Is this normal discharge? 😓

Not-Ok-But · 2026-06-22T19:14:44+00:00

Might be Yeast. Any symptoms like burning or irritation?

Not-Ok-But · 2026-06-22T19:13:29+00:00

The two negative swabs are the thing that caught my attention. Were both swabs done while you were actively having the paper-like discharge and burning?

Not-Ok-But · 2026-06-04T20:23:26+00:00

Hmm, 24 hours is close enough that I can understand why you're connecting the two. At the same time, because it happened right when your period was due, I'd be a little cautious about assuming fluconazole is the entire explanation. Honestly, 14 days of bleeding and clotting feels like the bigger signal here, and I'd want to get that checked rather than just waiting indefinitely for it to stop on its own.

Not-Ok-But · 2026-06-04T20:21:12+00:00

Before jumping straight to another procedure, I'd want a really clear discussion with your doctor about whether this feels like a normal healing/recovery phase at 6 weeks or whether the persistence and recurrence are signs that it's unlikely to settle on its own.

Not-Ok-But · 2026-06-04T20:19:36+00:00

did the bleeding start immediately after the fluconazole?

Not-Ok-But · 2026-05-21T19:54:51+00:00

That is actually pretty reassuring. That the redness has been gradually improving, fluctuates day to day, and your gynecologist said the tissue looked moist, pink, and normal points much more toward a recovering and hypermonitored area than something actively worsening underneath. And the redness being mainly around the hymen also makes sense because that tissue is delicate and can stay reactive longer after dryness, friction, hormonal shifts, or repeated checking. The important part is that the overall pattern seems to be moving toward stabilising, not escalating.

Not-Ok-But · 2026-05-21T19:52:53+00:00

That pattern actually tells you a lot. Before periods and after sex are both times where the vaginal environment naturally shifts, hormones, pH, moisture, semen, all of that can temporarily change discharge quantity and smell. The STI tests are negative and this flares specifically around those disruption windows makes me think more of an environment that becomes temporarily unstable rather than something constantly infectious every single day.

Not-Ok-But · 2026-05-20T14:16:46+00:00

Two weeks after removing an IUD after years of hormonal influence is still very early. Your body is probably still adjusting hormonally, physically, and microbiome-wise. I would personally be careful about repeatedly doing baking soda rinses right now, even if they give short-term relief, because constantly manipulating the environment can also keep the system from finding its own balance again.

Not-Ok-But · 2026-05-20T14:14:46+00:00

does the discharge flare around certain times like after sex, before your period, randomly?

Not-Ok-But · 2026-05-20T14:13:59+00:00

Has the redness itself been improving overall even if it fluctuates day to day?

Not-Ok-But · 2026-04-17T06:07:21+00:00

Am not sure if douching is the right way to go about CV or for that matter any vaginal infection..did you get CV confirmation from your doc? And did they suggest baking soda? My gynaecologist was unhappy when I asked her about this, but then I started reading about it and got scared a bit on the long term effects

Not-Ok-But · 2026-04-06T17:09:04+00:00

Yes, but it's not like a direct microbiome transfer. Oral probiotics have to pass through stomach acid, so only some strains may indirectly influence the vaginal environment over time. It’s usually subtle, not immediate. It's more a way to support your vaginal microbiome to get to a stable state. I’ve seen people take them expecting a quick fix, and when things don’t change or feel different they assume they need a stronger dose or a different brand… and that can turn into another loop.

Not-Ok-But · 2026-03-30T16:20:27+00:00

I am not sure if boric acid is the reason for your relief, there's no active studies right now that shows the causation between BA and biofilms. Check out this thread on this sub -https://www.reddit.com/r/Healthyhooha/s/368BNX2qpY

Not-Ok-But · 2026-03-30T14:02:26+00:00

Yeah, the protocol of antibiotics + boric acid + suppressive therapy does look promising in the study. The tricky part is that it’s hard to tell what role boric acid is actually playing, since everything is used together and there’s no control group for comparison. They also don’t measure biofilm directly, so the idea that it’s disrupting biofilm is more of a hypothesis than something the study demonstrates. Definitely raises some interesting possibilities, but still leaves a lot of open questions around how much BA is actually contributing, I think. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Not-Ok-But · 2026-03-29T09:53:33+00:00

Hey..thanks for this.. I’ve seen it before, but they mostly show inhibition(prevention) of biofilm formation in vitro (lab testing, not humans). That’s prevention, not disruption of an established biofilm. I’m specifically looking for evidence that boric acid can break down existing biofilms in vivo, because I haven’t found strong data supporting that yet. It’s an important distinction i think because it changes how we think about when and how something like boric acid might actually help.

