Doctor says everything is fine, but I'm still having issues

I probably should have titled this differently, but honestly, I’m just feeling a bit lost right now.

Let's just say I've been dealing with dryness for over a year now. Along with that, there's this constant itching everywhere—the vulva, the vaginal opening, sometimes deep inside, even around the urethra and clitoris. My clit actually hurts, and it feels like it's lost all sensation. It's like it's just dead. On top of that, I get this dull ache in my lower abdomen and a frequent urge to pee, even though nothing much comes out. At one point, it was like I couldn't even start the flow, despite needing to go so badly. Right now, I'm sitting here trying to put words to the pain. Besides the abdominal ache, it feels like my vulva is being pressed against raw cotton; it's tight and uncomfortable. It's not the kind of pain that takes your breath away, but it's a persistent, nagging discomfort between my legs. To make matters worse, I have heavy discharge. Sometimes it's thick and milky white (varying from lumpy to a thinner texture), sometimes it looks yellowish like it's coming from the urinary tract, and sometimes it's clear. It never has a strong or weird smell, though—maybe just a faint scent like urine.

To make a bad situation even worse, I went to my gynecologist and he told me everything was perfectly fine. My Pap smear came back normal. He didn't think a swab test was even necessary. He basically just told me to find someone else who could satisfy me. So, that was my experience with him.

The absolute worst part is that because of all this, I don't enjoy sex or masturbating at all (actually, I can barely even masturbate because of the clitoral pain and numbness). It feels more like just rubbing than actual sex.

I really don't know what to do... if any of this sounds remotely familiar to anyone, I would be so grateful for some insight. Is this a urinary issue or a gynecological infection? And why are all my recent tests coming back "normal" when I clearly feel anything but...😢

Megan Hill13 said:I’d probably title this thread differently, but honestly, I have no idea what's wrong with me.

Let's just say I've been dealing with zero lubrication issues for over a year now. It's constant itching all over—the vulva, the entrance, sometimes deep inside, even the urethra and clit. My clit actually hurts and feels totally numb, like it's dead or something. Plus, there's this dull ache in my lower belly, and I feel like I constantly have to pee, but then only a tiny little trickle comes out. At one point, it was like I couldn't even get the stream started even though the urge was insane. Right now, I'm just sitting here trying to pinpoint the pain. Besides the stomach stuff, it feels like my whole vulva is resting on raw cotton or being pinched. It's not like "can't breathe" kind of pain, more like this constant, nagging discomfort between my legs. On top of all that, the discharge is heavy. Sometimes it's thick and milky white (either chunky or runny), sometimes it looks yellowish like it's coming from my bladder, and sometimes it's clear. But it never has a strong or weird smell. Maybe just a faint scent of urine.

To make matters worse, I went to my gynecologist and he basically told me everything is fine. Pap smear came back normal. He didn't even think a swab was necessary. Then he basically told me to go find someone else who can actually satisfy me. So yeah, that's my brilliant doctor for you.

The absolute worst part is that because of all this, sex or even masturbating is just... not enjoyable. I can barely even masturbate because my clit hurts so much and is so numb. It's more like just scratching at myself than actual sex.

I have no clue what to do... if any of this sounds even remotely familiar to anyone, please, let me know. Is this a urinary tract infection or some gynecological thing? And why the hell are all my recent tests "normal" when I clearly feel like crap? 😢

If you weren't having issues, you wouldn't be feeling this... seriously, go see a different doctor. In cases like this, you absolutely need a second opinion...

Good luck

It’s funny how things work out, because my own lab results and all those routine gynecological checkups looked absolutely flawless... until I decided on my own little whim to go in for specific swabs, only to find out I was actually dealing with chlamydia, ureaplasma, and E. coli...😲I was experiencing just about every symptom imaginable, yet my doctor kept insisting that everything was perfectly fine...

Often, what seems like a simple UTI is actually hiding a chlamydia infection underneath, so if I were in your shoes, I would definitely push for swabs, a urine culture, and an urethral swab as well. At the end of the day, your health has to come first...

You should definitely start by getting some swabs and a urine culture done—though you'll need to ask your primary care physician for a referral for the latter first.

That "granular" description might point toward a yeast infection, but honestly, it isn't a guarantee. Some people just grab an antifungal off the shelf without a second thought because they're certain they know what's going on, but if I were in your shoes? I’d much rather wait for the actual lab results—or at least get a second opinion. After all, what if you have a yeast infection *plus* something else? Or, conversely, what if it isn't yeast at all? In that case, an antifungal wouldn't be nearly enough—or even recommended. It’s entirely possible you're dealing with cystitis, urethritis, or some other issue that's separate from a gynecological concern—though, of course, it could also be the exact same thing.

