[identity profile] whatweneversaid.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] vaginapagina
I checked the vulvopedia for information about yeast infections, but I couldn't quite find what I was wondering about.  

I've had what feels like what I would expect from a yeast infection for the past four days or more - intense itching, kind of burning feeling, really dry down there, and strong smell before the itching started, and swollen outer labia (I don't remember what my inner labia normally look like, but those are probably swollen too).  I haven't noticed any of the cottage-cheese discharge people mention - I actually haven't noticed ANY discharge lately, which is abnormal for me.

This would be the first yeast infection I've had as an adult.  I'm planning to go into the health services at my school to get it checked and verified, but I'm a bit nervous to do that.  First, I just got my period finally, although it's really light, and I've heard that getting your period can make a yeast infection go away - would this be a good reason to put off going in to see the doctor?

Second, I'm really nervous to get a pelvic exam because I have trichotillomania, impulsive hair pulling, that ends up leaving bloody scabby marks on the upper part of my mons pubis.  I know it's not healthy, and I've been working on it, but it's an improvement over past psychological self-harm issues.  I'm just nervous about having to explain it to a doctor and get lectured.  I'm also nervous that they're freak out and thin I have a rather severe STI and want to do a ton of tests.  Any advice on how to talk to the doctor about this?

Date: 2011-03-06 10:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 0embryo.livejournal.com
Be honest about the trich to your doctor, tell them that it's a form of OCD and that you're trying to work on it, but aren't over it yet. If they still think it's something else, repeat it, insist that it's the trichotillomania and not something else, and tell them you don't want them to do any tests because you're certain it's unnecessary.

For what it's worth, I have dermatillomania and had to see a dermatologist a few months ago for some odd spots on my legs. She asked me to strip to my underwear so she could examine the rest of my body - I've never been that nervous and scared, but she was amazing about it, really kind and understanding and not condescending or freaking out at all. I hope your doc will be professional enough to have a similar reaction :) Just keep in mind that they're professionals: they've probably seen and heard pretty much everything, and what's more, it's not their place to lecture people about psychological issues. Good luck!

Date: 2011-03-06 10:04 pm (UTC)
archangelbeth: An egyptian-inspired eye, centered between feathered wings. (Eye in the Pyrawings)
From: [personal profile] archangelbeth
I wouldn't put off going to see the doctor, personally, though I would inform them that you've got your period (but it's really light). If it's feeling better, then you might see how it does after the period's done. (I do agree, it sounds like a yeast infection.)

For the trichotillomania, I'd suggest putting that down on your medical record sheet, that they'll likely hand you. A good doctor will be able to take that in stride, and should know better than to jump to the STI conclusion. You can also warn them ahead of time that you're very nervous because you're working on the trichotillomania, but it's looking a little bloody right now, and you feel self-conscious about it. Again, a good doctor will just ask if you're able to get any help for this, and if so, drop it, and if not, offer any resources they might know about.

Or you could even write all this down in a note and just hand it to the doctor! Including, even, "Please don't lecture me about this. I know it's not healthy and I'm working on it." Again, a good doctor will respect you. And a bad one... you are entitled to walk right out of the room, or tell the doctor you're going to get dressed now. They can't restrain you -- that would be assault. So you can plan out a "worst case" escape tactic, if that would help you!

I hope this is helpful to you!

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