Infection?

[mylittlebox.livejournal.com]

I'm 8 months pregnant and can no longer see my vagina, so I took a handheld mirror and took a look. No abnormal discharge, but the area between my outer and inner labia was lined with some chunky white stuff. Not a lot, just a little bit of it, but enough to worry me. It's been there (that I know of) over two weeks now and I don't itch or smell anything, and it never builds up enough to rub off on my panties, but it's still there all chunky and ew. What could this be? Should I see my OBGYN about it?

Spotting or Period?

[fufufuuu.livejournal.com]

Hey everyone!

I just have a quick question I'm thoroughly unsure about...

So my period was supposed to start on the 8th, and it did, but the catch is... it's insanely light. And if it had come at any other time, I would've assumed it was spotting...but it came at the right time. Needless to say, I'm a little....confused? I usually have pretty heavy periods, but this is almost nothing in comparison.

So I was wondering what may be the cause of this, and whether it's spotting or my actual period? I've recently started taking alot of vitamins (9 to be exact), and I figured this might have played a role in maybe readjusting how my period is? I've also been kinda stressed so I haven't ate as much as I normally do.

A sidenote is that I had sex on Saturday with the SO, we used a condom, he didn't come, and so I'm not *too* worried about that, but I figured I'd mention it as well. I also remember hearing sometimes having sex will affect your period (i mean, besides the obvious babymaking part!), so I'm just a little curious.

What do you guys think? Should I be a little concerned about the sudden change in my period (or whatever is happening to me right now), or should I just relax?

butt rash?

[astraevirgo.livejournal.com]

Hey, VP --

Once upon a time, I went to the gyno and she told me that my skin was slightly irritated by the moisture. She showed me with a hand mirror where my butt crack was red, but not all that inflamed or rash-like from the moisture. She recommended cotton underwear (check) and not wearing underwear at night (check).

However, as time has gone on, my butt cheeks stick together more and more. I've probably gained some weight in the last couple of months, but we're now at a point where it's rather painful and distracting. It's temporarily releaved when I wash myself in the shower, but it never lasts all that long.

Thoughts? Remedies? How should I be cleaning the area, anyway? Are soaps okay? I know they're not good for my vagina.

Thank you in advance!

late

[ladyofannwn.livejournal.com]

So I went off the pill about a month ago, and proceeded to put myself in a slightly risky situation... and now I'm a few days late.

My cycle hasn't snapped back to normal (very short) and it's not sticking to what it was on the pill. I know I'm probably paranoid over nothing, but I just have this nagging bad feeling and need some reassurance that it's normal for things to be off after going off bc.

Does anyone have any advice about bringing on your period herbally?


If there's already a post on this please just refer me there.

First PAP , and tilted cervixes too!

[menstrualmusing.livejournal.com]

I had my first PAP today, along with a full physical. It was kind of uncomfortable, but I had my doctor in hysterics the entire time, which helped ease the awkwardness. She got a kick out of it when she showed me the speculum and I said "Pfft, that's it? I've had bigger."

(I didn't really INTEND to keep making bad jokes, but I can't help it when I'm nervous. I think I even made a "What, no dinner first?" joke. I was that nervous.)

I also got the first of three Guardasil shots. She grabbed my arm, investigated it, and announced to me that she can't give me a shot in my arm because the muscle is so thin, she's hit the bone. So, shortly after putting my pants back on, I had to pull them down again :P She also, from a medical standpoint, ordered me to excersize daily. Apperently, my muscles are pretty much as underdeveloped as they can get. Probably thanks to very nasty malnutrition throughout puberty. I've gotten that part fixed up, at least.

I also found out I do in fact have the same crazy tilted/inverted cervix as my mom does. This doesn't mean anything unless I decide to have children, in which case I'll likely need a C-section. They tried to have her give a natural birth for her first, and the attempt failed miserable, she had to have an emergency c-section. I'll keep this in mind for the future. Besides that, everything looks normal, and I got a years prescription of TriNessa out of the deal :P

(at lunch, my mother told my a story about how she found out about her cervix issue - It was completely inverted for a short while, and on her first PAP, the doctor plainly said "I can't actually FIND your cervix." that was 25 years ago, hopefully medical technology has advanced :P)
(then on the way home my car battery died, had to get a jump, then someone ran me off the road, and my radiator went out. hell, the doctors appointment has been the most enjoyable part of my day so far!)

