sore painful bump

[d0wntown.livejournal.com]

i keep getting these sore bumps near my vagina. it's always been in my bikini area, like where the legs and crotch meet and it makes it difficult to walk or move in certain ways. it starts off as just a painful bump under the skin (only noticeable because it hurts so damn much) then usually the sores drain/bust and go away within a few days. it pusses, then bleeds a bit. if i continually irritate it (by chafing or something), it doesn't heal right away.. just bleeds and tries to scab. i've noticed that they usually spring up after i shave and/or when i wear tighter underwear or underwear that have some kind of trim around the legs. it's usually only one bump, but there have been times when i had a couple bumps at one time. it's pretty soft i guess, there seems like a sack of liquid above a hard something or other. this last one sprang up yesterday after wearing tight underwear and a huge maxi pad for less than a day because of my clotting issues. and i've had pelvic exams with bumps like this before and the doctor has never said anything, so i never thought to worry. SO.. what's it sound like to you guys?

i'm under the impression that it's a cyst and not genital herpes or warts because i've been getting them for a long time and it's never been more than a couple at a time. but i am a little concerned because it COULD be one of the latter. it never started until i became sexually active - when i was molested by a man who was taking cancer medication - and he never used protection. i've always wondered if that could have something to do with it, but it's not exactly something i can ask just anyone. i just remember reading one of the medication bottles and it saying something about not having sex without protection because of the risk of birth defects (mutations, really) if pregnancy occurs. so i kinda wonder what it could have/did do to me.

excuse my train of thought if it's hard to follow. i'm half dead and i can't even sleep decently with this thing.

Douching/Washing

[mormon-princess.livejournal.com]

I'm VERY new on the NuvaRing. I just started yesterday (day 2 of my period). I was wondering if it's okay to do an inner wash with the ring. Regular soap and water. I heard douches were bad and can increase the chances of a yeast infection.

If I do an internal wash after my period (after being all icky) will that wash out the hormones?

Thanks!

x-posted in:

[Bad username or unknown identity: ,] and vaginapagina

(no subject)

[zombieautopsies.livejournal.com]

I have a few questions.

1) A few months ago, I had, what seemed to be somewhat of a yeast infection, although, I wasn't entirely positive. Unfortunately I never got around to seeing a doctor to figure out what it really was. It had started clearing up pretty good, so I didn't think twice about it. Lately I've been having little short periods of mild itchiness. I haven't noticed any foul odor and it's not that sore. Should I mark it as another possible yeast infection? If so, how should I go about getting rid of it, and could my naivety have any effect on how it effects me long-term?

2) Lately it's seemed as if I've lost sensitivity inside my vagina. A while ago, I could get fingered and feel it a considerable amount. Now it takes quite a bit for me to notice he's even doing it. Likewise when it comes to sex. What's going on here?

3) Also, I used to be able to get very wet when I was aroused. As of late, I can't even get considerably wet even after I orgasm. Any ideas on what I should do?

My apologies for having so many questions.

Any advice, tips, anything is appreciated!!

Helping women in Africa

[neaira.livejournal.com]

Two months ago, Marie Claire magazine featured an article about how young girls in Africa didn't have adequate sanitary options when they were menstruating. I emailed Caroline Mutoko, the woman in charge of the program in Nairobi, to see how I could help, what can be sent over, etc.

( Here is her email back to me )

I thought I would post this, along with the mailing address in case there was anyone else on here that would be willing to send pads overseas to these young women. They are also accepting monetary donations.

I'm sorry if this is considered off-topic. I understand if the mods have to delete this!

X-posted to several women's based communities, and my personal journal.

going off antidepressants + super-painful menstrual cramps

[datta.livejournal.com]

I'm going off antidepressants, which is working really well for me, except...

I just got my second period since today. And since the drug I was on had a really long half-life, this is really the first period without a significant amount of it in my system, and I am in AGONY.

My cramps are so bad I threw up twice.

So...my question is, when I go back to the doctor for my pre-college physical and to make her give me the HPV vaccine (she "doesn't want to be the first one" -- I don't want to get cervical cancer!), what should I be asking for? I was tested for PCOS, and I know it's not endometriosis because it's only on the first day or two of my period, but it's TERRIBLE.

Should I ask for the pill? What kind? I'm really not keen on something that's going to effect my mood or my skin since I'm just getting OFF the Prozac and I took Accutane this winter which was incredible for my skin, it's so clear now!

Are there prescription higher doses of painkillers, NSAIDs or others, that I should be looking for?

Is this new terrible-cramps thing going to go away? I've always had bad cramps, but never this bad. Has anyone else had similar problems with Prozac?

Thank you!

taste questions:

[alisonic510.livejournal.com]

I have a few (random) questions about taste:

-What kinds of foods do you recommend for a better taste? Are these foods different for boys and girls? What should one avoid? 

-How should one taste? This is for boys AND girls..i want to know if i'm 'normal'/yummy, and i don't know if my boyfriend tastes amazing. i have issues swallowing, but that could be the texture and temperature, as well. while i'm on the subject, swallowing tips, too?

-What foods make you more in the mood? For instance, if i were cooking a romantic meal for my boy's upcoming birthday, what things are aphrodisiacs?

-My boyfriend is really big on me smelling nice. I always shower before i see him, and put body lotion everywhere. Is this bad? i haven't really noticed any itching or burning because of it. I also spray my underwear with the same perfume as the lotion..its probably unhealthy, but the boyfriend likes it..is there anything more natural i could do?

