Discharge (bloody, purulent...), white wash... - general questions

William Perez4 said:I mean, seriously, how can you even think about skipping out on seeing a gynecologist?? My goodness, we're talking about your own health here. Especially if you've always dealt with irregular periods...

I have them too, and honestly, my gynecologist didn't seem to care much when I brought it up...
I know a good number of women who deal with that same irregularity...

So, what's the deal there? My doctor actually told me that if my cycle ever stretches past 35 days, I should probably start on birth control. Honestly, I think I’d be freaking out if I were in the shoes of the girl mentioned above

Ugh... mine is always late because, I mean, I honestly have no clue when it's even going to show up... sometimes it's just 4 or 5 days, but other times it's like two or three weeks late, who knows really?

That feels like such a massive range to me, you know? Like, having it vary that much... personally, my period has only been about 15 days late three times in my entire life, and every single time I absolutely lost my mind at home 😬

William Perez4 said:So, what's the deal there? My doctor actually told me that if my cycle ever stretches past 35 days, I should probably start on birth control. Honestly, I think I’d be freaking out if I were in the shoes of the girl mentioned above

Ugh... mine is always late because, I mean, I honestly have no clue when it's even going to show up... sometimes it's just 4 or 5 days, but other times it's like two or three weeks late, who knows really?

That feels like such a massive range to me, you know? Like, having it vary that much... personally, my period has only been about 15 days late three times in my entire life, and every single time I absolutely lost my mind at home 😬

I can't. Some stupid genetic disorder...

ajoooj 😢
Mom, I’m actually on oral contraceptives anyway... I’m not entirely sure why, though it does seem to help with my PCOS issues. Still, I guess it’s probably better not to take them unless it’s absolutely necessary 👍

I’ve been dealing with this discharge right alongside a bout of the flu—at first, I honestly thought my immune system just tanked and I’d picked up some kind of ovarian inflammation, but the flu passed and this discharge is still hanging around.
It’s a yellow-brown color, pretty heavy, thin, and doesn't have much of a smell; it started showing up the day after my period ended.
On top of that, everything down there feels irritated, especially the labia—it’s stinging and hurts when I touch it, plus there's a bit of discomfort when I pee.
I have an appointment with my gynecologist next week, but does anyone have a rough idea of what might be going on here?😢

I'm actually dealing with that exact same issue myself—I've got an appointment coming up for it next week too...

I deal with this constantly... honestly, I've lost count, I'm on my 7th visit to the gynecologist already!

It could totally be fungi... honestly, that’s pretty "normal" and happens all the time...
You'll probably just get some cream or those vaginal suppositories and you'll be fine 😉

So, I already went to the gynecologist today and things aren't looking great.😢

Honestly, the whole area is so inflamed he couldn't even perform a proper exam—but his takeaway was either a vaginal infection (which would be Candida, like Pretta mentioned 🙂) or, in the worst-case scenario, herpes 😢.

I never thought I’d actually be hoping for a Candida diagnosis XD.
Good grief.

That’s exactly how I felt too... I was convinced things were going way more south than they actually were. But in the end... it's "just" some stupid Candida... I feel like I have it practically all the time. My boyfriend and I just keep passing it back and forth.🙄

So, what did you guys end up getting for that Candida situation? Like, some antibiotics? Or just those vaginal wipes?
🙈And does it actually have anything to do with yeast infections?

I dealt with the exact same issue for years, just couldn't seem to shake that Candida. Ever since I started using Lactogyn two months ago, everything has finally settled down and my supply feels totally normal again. Maybe give it a shot.

Candida is actually a fungus...

In my case, it honestly doesn't seem to be linked to anything specific. I've just got it... and I’m genuinely curious if things will finally settle down once I stop using birth control. Some people claim there's a connection there, suggesting it might have to do with whether vaginal pH levels are staying where they should be.

Nathan Smith12 said:Candida is actually a fungus...

In my case, it honestly doesn't seem to be linked to anything specific. I've just got it... and I’m genuinely curious if things will finally settle down once I stop using birth control. Some people claim there's a connection there, suggesting it might have to do with whether vaginal pH levels are staying where they should be.