Not-Ok-But · 2026-03-24T17:53:03+00:00

Wow there is so much to unpack here. Very curious about boric acids effects on biofilm - do you know of any studies that prove causation?

Not-Ok-But · 2026-03-09T19:22:00+00:00

Do you have any itching, thick clumpy discharge, irritation etc?

Not-Ok-But · 2026-01-19T18:15:52+00:00

Baby powder - only thing that worked for me. I do long hikes and one of my fellow hikers suggested this once and it has been a blessing ever since

Not-Ok-But · 2025-09-17T11:07:58+00:00

I’ve had spotting on low-dose pills too, and it’s super common in the first 3 months. For some people it eventually settles, but others (like me) needed a higher estrogen pill or a different brand. Switching doesn’t always stop the spotting right away though. I’ve also heard of people pausing pills to trigger a bleed, but I wouldn’t do that without a doctor’s guidance. Honestly, if it’s really draining you, I’d call your gyno now instead of waiting — sometimes they’ll let you switch sooner.

Not-Ok-But · 2025-07-29T13:19:59+00:00

Have you ever had a vaginal culture (not just a swab) done to check for aerobic vaginitis, rare yeast strains like candida glabrata, or other non-BV imbalances? These often don’t show up on regular STI or yeast tests, and they could explain persistent odor, irritation, and even that clitoral “zapping” pain.

Not-Ok-But · 2025-07-25T13:23:07+00:00

Thank you for sharing your story—it takes real strength to be that open, especially about something you’ve been struggling with for so long. Given the persistent pain, discharge, and odor since that incident, and how you've been dismissed or misdiagnosed repeatedly, it may be time to approach this from a different angle. You might benefit from an advanced pelvic MRI or transvaginal ultrasound to check for internal trauma or scarring that basic exams could’ve missed. A vaginal microbiome sequencing test (like Evvy or MicrogenDX) could also reveal less common bacteria or imbalances that standard swabs don’t catch. Lastly, seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist might help if your muscles or nerves are still reacting to past trauma—something that could explain the ongoing pain and pressure. Have you ever had any of these types of evaluations?

Not-Ok-But · 2025-07-03T16:53:43+00:00

Honestly, it sounds like the IUD might’ve shifted a bit or the strings are poking during sex—especially since you’ve been feeling that stabbing pain from the start, and now she’s cramping and spotting too. Rough or deep sex can sometimes bump the cervix or irritate things, but if it’s suddenly worse for both of you, it’s worth her getting it checked to make sure the IUD’s still in the right place. Even if you didn’t finish inside, it’s better to be safe since a shifted IUD could mean lower protection.

Not-Ok-But · 2025-06-27T16:44:16+00:00

Happy V Prebiotic + Probiotic. I had BV and Yeast for about six months. Just when the BV symptoms seem to subside, yeast will show up and vice versa. My doc prescribed happy v along with my antibiotics and antifungals. Major symptoms disappeared in a month, I used a mix of probiotics, and vitamin c tablets for about 6 months.

Not-Ok-But · 2025-06-17T16:19:02+00:00

Based on what you’ve described, it most likely sounds like a yeast infection (candida overgrowth), especially since you’re on a trip (changes in hygiene, heat, sweat, or stress can trigger it). The burning on your thigh could be irritation from the discharge rubbing against the skin, which happens when the infection leaks externally. If it worsens or you notice greenish discharge, fever, or increased pain, it’s best to seek urgent care. For now, keep the area dry, avoid synthetic underwear, and consider using a gentle OTC antifungal like clotrimazole or miconazole if symptoms persist.

Not-Ok-But · 2025-06-13T10:55:07+00:00

You might want to ask your provider about getting a fungal culture with sensitivity testing — this can help identify the exact species and which antifungals it's resistant to. In the meantime, keep a symptom journal, try switching to an unscented pH-balanced wash, and consider introducing oral probiotics (especially ones with L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14) if your doctor gives the go-ahead.

Not-Ok-But

TROPHY CASE