Make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids, be extra careful during sex (using a condom is a good idea), and try to steer clear of synthetic fabrics or tight clothing. If you aren't heading in for those swabs immediately, perhaps take some probiotics or some natural vaginal suppositories to help ease things along—just keep in mind you really ought to pause those for a few days before your tests. Or, you could try oral probiotics instead. For your urinary tract, maybe try some urological teas—like cranberry, or perhaps something with uva ursi or nettle—but don't take cranberry at the same time as the others, as it can actually negate their effects! If tea isn't your thing, a good option would be something like Urosal Lady capsules.

I truly hope you can find another social gynecologist to switch to relatively soon, or perhaps you're in a position to see someone privately? Regardless, this really shouldn't be something you put off.

If you have more questions, feel free to pop over to the threads specifically about swabs and vaginal treatments.

Since the start of the year, I’ve burned through at least two boxes of Kanest, on top of this new gel—I can’t even recall the name right now... To be honest, I’ve been suspecting Chlamydia or some other related nuisance for a while. But back when I actually had Chlamydia, the discharge smell was absolutely revolting. Now? There's no smell at all. Plus, I never dealt with the sexual issues I'm having currently. My clitoris used to function perfectly fine; now, it feels like it's nothing but raw nerves and pain.

Anyway, I'm gearing up for another checkup (🙄) at a private clinic. I was just wondering what kind of results or experience I should expect out of it... thanks, everyone. 🙂

Megan Hill13, I dealt with this exact same set of issues not too long ago. Based on what you’re describing—that sharp pain while typing followed by abdominal discomfort—I would strongly suspect a bladder infection, as I know from firsthand experience. As for the other symptoms, the clitoral itching and general discomfort, that sounds very much like a yeast infection.

My honest recommendation would be to seek out a different gynecologist. If you explain that you're experiencing localized itching, they should be able to prescribe some Monistat suppositories without even needing a full exam. That is exactly how my doctor handles things; whenever I mention itching, she goes straight to the Monistat because it happens so frequently. Once you manage to resolve the itching, you might find that the issue with excessive moisture clears up as well. I went through the same thing, and it turned out to be entirely triggered by a course of antibiotics I had taken.

I started taking Lactobacillus, and after two weeks of consistent use, everything finally returned to normal. While I can't say for certain if my experience aligns perfectly with yours, everything you've described points quite strongly in that direction.

Honestly, just go find a new doctor.😉

Megan Hill13 said:He basically decided there was no point in doing any swabs. Then he had the nerve to tell me I should just find someone else who can actually satisfy my needs. So, yeah... that's my experience with "the doctor."

Oh my God, 😲😠
seriously, if this guy keeps giving you the runaround, just go see a private specialist and get all those tests done properly once and for all.

Everything seemed perfectly fine on my lab results until I insisted on getting actual swabs—that's when they finally caught the ureaplasma and strep. 😲And after I went through two whole rounds of antibiotics, I ended up dealing with yeast infections. 🙄

Why on earth are gynecologists always so stingy about ordering necessary swabs?! 😠

hiddenscout362 said:oh my God 😲😠
just go see a private doctor and get all those swabs done if this current one keeps bothering you.

Everything seemed fine on my lab results until I insisted on getting specific swabs—they found ureaplasma and strep😲 even after I finished two full rounds of antibiotics—plus yeast infections🙄

Why on earth are gynecologists so stingy when it comes to ordering swabs?! 😠

Seriously? They're such idiots.🙄

@restlesstiger102/">@@restlesstiger102: If it’s a yeast infection, it’s a real nightmare. I'm telling you, I used Canesten (both the cream and the suppositories) and Monistat (that was the name of the gel!) and that awful sensation down there still came crawling back just a week later... sometimes it feels like a stinging or stabbing sensation through my vagina, my clit, or even my labia.

I was thinking about starting Lactobacillus; I heard those tablets are supposed to be great...

I’m totally with the girls on this one... you really need to go get a second opinion and definitely get those swabs done... there’s a hundred percent chance it’s some kind of bacteria.

I’ve actually dealt with every single one of those symptoms myself... after months of running tests and searching for answers, my doctor finally determined that I'm dealing with an estrogen deficiency.
It turns out hormonal imbalances can trigger all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms too.

Megan Hill13 said:Seriously, you guys? Total idiots. 🙄

@bitch: look, if this is actually a yeast infection, then it’s being a real stubborn little jerk. I’m telling you, I tried Canesten—both the cream and the suppositories—and even that Monistat gel, but even a full week after finishing everything, that awful sensation down there just came right back... sometimes it feels like sharp stinging or poking, whether it's inside, my clit, or even my lips.

I was thinking about starting some Lactobacillus tablets, I heard those are supposed to be amazing...

If it turns out to be some kind of bacterial issue, you really need antibiotics to clear it out... they'll run some tests and check the culture results to see exactly which antibiotic hits that specific bacteria hardest, and then that's what you use to get treated...

nimbleheron2 said:I went through every single one of those symptoms myself. After months of testing, my doctor finally figured out I was dealing with an estrogen deficiency.
hormonal imbalances can trigger all sorts of uncomfortable stuff too.