Endless period part 2

[recycleanimals.livejournal.com]

I made a post a little over a week ago about how I've been on Lybrel since September and I've been on my period for the last five, now six weeks. Based on the responses I received, I made an appointment at my university's student health clinic and got switched to a different pill with a higher dosage: Loestrin FE 1/20. The clinician I saw told me to email her with a follow-up once I had started taking the new pill to see if it stopped my period or not. I've been taking the new pill since last Friday and my period has actually gotten worse, and it's starting to act like my periods before I went on birth control: heavy cramping, horrible back pain, and lots of nausea. Is it too early to follow-up with the clinician? She told me that if this one doesn't work, she'd bump me up to the next highest dosage of Loestrin. I wasn't sure if these symptoms aren't just my body adjusting to the new pill and it hasn't had a chance to balance out my period or not, so that's why I'm asking here. The first 5 weeks of this period was more of just an inconvenience because I didn't have any pain or nausea, but now that there is a lot of pain and nausea, it's more of a serious problem for me because I have a job that requires substantial physical labor that I can't take time off from.

So, is it too soon to ask the clinician to bump me up to the next dosage, or should I wait another week?

Cross-posted to birthcontrol.

ortho tricyclen lo

[whiterabit.livejournal.com]

So I have a question I have been on ortho tricyclen lo for about 2 years I guess, I went off it for about 4 months to Aviane which fucked up my body so bad it caused outbreaks (which was rough for me because I NEVER had acne so it was really hard to handle), made my body so dry I couldnt lubricate to save my life and if I did not take the pill at the same time every day I would bleed for the rest of the day, even if I took it 20 minutes late.

I intially went off OTC-lo because I realized in the very beginning of taking OTC-lo that as I got further into the pack I was a emotional wreck as in I would start crying randomly at not even sad commercials and if I got even a little frustrated it would end in sobs (and I am not a big crier so I knew this was out of the ordinary, plus who sobs at McDonald's commercials where mean children wont share their french fries with the lonely one??).

But after my experience with Aviane I was way to nervous about all the horrid side-effects that would or could come from trying out yet another pill. So I went back on OTC-lo and thought perhaps the side effects would be different, however that was over a year ago now and I realize that the 2 days before my period I am so utterly depressed its awful and the day I get my period something always happens that ends up with me in tears like hysterical, body wrecking sobs, its like the day I finally cry about something I know I am getting my period, and its kind of getting a lot to deal with this huge emotional mood swing.

Now right now the protection part of it is not necessary, (in a monogamous relationship despite the fact he and i are on other sides of the globe presently) and for the last week I have been putting off taking the first pill because I just dont know if not feeling the pains of ovulation (whenever I go off bc I realize how achey and crappy normal ovulation makes me feel, like a little sick and uncomfortable all month) is worth the huge ridiculous out of control mood fall out I am going to get when I get to two days before my period.

I just dont know what to do. I am sort of sick of hormonal birth control, I mean I enjoy the non-babiness (I am only 21) but is it worth all this drama? I am not sure why I am posting this, I guess just to talk about my frustration. Ha-rumph. I don't know what to do.

Thank you for letting me rant, ladies (and gents). I just need a ear.

laparoscopic tubal ligation under LOCAL anesthsia

[subbie-bunny.livejournal.com]

(the recent tubal ligation question spurred me to post this one, that i've been mulling the past few days. after much thought (years worth) i have made the choice to be sterilized.

since i have nickel hypersensitivity, i cannot use Essure (which was my first option, which i only just leaned i cannot have.) so, my only choice now for permanent sterilization is tubal ligation. (somehow, it seems really unfair to me that this is my only choice. *grump*)

i am NOT interested anyway, anyhow, in epidural anesthetic (as in, i will not have it. period), and i'd like to avoid general if at all possible. i know that many women have laparoscopic tubal ligation under local, and i want to know if any of you VPers have experienced this.

so, anyone have info about laparoscopic tubal ligation under LOCAL anesthsia. time to normal activity, discomfort levels, etc. was it difficult to find a practitioner who uses local?

or anyone else with tubal ligation info, of any brand? this is something i am very serious about, and i would like to have some input from women who have undergone it.

