Is there anything outside of seeing a PT I could do?

I have to share this. I was using vagisil ph balance before with ok results. I decided to try this aquaphor that I had for a week and I've been staying fresh like 24 hours. I don't know the science of this but I never thought a baby product would work so well.

Yesterday I started my first dose of metronidazole gel and this morning my cycle came on(definitely my cycle). Should I stop the gel until my cycle goes off or just keep using it? I have the 5 night supply.

Hi yall, for the past couple weeks, on and off, I have been kind of "hyper aware?", especially around my vaginal opening specifically, and inne labia. It's driving me insane! Nothing else is going on, sometimes I just feel that it's there and exists 24/7 and it's horribly annoying. I can't even really pinpoint it, is it like a bacterial infection of sorts or just my head? If anyone else has this issue pls let me know!

Hi all. I have been using the Always flexform pads for years now. This whole time I have noticed that my Hoohini burns during my period. I genuinely thought that every period product I used would always make Hoohini burn because I tried a lot of brands and had the same results. Since I'm at home and got an IUD that lightens my period a lot, I kind of stopped wearing period products and that made me realize that Hoohini isn't supposed to burn.

I've done a little digging and it ends out that Always is known to not have safe ingredients in their products. The thing is though that I tried a lot of different brands from the pharmacy and they all burned. I had decided to stick with the always flexform because I am audhd and the thinness of the pad gives me less sensory issues that any other pad I've tried.

I would love to know if any of you have found alternatives because I genuinely refuse to free bleed or irritate Hoohini. I'm lowkey desperate.

Edit: I wanted to add that I did get a period disc and was slowly learning to use it. It was the best option for me, but I had to get on an IUD and my gynecologist recommended I don't use it or a diva cup while i have an IUD.

My 15-year-old sister has had a vaginal infection for months. A while ago, when her infection was just starting, she applied a cream (clotrimazole) for 3 days and it didn't do anything. Then, about 2 months ago, she went to the doctor and they prescribed antibiotics in pills and a cream, all that for a week. And now my parents don't want to take her to any doctor because they don't want to spend money and they're tired of it; every time she tells them something about it, they ignore her. And she can't go to health centers because my parents will find out and they're very strict. The truth is, she doesn't know what to do anymore, she gets stressed and cries a lot, and I don't like seeing her like that. The worst part is the infection keeps getting worse and I don't know what I can do to help her. I'd like you to give me some advice to help her.

i have a uti from holding in my pee working in the hospital and i took 2 azo pills in the middle of my shift. i see my bf for the first time in 3 months it’s our anniversary and i’m ngl i #needthat in like 16 hours. already got my antibiotics on deck PLS advise cus im scared phat mama will get orange all over the sheets. #HELP.

Hi everyone,

I'm writing here because I'm desperate. I've been battling against BV and Thrush for the past 4 years and I'm on the verge of breaking down. I have tried SO MANY treatments and nothing helps.

My first experience with thrush was in my early 20s when I felt an intense itch and discomfort down there. My mom took me to a gynaecologist and she prescribed Fluconazole and canesten cream. I followed her instructions and never had it again... until 4 years ago (when I turned 30).

From then on I've been to my GP several times throughout the years about this. I was sent to a specialised clinic where I rarely see the same doctor more than once. I've been tested for EVERYTHING (all possible sexually transmitted diseases out there and they all came out negative). Every single time.

There was a point, I was going to this clinic weekly. I was prescribed clindamycin, balance activ, canesten, fluconazole again, boric acid, a stronger version of canesten (I even tried Metronidazole but it didn't work because I'm allergic). Seriously guys, I tried everything.

I have a bag full of medicine that were tried over the years and nothing works. Not even the antibiotics made the symptons go away. This is driving me crazy.

Has anyone ever managed to cure this problem? It seems like I'm getting BV and thrush at the same time.

I would really appreciate it if anyone could help me overcome this problem.

Female 27, no chance of pregnancy.
I had intercourse, nothing crazy, missionary, nothing was inserted, I was not “dry.” I noticed after we were done and I went to pee I wiped and there was blood. This was yesterday morning and I’m bleeding more now. My last period was Sep 26 - sept 20. (My period is due in 10 days.) I see a lot of mucus or like tissue and or lots of blood cloths.
The blood seems to come out more when I pee. I am not filling a pad every hour, no fever, but I feel sore or cramps in my lower abdomen. I don’t have insurance and don’t want to go to ER unless necessary. Also I have somewhere very important yo be at in 5 hours but I’m beginning to feel a little scared. I’m planning on waiting until Monday to go to a low cost clinic if I’m still bleeding. What are your thoughts please?

I have pictures of the blood but feel bad posting them. It looks like the heaviest day of my menstrual cycle with heavy flow