Hey! You know, I actually considered the possibility that my hormones were acting up. Ugh... what kind of treatment did you end up on? Birth control? And how did your doctor actually land on that diagnosis?

Every single swab I had for bacteria or yeast came back completely normal, yet I still felt terrible.
It was just me, I suppose, but I kept feeling this awful burning sensation in my vaginal area and lower abdomen. I was absolutely convinced it had to be some kind of bacterial infection or maybe an issue with my bladder.
But after all those endless tests, I finally ran into a brilliant doctor who suggested that since everything else was clear, we should look at my hormones. It had been dragging on for nearly six months by then, and honestly, I was starting to lose my mind.
I was 36 at the time, so I wasn't anywhere near menopause, but I went ahead and had my blood work done anyway.
As it turns out, I was dealing with an estrogen deficiency.
I wasn't on birth control pills or anything; I just used a hormone cream—I believe it was called Estrace—and within a few days, I felt wonderful. Once that tube was empty, I didn't have any similar issues for years, until this year when I had my ovaries and uterus removed. Suddenly, I was without estrogen overnight and plunged straight into menopause, so now I'm facing these exact same problems all over again.🙄

So, what does it actually look like? 🤷

Is there any redness or a rash? Does the skin look irritated at all? 🤔

gentlecanyon92 said:So, how does it look? 🤷

Is there any redness or a rash? Does the skin seem irritated at all? 🤔

Never had a rash, but it does look irritated sometimes. Not always, though—it’s more of an occasional thing.

Look, go see a regular OB-GYN first and get some swabs done. Test for Chlamydia, viruses, bacteria... whatever. It could just be a skin issue (what’s your skin actually like, anyway?), since you mentioned stinging, burning, and itching around the clitoris, labia, and so on—not to mention the moisture issues, the frequent urge to pee, and that general discomfort. If the gynecologist clears you, then go see a dermatologist or a specialist at a clinic like the Mayo Clinic.

All those symptoms down there feel pretty much identical, which is why pinpointing the actual cause is such a pain. Just take it one step at a time. Good luck.

Megan Hill13 said:Since the start of the year, I've gone through at least two boxes of Monistat, plus this new topical gel—I can't recall the exact name right now... Honestly, for a while, I’ve been suspecting Chlamydia or one of its little sidekick infections... But back when I actually had Chlamydia, the discharge smell was incredibly unpleasant... and that isn't happening now. Plus, I didn't have the issues during sex that I'm having currently. My clitoris used to function perfectly fine, but now it feels like there are nothing left in there but raw nerves for pain.

Anyway, I am preparing for a new checkup (🙄) and I'll be going privately. I was just curious about what I might expect... thanks everyone 🙂

If you go to your primary care physician with a referral for a urine culture, you just buy a sterile specimen cup at the pharmacy and drop it off at the clinic in the morning (not all clinics carry them, so you should ask your doctor where to get one). Your co-pay is $17 for that. You'll have the results in two days. It's just something to get off your mind...

In the meantime, keep using Monistat and take some Lactobacillus for the yeast...

And if that doesn't work, well, then it is what it is. Someone mentioned seeing a dermatologist or a specialist... there really isn't any other way.🤷

Megan Hill13, if the itching has finally subsided after using those vaginal suppositories and various creams, but you're still struggling primarily with dryness and discomfort around the clitoris, I would strongly suggest that what you're actually dealing with is a severely disrupted vaginal flora.

I would recommend trying some Lactobacillus; it should only cost you about ten dollars or so at a local pharmacy. Even if it doesn't solve everything, it should at least help jumpstart your natural lubrication. These probiotics aren't harmful—in fact, they are quite beneficial—but you really ought to schedule an appointment with a private specialist to get a full battery of exams done as soon as possible.

nimbleheron2 said:Even after all those tests came back clear for bacteria and yeast, I still felt terrible.
I was dealing with this relentless burning sensation in my pelvic area and lower abdomen. I was absolutely convinced it was some stubborn infection or a bladder issue.
Finally, after an endless cycle of specialists, one sharp doctor stepped in and suggested we look at hormones. It had been dragging on for nearly six months, and honestly, I was at my wits' end.
I was only 36 at the time—nowhere near menopause—but I had bloodwork done
which revealed an estrogen deficiency.
I wasn't on birth control; I just used a hormone cream (I believe it was Ovestin) and felt better within days. Once I finished that cream, the symptoms stayed away for years, until this year when they removed my ovaries and uterus. Suddenly, I lost my estrogen overnight, hit menopause instantly, and all those old problems are back.🙄

I'm 35, and I'm facing the same surgery to have my ovaries and uterus removed, but I'm still hoping to have one more child. What was the reason for your surgery?