(oh, i'm also kinda the crunchy hippy natural kinda person, so anyone else like that, please please comment?)

thanks in advance,

~melly

average time off work?

[vertebrae.livejournal.com]

For those of you who have had a laparoscopic tubal ligation:

How long did it take for you to feel well enough to go back to work?

I had mine the morning of April 4, and tried to return to work April 9, only to find that I was too frail to make it through the day. Today is the same. I'm woozy and pinchy-hurty. Does this sound within the range of normal healing time? I know everybody's different, but I feel like kind of a weakling, and I think it would help to know how others have fared.

That's all. ;)

Thank you! x-posted, again.

the ever-so illicit first post about pain after sex.

[medi-sin.livejournal.com]

i couldn't quite find anything like this in the memories..
( my situation goes something like this: )

Period

[cherrybabe21.livejournal.com]

Ok so I have not started my period yet, I took my first placebo pill yesterday I was worried about pregnancy but I have taken three pregnancy test in the past few days, and all say negitive. And another question I was wondering about do you still ovulate while you are on birth control? 

First gyno?

[schnoogles.livejournal.com]

Well, I can't believe this is something I've managed to overlook.

I consider myself pretty well-educated on the subjects of periods, sex, protection, and my body and cootchie in general.

But one thing I've never understood is the need to go to a gyno *rightassoon* as you've had sex or turned 18/19/21, whatever.

The age thing: is it a legal matter? It seems that any vajayjay problems can occur way before your late teens/early twenties.

The sex thing: what are they checking for? If you've just lost your virginity to another STD-free virgin, there's no way you could have an STD.

The reason I'm asking is that I am both over 18 and sexually active, but never saw a reason to go to a gyno.

Can you lovely ladies help clear this up for me? What's the big deal?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I've had two sexual partners. My first partner had an STD test before we ever had sex and was negative for everything.

My second and current sexual partner had only had one partner before me. They lost their virginity to each other.

Also, there is no possibility that I could have contracted a disease by sharing needles etc. because I've never done any drugs.

EDIT 2: Thanks for all your input, everybody. I think I've got enough information now ;)

PMS and Depression

[jexalicious.livejournal.com]

 Hello everyone.  I'm new here.  I've got a question for all you lovely ladies in VP land.

I have had boughts of depression for the last 4 years.  It's seasonally affected, and this winter it was much worse than usual.

With that being said, I think I suffer depression related to my period, as well.  Instead of the usual cranky, crampy PMS syndromes I feel so depressed that I want to curl up and disappear.  Today is one of those days.  Does anyone else experience extreme lows from PMS?  

Thank you.

Pity towards women who can't orgasm?

[tisha313.livejournal.com]

Whenever a woman reveals that she never had a orgasm from sexual intercourse, or never had one in general it seems that people often "pity" her or say condescending things like "what's the point of having sex?" I've even noticed some women who think they are better than others who can't orgasm, and even brag about it. Has anyone else notice this behavior amongst women?

Wanting to get birth control/pap smear/insurance question all in one!

[gummiegirl04.livejournal.com]

So my parents are in the military. And how our doctor system works is a little different than non-military folk from what I understand. We don't pay for anything at the doctors, they just give it to you. No pharmacy or anything.

Anyway, I'm 22 and I am a fulltime student and under my parents insurance. I've never been to a gyno or had anything looked at. I wanted to get birth control, as I am sexually active so I made an appt. at my doctors for a pap smear. I'm not sure if that's what I needed to do in order to get birth control but I think thats generally what most people do?

So, I wanted to know if i would be able to go to the doctor, like i normally do and walk out with a prescription for birth control without my parents being aware of why I went. I hope that makes sense!