-Finally: When you have a problem like discharge, can a guy taste it? i went to the gyno and she said i was 'mucousy' but it was normal..does that mean i taste gross? my boyfriend dosen't say anything about it, so i guess that's a good sign..

thanks!

painful sex

[goldenapple2.livejournal.com]

i looked around the site, and couldn't quite find any scenarios like mine. i'm just confused..and thought you ladies could offer some advice.

i had a yeast infection about 2 weeks ago and treated it with yogurt. it was my first time using yogurt, but everything seemed to go well and it went away to my knowledge. a few days later i tried having sex, and it was wayyy too painful. i thought i was just a little irritated still, and it would go away. but i tried again earlier and it was the same kind of painful experience. also, i'm not getting as wet as usual. i'm also on the nuva ring. is this normal after curing a yeast infection with yogurt? or should i make an appointment with a doctor? (my health insurance is limited, so i thought i would see if this was normal and would go away before i did so)

thank you!

Quitting the Pill: What to Expect?

[invisibelle.livejournal.com]

I'm 24 and have been taking HBC in various forms since I was 20. It has been about 2 1/2 years since I have had regular periods at all, have been doing the Seasonale every-3-months thing all that time.

I think I am about ready to quit the pill, though, in anticipation of possibly getting an IUD. (I need to test it out first and make sure life without fake hormones is bearable.) I am just a little nervous about what my body is going to do after being on HBC so long, though! My questions are:

1. How long does it usually take for periods to become regular again?
2. I get menstrual migraines from lower "estrogen" levels - will I get them all the time now that I won't be taking the pill at all?
3. Any other surprises I should expect?

Any additional pill-quitting experiences would be welcome! The only other thread I could find on this subject only dealt with question #1 above, but I want to know all about it. Has anyone quit and then decided to go back? If so, why? All input is welcome and appreciated. :)

What exactly is a bikini wax?

[misplaced-nyer.livejournal.com]

I just made an appointment for a bikini wax. I was looking online and everytime I come up with a result for a bikini wax, they're also talking about a brazilian wax. What exactly is the difference? Part of the confusion is when people say a brazilian wax means no hair left. But others say there is still a patch in front.
That's what I want. Everything gone except the patch in front. Will I get that with a bikini wax?

Tampon

[offsidewalk.livejournal.com]

Um... I've never used a tampon in my life (I've only always used maxipads). I hope no one thinks it's weird, but I'm sick of worrying whether or not my period is overflowing. So I just need some simple help.

What kind of tampons should I get? What kind is safest?

Thanks :).


-Sue

Folic Acid Supplements

[myfavouritescar.livejournal.com]

I have been suffering from some mood swings, irritability and depression lately and I have read about folic acid possibly helping to control this however the research I have done on the net suggests that mood swings and depression can occur from having low folic acids levels, I know that my levels are fine, I had the tested a few months ago. So my question - Will taking folic acid only help if i am deficient in it? The real reason I'm asking this here is that I know many women take folic acid when TTC and when pregnant, I just want a reassurance that folic acid does not increase help to fertility and that it only helps prevent birth defects, right?

I did have 2 more questions and I have completely forgotten what they are, I'm sure I'll remember soon.

EDIT: Thanks for all your help everyone.

Keeper vs Divacup vs Mooncup

[domino-girl.livejournal.com]

Hi Everyone,


now i've seen a lot about these cups on here. I'm reading about them online as well- I'm in australia so i'm not exactly sure as to which ones are available here, but still-

i was hoping to hear stories from those of you out there who have tried one or more of these cups, and what you think of them? Basically I'm hoping to find out why people have gone with the cups they have chosen- have some brands been more mouldable then others? have they had a 'longer' shape which has made them better?

i just feel like i've been overwhelmed with information from these websites!

Why I love saunas

[katarokkar.livejournal.com]

This is more of a commentary/rave than question, but I was thinking about this today at the gym and thought you women would understand.

Whenever I go to the gym, I always try to make time to relax in the sauna for a while.  Whereas I do enjoy the relaxing aspect of it, I realized today that there is another reason I love it: the women.  I absolutey love sitting in the sauna, and being able to see all these other women's bodies...no judgment, no sexual attraction, no jealousy...just admiration. 

It always amazes me how all these different body shapes are so beautiful in their own way - in its curves and folds.  I especially think breasts are so aesthetically beautiful, maybe it's just because I've always liked curves in art and design.

I want to add that I'm totally straight with a great boyfriend, but I love looking at naked women as pieces of art.  I doubt a saunaful of naked men would look as beautiful.  I've only been comfortable going topless in locker rooms for 3 or 4 years, and completely naked only since last month...since I started looking at women again.  It makes me feel so much more comfortable with my own body.  I totally recommend it to anyone...just don't stare, they may think you're creepy! ;)

(And on another really happy note, can I just say how much I love my bcp?  My periods are not only painless but they come like clockwork!  Best medication I've ever been on!)

HBC 1st time, constant bleeding and changes

[https://users.livejournal.com/-fiftyseven/]

I checked the memories, but I couldn't find anything that would answer my questions.

I've been told it's normal for there to be some bleeding when you first go on the pill, but can anyone tell me how long for and how much blood? I also don't seem to get as "wet" as well. Instead of producing mucus or whatever, I seem to be producing blood more then anything else. It's not an injury, as it's old blood- really dark, nearly black, the type you get at the start of your period. I also get these little mini cramps quite often.
And is it normal for your smell to change?