labia sensitivity?

[savedbyfaith.livejournal.com]

I seem to have "sensitive" labia, if such a thing is possible. It seems like it's always irriated and bright red or itching. It isn't constant (some days are fine, days like today it's annoying), and I haven't noticed a change in discharge - I seem to usually have a lot. Whenever I'm fingered by my boyfriend, the inner labia are usually bright red afterwards. And today, for instance, I'm just noticing a lot of itching (but haven't been around him for four days).

I don't think it's an infection because if it is, I've had it off and on for years now. I should also note that I'm a virgin (of both oral sex and PIV sex) and so it isn't STI related. I also haven't been on any antibotics lately, but I never have a problem with developing YIs with them. I'm kind of prone to UTIs, but that's definitely not what's going on here.

Any suggestions as to what my problem is?

Also - I've read a lot here about cleaning this area and while I never put anything into my vagina itself, I do use a washcloth and water to "clean" (for lack of a better word) extra discharge lining the vulva - without touching the vagina. Is this acceptable? Is this causing my problem? I honestly feel like it itches more when I haven't removed the extra discharge - is this all in my head?

Please help :(

First colposcopy.

[inthecut.livejournal.com]

I had my first colposcopy done on Tuesday and I'm going to Dorney Park / Wild Water Kingdom on Friday. Does this mean I should avoid the water rides or just the wave pool and whatnot?

Going off the pill & continued protection

[ze-newie.livejournal.com]

I posted just yesterday about the pill & being diagnosed with high blood pressure. I have another question, this time regarding my protection over the next few days.

I've been a perfect user of the pill for as long as I've been on it (1.5 years; Alesse, if it matters). I'm going off the pill temporarily, at my doctor's request, to determine whether my high blood pressure is pill-related or if it is genetic. I took my last pill on Wednesday night, and that pill was the 7th pill of my latest pack. In other words, I've taken 7 active pills since my last placebo week.

I'm wondering, how long will I be protected for? My boy & I have a special night planned for Saturday and there will be some sex involved. But I want to know if I'll be safe to not use any other forms of protection (long-term, monogamous, the whole bit). On the one hand, I'm thinking that I will be safe, since I've been on the pill for so long & have taken it perfectly -- and that this instance is effectively the same as ending a full 21-day pill pack. On the other hand, I'm thinking that because I'll have only taken 7 of the active pills in my current pack, not taking any pills between now & Saturday will be the same thing as missing 3 pills in a row & I will have lost all protection.

I thought I had this 21-pills-taken-perfectly-and-you're-protected-for-7-pill-free-days thing all figured out, but this has me confused.

irritation

[sparkleseahorse.livejournal.com]

Yesterday while taking a shower, I was washing my genital area with tea tree oil soap. This burned A LOT, and burned even more when I went to rinse it off. I remember I experienced this a bit during my last shower, but other than that, I've always used this soap. After the shower, my "inner labia" were bright red and swollen, so much that my "outer labia" were very separated. I did have sex that evening, which burned. Later in the evening, I realized it was burning A LOT to pee, so much that I couldn't. It cleared up later that night, so I was able to pee. Today, the swelling is down a lot, and I can pee, but it's still very sensitive. I think my symptoms are typical to a UTI, but it's weird because it seems like it started with the irritation of my soap. But again, I rinsed it off so I don't know why it was so much of a problem. And, if it was the soap, why would it hurt so much to pee? I hope this just clears up since it seems to be getting better. And, this occurred the first day after my period went away, if that helps.

STI, colposcopy questions

[mind-on-fire.livejournal.com]

Hey all.

Today I had an appointment at my local Planned Parenthood to address concerns about heavy periods, spotting/bleeding between periods, pain during sex, etc. The practitioner was less than stellar and made me feel really stupid for past decisions I had made regarding my own health care so I was already an anxious mess when things started being discussed.

She said that she could see lesions on my cervix and wanted me to have a colposcopy done as soon as possible (I am scheduled for the 10th). She said that what I was experiencing could also be signs of an STI - namely Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Here's the thing... I have been with the same partner since June of 2003. Before that I was with someone in May 2003. I was tested in July of 2003 and my pap was abnormal apparently but I was STI-Free.

The guy I've been with claims he is tested and always STI-Free, and I have no reason to doubt him. This would lead me to believe that there's no real chance that what is going on is STI related. Am I missing something to where maybe this could be the case?

Basically I'm scared out of my ever loving mind... Is this STI related... is this thyroid or PCOS related (both things she said it could be, but were not her top thoughts) or could this be cervical cancer?

I'm 25 and aside from quite a few kidney stones this past year - I'm healthy it would seem.

Stories, reassurance anything is welcome. I'm just at a loss and my Google skills keep getting the same damn info over and over again.

Thanks ladies.

(no subject)

[marlo-yearight.livejournal.com]

So, i have a question about what to say or do in a certain situation.