Yeah, totally. I used to be on birth control too, and ever since then, these issues just started popping up. I haven't been able to shake them at all... but about three months ago, I started taking Lactogyn probiotics, and now I can tell my pH is back to normal.

Nathan Smith12 said:Candida is actually a fungus...

In my case, it honestly doesn't seem to be linked to anything specific. I've just got it... and I’m genuinely curious if things will finally settle down once I stop using birth control. Some people claim there's a connection there, suggesting it might have to do with whether vaginal pH levels are staying where they should be.

I honestly thought I knew, but figured I'd ask before I went off on some random theory😬
My OB-GYN told me it could come from using public or shared restrooms—I lived in a college dorm, and even though I disinfected the toilet every single time with special wipes, it didn't seem to help, and the communal showers too. Then she asked if I was on any meds (which I am), so apparently that plays a part, too. She also grilled me about whether I use any specific soaps or washes down there, and then gave me this whole lecture on how the best way to clean up is just with warm water, blah blah blah...
There are a million theories out there... 😁

Candida is the fungus most commonly responsible for infections, though smaller amounts live in your gut naturally. Symptoms usually involve increased discharge, redness, and itching. An infection typically hits when your immune system takes a hit, but it can also pop up after a round of antibiotics, while on birth control, during pregnancy, or—in about two-thirds of cases—through sexual intercourse. Most people just use Canesten or Plymicol, maybe some vaginal suppositories plus a cream, and it clears up in a few days.
While you're treating it, it might be a good idea to cut out sugar and stick to yogurt with LGG or Acidofil. You can also pick up Lactogyn tablets at any pharmacy to help strengthen your vaginal flora. It’s also probably best to avoid tight clothes, thongs, or synthetic underwear; cotton is better so your skin can actually breathe. I'd suggest skipping those various washing gels and just using lukewarm water instead, and definitely stay away from pantyliners.
Obviously, you should avoid sex during treatment. Also, make sure to dry off thoroughly after showering, because moisture is basically an invitation for yeast to thrive.
I've also heard that tea tree oil is really helpful when fighting Candida, but you have to be careful with it since it can be irritating to the skin. You should probably dilute it with a base oil before using it.

My gynecologist is suspecting genital herpes...
Even though I told her it’s basically impossible—I’ve been with the same partner for ages and we’ve never had any issues, plus I know for a fact he hasn't cheated on me.

Is it actually possible for herpes to just stay dormant for over a year and only show up now, especially since my immune system has taken a hit a few times throughout the year? Why wouldn't the virus have flared up sooner?

Has anyone else dealt with something similar?

I don't know, I had it over the summer—you know, hanging out at beaches and all that... and that was five years ago. I mean, I'm not sure if those painful lumps show up right after the infection hits. Maybe you picked it up at a public restroom, or maybe at the pool, or even from your guy.

Paul Hughes5 said:My gynecologist is suspecting genital herpes...
Even though I told her it’s basically impossible—I’ve been with the same partner for ages and we’ve never had any issues, plus I know for a fact he hasn't cheated on me.

Is it actually possible for herpes to just stay dormant for over a year and only show up now, especially since my immune system has taken a hit a few times throughout the year? Why wouldn't the virus have flared up sooner?

Has anyone else dealt with something similar?

It's possible you've had the virus for a while, but your immune system was just strong enough to keep things quiet, even during those times it felt run down. Once you're infected, the virus hangs out in your nerve cells and can flare up whenever. Things like stress, a fever, your period, or even too much sun can trigger it. I'd say wait for the Pap smear results first, and maybe get a specific test to see if the virus is actually there. Don't stress too much before the results come in; it might just be a false alarm.

Nathan Smith12 said:That’s exactly how I felt too... I was convinced things were going way more south than they actually were. But in the end... it's "just" some stupid Candida... I feel like I have it practically all the time. My boyfriend and I just keep passing it back and forth.🙄

Why don't you just undergo treatment at the same time and start using condoms to finally get rid of this? 😕