Struggling with Persistent Discomfort for Almost a Year - Seeking Solutions!
I am a 34-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 170 pounds. I do not smoke and only occasionally consume alcohol. Presently, I’m not on any medications and have been in a committed relationship with my partner for over a decade. Lately, I have been feeling quite unwell in my intimate area, facing ongoing issues of dryness, irritation, and intense itchiness. On November 20, 2024, I was diagnosed with Bacterial Vaginosis and Group B Streptococcus (GBS), which led to a prescription for Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin). After using this medication for about ten days, I reached out to my healthcare provider to express that my symptoms had not improved. Consequently, I was given Clindamycin Phosphate 2% to be used nightly for a week. Unfortunately, post-treatment and after my menstrual cycle, my discomfort persisted. When I returned to the doctor on December 20, 2024, I tested positive again for GBS. This time, I was prescribed Keflex (Cephalexin 500 mg) for a week. Initially, I felt much better and was relieved to return to my normal state. However, as I approached my next period, the symptoms resurfaced. After menstruating, I continued to feel discomfort and received a refill, which again provided temporary relief. Yet, as I neared my subsequent cycle, the familiar issues reappeared. Following a hiatus caused by a lapse in insurance, as well as wanting to give my body time to recuperate from the continuous antibiotic usage, I consulted another doctor. Again, I received a positive test result for GBS, but no other infections appeared on the tests. I tested negative for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoeae, Trichomoniasis (which I expected), Bacterial Vaginosis, Mycoplasma, Candida glabrata, and HPV. The doctor prescribed me Ampicillin (500 mg) to be taken four times daily for five days, following which I was advised to take a Diflucan to prevent a yeast infection. To my dismay, I now experience a more persistent burning sensation alongside the dryness and itchiness. Additional testing revealed Enterococcus faecalis in my urine, and once again, they proposed to prescribe Macrobid. I am perplexed because I am not exhibiting any urinary tract infection symptoms, so why would they recommend a medication that has failed to provide relief before? As of now, I am still awaiting results from a swab taken over two weeks ago. At this point, I feel hopeless and desperate; it’s been nearly a year since these issues began, and all I want is to feel normal again. I receive the same response from every doctor I consult: "You seem fine. There’s nothing visibly wrong with you." But I am intimately aware of my body, and I know when something is amiss. I would appreciate any advice on specific tests I should request or if there are tests I can personally order online, similar to Evvy. After seeing three different physicians, I still find myself with no solutions. I'm also increasingly anxious about the potential risks to my fertility if this situation continues unresolved. I'm open to any suggestions!
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 1:02:21 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand how frustrating and distressing your situation has been, especially since the discomfort has persisted for almost a year despite numerous treatments. It’s clear you want to find a solution that brings you relief and reassurance. Let's focus on potential directions you might take for your ongoing symptoms and provide some actionable steps.
Main Points
- Chronic symptoms could be related to various causes, including recurrent infections, irritation, or other underlying issues.
- It's essential to continue advocating for your health and seek specific tests that could help clarify your situation.
Explanation
Your symptoms of dryness, irritation, and intense itchiness, coupled with the recurring positive tests for Group B Streptococcus (GBS), suggest that there may be an underlying issue that isn't being addressed solely by antibiotic treatment. It's not uncommon for women to experience persistent discomfort in the intimate area, especially if there are factors such as hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation), pH imbalance, or irritation from hygiene products or soaps contributing to the situation.
Additionally, taking multiple courses of antibiotics can lead to changes in your natural flora, sometimes causing more irritation or susceptibility to yeast infections. The presence of Enterococcus faecalis in your urine without UTI symptoms is also noteworthy and should be explored further.
Next Steps
-
Consider a Comprehensive Evaluation:
- Request a referral to a specialist, such as a gynecologist or a urologist who has experience with persistent genital symptoms. They may consider further evaluations, such as pelvic ultrasound or cultures for less common pathogens.
-
Testing for Other Conditions:
- Inquire about testing for autoimmune conditions like vulvodynia or conditions that might affect pH balance, such as lichen sclerosus. Additionally, tests for possible hormonal imbalances might be beneficial.
- Ask if there are options for a comprehensive microbiome analysis or testing for candida sensitivities, beyond standard cultures.
-
Topical Treatments and Care:
- Since medications have provided only temporary relief, consider non-pharmacologic approaches, like vaginal moisturizers, pH-balancing gels, or topical estrogen (if recommended by your doctor), which can help alleviate vaginal dryness.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary:
- Track your symptoms and any potential triggers (diet, hygiene products, menstrual cycle) that you notice. This information can be invaluable during medical consultations.
-
Addressing Anxiety:
- Since chronic discomfort can lead to anxiety, explore stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or talking to a therapist to help cope with the emotional impact of ongoing health concerns.
-
Follow-Up on Current Tests:
- Make sure to follow up on the results of the recent swab you had taken, and ask about their implications as soon as they are available.
While it's understandable to feel despair given your experience, remember that you are being proactive in seeking help. Documenting your journey, continuing to inform and educate yourself about potential conditions, and advocating for your health will be key to finding the right support and treatment for your needs. Please feel free to reach out again if you have more questions or need further guidance.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Mass on the Glottis
Patient Details: 63-year-old male, height 165 cm, weight 66 kg, Asian descent. Lifestyle Factors: No history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Medical History: Diagnosed with asthma and angina. Current Medications: Uses a Symbicort inhaler and takes Concor tablets. Main Concern: A mass was detected during a gastroendoscopy carried out a year ago. There is no report of pain, but the patient experiences mild hoarseness. What might be the diagnosis?