Last night my boyfriend and I were having sex, and he finished pretty quickly. Usually we go at it for a lonnnnng time. Anyways, i didnt care, it was still good. But he felt really bad about it. He got really quiet and i could tell he was upset. So we go to the beach and we're walking and he finally says "sorry for acting weird, im just disappointed in myself, that was really bad" I told him, of course, it wasnt, but i didnt know what else to say.

What would you say or do in a situation like this? I felt so bad that he felt so bad.



On a funnier note, for some reason there were cops checking receipts at walmart last night when we bought condoms, and as we're leaving the cop checks our receipt and smiles really big and goes "haaaaave funnnnn, you two" in a really creepy voice.

Endometriosis worsened by estrogen?

[laurensellscorn.livejournal.com]

Hello! I have a question for you ladies with endo out there.. did birth control pills help or hinder your pain?

I ask because I've noticed that my cramps are BLINDING on any BCP I take.. I've tried over 7 brands, and not a single one has helped, but rather, vastly worsened my cramping. Upon some research, it seems that it's possible for the estrogen in the pills to worsen endo or enlarge uterine fibroids -- which I don't think I have because my flow isn't particularly heavy, but I have had painful periods forever + reproductive surgery for cysts.

I haven't been diagnosed with anything for my periods -- the doctors just say each time to "Try a different pill."

So, guess I'm just curious if anyone else is aware of a link. Also, has a lower-estrogen pill helped you more with cramping problems? My periods are so irregular right now and my acne so bad that I really want back on the pill, but I seriously cannot bear the intensity of the cramping. Thanks!

Spotting?

[vantis.livejournal.com]

On my last pack of birth control (marvanol 28 sp?) I skipped my hormone-free week and started straight on my next pack, because i was going on vacation and didn't want my period. It worked, because its almost september and my period usually comes around the 20th. The past two days my discharge, which is usually clear or off-white, has a slight pink tinge to it. I haven't spotted anything in my panties though. Whats up?

KY after-care?

[banyangirl1832.livejournal.com]

So I just got my first lube today (KY Warming) and I love it...I knew from reading this comm that in order to not get a yeastie you're meant to clean up after, so I went, washed off the vibrator I'd been using and washed off myself as well, using warm water. Is there anything else i should be doing afterwards? I didn't use much (didn't have to, really) but I just want to be safe. Thanks in advance!

Early period

[justxjess.livejournal.com]

Im on Lutera, a birth control pill.

I have taken it at the same times every night like a good girl. My period pills dont start until sunday, but today I started bleeding. Im just cranky about it because it spoiled plans and doesnt seem fair, lol :*(

but honestly, why would it happen? Just random? Stress?

Update from my previous post about bumps on cervix

[bpsycho4me.livejournal.com]

Alright, so I went to the doctors today. My first appointment went well with my family doctor, my blood pressure was great (maybe even a bit low, instead of really high as it was) and I got put on Ambien CR, the only prescription sleep aid safe to take every night.

( My story about my horrible doctor and exam )

Thanks for anyone who read that, and might have some input..

V.I.N. treatment questions

[candy-can-write.livejournal.com]

( Under the cut for mention of rape )

Always Wipes

[laconics.livejournal.com]

Are those Always Fresh "feminine wipes" safe? And by safe I mean do they mess up the vaginal pH balance or cause any problems? I kind of like them.

Orgams before gyno okay?

[123berries.livejournal.com]

I know it's not okay to have sex or be fingered (or put anything else in the vagina) before having a pap test, but is it okay to orgasm through purely external stimulation?

Thanks.

VP's Directory of Waxing :)

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

Based on some fabulous member feedback, we've decided to create a VP waxing directory, in the style and spirit of our already-existent gynecologist directory.

The goal is for this to be a resource VPers can use to find good waxers and aestheticians in their areas. If you have had really positive experiences with yours and would like to recommend her/him, please leave a comment to this post.

For ease of browsing, please put your city (or metro area) and state/province/country in your subject line. This will let folks find local recommendations more quickly.

Then feel free to tell us:

1. Name of the individual or business.
2. How (s)he can be contacted: website, phone number, etc.
3. Prices/ranges: (bikini, Brazilian, etc. -- include what you know)
4. "Bedside manner": How comfortable -- physically and mentally -- is a visit to this person? Friendly? Professional?
5. Anything else you'd like VPers to know about your waxer: In case we haven't covered it here. ;)

**Standard Legal Disclaimer: Having this post on LJ or on our website does not constitute VP's official endorsement of any/all of the establishments listed. As with everything else VP-related, please use this resource responsibly and with your own discretion!

HPV in Lesbians

[sara-ramirez-1.livejournal.com]

So I just found out my GF has HPV... I am pretty much in shock as to what to make of it all... She told me that the only way I could contract it is if we share toys or or direct vaginal fluids... Is this correct??? 

Any help you can offer would be awsome!!!