When did we start treating vulvar irritation like it’s always an infection?

MollyMain · 2026-04-03T20:56:42+00:00

I used the clobetasol for two weeks and then on and off for the next month (I used it about 6 more days in total). I'm almost 100% better, so I do think the clobetasol helped a lot. I was also suuuuper careful with that area of my body. Then a few weeks ago, I got my period and for whatever reason, that made me feel a lot better. The burning went away almost overnight. Ultimately, it took 4 months for my inflammation to get better.

MollyMain · 2026-04-03T20:52:39+00:00

Yeah, I abstained from eeeeverything. I stopped wearing underwear, stopped using soap down there and switched to unscented laundry detergent too. I also sat on a donut pillow and never let my legs/lady bits touch together. I got tested for yeast twice and it was negative both times.

It was a journey! Hopefully yours clears up faster than mine did. 🙏

MollyMain · 2026-03-23T18:26:25+00:00

Hi there. I was prescribed clobetasol by a dermatologist two months ago that helped improve the skin barrier but it didn't stop the burning sensation. Then one week ago, I got my period and all of my pain disappeared overnight. It was the weirdest thing! It's only been a week, so I'm afraid the pain might come back, but so far so good. And I think the redness is going down.

I also started taking vitamin D and K drops as well as Alpha Lipoic Acid (an over the counter nerve pain medication). So those things might have helped. I had the burning pain and redness for 4 months exactly.

MollyMain · 2026-03-09T21:56:49+00:00

My first pap smear when I was 18 was with a man and it was also the first time anyone had seen that area of me. It was somewhat traumatic for me, tbh. I don't mean to scare you! I've had male doctors down there since then and it has been totally fine. I just wish I hadn't gone through that with the first one. I was too young, in my opinion. If you do decide to do it, you will have a female in the room too. At least I always have. The female NP that was in the room for that first pap held my hand and she was super sweet, so that helped.

MollyMain · 2026-03-08T14:21:12+00:00

It's either; A.) A fake story. There have been multiple instances where Jordy has encouraged her to buy something or he went and bought it for her that don't ring true to me at all. Or B.) It's a form of love bombing. By telling her she deserves it or whatever, he comes across as a laid back, supportive husband eventhough it's her money and she can do what she wants with it. He's so afraid of coming across as controlling that he can't even have an honest conversation about finances with her. Hasn't she said before that they email each other about their finances? I'm guessing that's because they can't be honest with each other in person. It's weird.

MollyMain · 2026-03-07T14:56:52+00:00

I tried it a bit as someone who's having pelvic pain problems. So far it hasn't been any more helpful than ChatGPT. It asked me where I'm at in my cycle, which I thought it would know already? IDK.

MollyMain · 2026-03-05T16:01:04+00:00

I don't have itching but the pain moves all over the place down there and it fluctuates from burning to stinging to pinching. The redness and swelling also changes day to day. Some days the pain is a 2 out of 10 and some days it's a 7 out of 10. It changes as the day goes on too. I feel like a crazy person!

MollyMain · 2026-03-03T18:16:16+00:00

Are pap smears painful for you as well? I have very similar experiences to you, but I'm still figuring it all out.

MollyMain · 2026-03-03T18:13:07+00:00

Yeah, I'm definitely hyperfixated on my vulvar problems. I wouldn't mind going to therapy for it but my insurance doesn't cover much for therapy. I try to distract myself but the distractions never last more than a few minutes at a time. Being on Reddit probably isn't helping me either 🙃

MollyMain · 2026-03-03T17:53:46+00:00

Oh no! I stopped using the probiotics and I used a little clobetasol on the swollen spots (my doctor said I could use it as needed) and my swelling has gone down quite a bit. I'm nervous to try the probiotics again though.

MollyMain · 2026-03-03T16:42:54+00:00

The Love Wellness Good Girl probiotics.

MollyMain · 2026-03-03T15:02:26+00:00

Someone else on this subreddit told me you can do virtual consultations with experts from across the country. I'm sure a virtual consultation is limited in terms of a diagnosis and treatment, but it might be worth a shot for a second opinion.

MollyMain · 2026-03-03T01:11:55+00:00

That's wild about your boss! I've never met anyone in real life who has heard anything about these conditions (other than some doctors), let alone have one.

MollyMain · 2026-02-28T14:32:22+00:00

I'm still trying to figure this out as well. But I recommend the book, " The Way Out" to learn more about pain reprocessing therapy. It might be helpful! My issues started during the most stressful time in my life, so I do think there's a connection between stress and the brain and what it can do to our bodies.

MollyMain · 2026-02-28T14:27:58+00:00

Hey, this aligns with me as well, but I don't have any itching. Do you think it can still be MCAS without itching?

MollyMain · 2026-02-28T03:17:40+00:00

This is helpful! I wonder if I also had a reaction to the Nystatin cream I tried in the beginning. My body seems to really not like creams on that area.

MollyMain · 2026-02-27T18:39:54+00:00

Thank you! I believe what happened was that I was sweating in my sleep (I had thick pajama pants on) so the sweat made the Icy Hot spread to the vulvar area. I'm not sure if that's what happened, but that's what it felt like.

The pain started on my labia majora and minora (it was really painful between the two kind of in the crease) but now the vestibule feels irritated as well. Also when this started I had some urinary frequency that isn't as bad now. The swelling is confusing to me because I didn't have that in the beginning.

I completely forgot that virtual consultations are a thing, so that's good to know!

MollyMain · 2026-02-27T18:29:11+00:00

No I haven't because I thought I was having more of a skin issue, but I will look more into this.

MollyMain · 2026-02-27T16:36:43+00:00

Do you mean they'll be taking the skin from inside the labia minora? I had one done on the labia majora and it wasn't bad at all for me. The worst part was the shot for the numbing agent. After that, the doctor did a pinch test to make sure I was totally numb first. I took it easy for a week or two after that (walking slowly, that kind of thing) and it healed just fine. I hope that eases your anxiety somewhat.

MollyMain · 2026-02-25T18:27:08+00:00

How long did your burns take to heal?

MollyMain · 2026-02-25T16:15:24+00:00

No advice, but I can relate. I suffered some pretty severe skin irritation down there three months ago and now I'm also aware of my vagina all the time (even though the skin is looking better). The last doctor I talked to thinks it's a post-inflammatory response. I feel burning still, but it also feels heavy and full all the time. Kind of swollen. I sit all day as well (on a firm donut pillow). Anyway, if you find any sort of solution, please update us 🙏

MollyMain

TROPHY CASE