2 Unrelated Questions...

[lesson-in-love.livejournal.com]

Hi all!

I've got 2 very unrelated questions. I'll try and make them short and sweet, but no guarantees! xP

1. Before period changes?
For the past couple of months, I've been noticing changes in my vaginal discharge and urine about a week before my period. I've been getting my period for oh, 4 years or so, and have never had normal start time of my period till recently (when I started having sex with my boyfriend, weirdly enough...). My urine smells way more pungent and slightly acidic around this time, which has NEVER happened. My discharge becomes more thick and slightly yellow, although I know this is normal. Does anybody have any thoughts as to what this could be? I'm mainly curious because it's more of a recent thing, rather than longterm. I did look through the memories and through Vulvapedia, but couldn't find anything that even remotely matched my symptoms.

2. Cost of Depo?
Also, I'm planning on going to a local teen clinic on Friday to get my first Depo shot. I'm not going to use my parents insurance. Although I know prices vary from place to place, does anyone have any past experiences of cost? I need to pay in cash, and don't really want to take out more than necessary.

Thanks a bunch everyone!

missed Gardasil shot

[fairlyalarmed.livejournal.com]

Hi everyone,
I just noticed that I missed the date when I was supposed to get my second Gardasil shot - March 24 - because I was out of town and just plain forgot. Has this happened to anyone else? Will I still be able to get my second and third shots? My mom has HPV and I've seen what she has gone through, and I would really like to be protected against it.
Also, I'm at college right now, several hours away from home. Does anyone know if most university health centers carry Gardasil? I've heard some do, but I was just wondering if this was true.
Thanks!!

Insurance Covering an IUD

[hoodsey.livejournal.com]

This may have been asked before and I tried to find something on it in the history... BUT to no avail...

My goal is to find out how many of you with IUDs were covered by insurance. Partially? Not at all? Fully? And which one you got. I'd also like to know which Insurance Company you have, if you feel comfortable to tell me. I'm going in on the 23rd to talk to my gyno more about it but my mom and I were trying to get more of a feel of whether most insurance companies cover it or not. We read through our plan and it was very vague... like, it sounds like it may fully cover it, but at the same time, not at all. So confusing. Anyway, any input from you ladies would be awesome!

And if this has been posted before, please just refer to that post if possible. =) Thanks!

Status of the Hymen?

[masquedmeran.livejournal.com]

Maybe this is a silly question, but I'd really love some input on the subject.

My question is basically this: how do you know if your hymen is still intact? I've read varying descriptions, and a few have led me to believe that mine very likely might not be, even though I have no memory of any incident that seemed to indicate it had broken.

If this is inappropriate, please delete the topic, but otherwise, input please? :) 

Threesomes?!

[beachgurl122.livejournal.com]

Hello Girls! I just wanted some thoughts/ experiences/advice...My bf and I have been together for a few yrs and always told me he never got anything out of 2 females together. Now, out of the blue, all of a sudden...he told me he had a dream about me and another woman sexually. And he would like to try it out, BUT he wouldnt participate, only with me...I dont know why, but I am very hurt about this whole thing. I feel like he lied to me and its a form of cheating....I am vERY upset about this and I dont know why...I have nothing against people who engage in group sex, bisexuals, etc....But I am rather confused about this whole thing...And ideas? Thanks girls, you are the best!

EDIT: SORRY, I DONT THINK I WAS CLEAR ENOUGH. THE REASON I FEEL HURT IS BECAUSE HE WANTS ANOTHER PERSON IN OUR BEDROOM...LIKE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HE WANTS TO BE WITH/ BE INTIMATE WITH. AND WE ARE IN A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP, AND I GUESS ITS KINDA IMMATURE, BUT I FEEL MAD HE WOULD WANT TO SEE ANOTHER WOMAN SEXUALLY WITH ME ( HENCE THE SENSE OF CHEATING )

rampant paranoia...

[twirlingvixen.livejournal.com]

I started Nora-BE progesterone-only birth control pills February 16th (the first day of my period).

Had unprotected sex about 48 hours later, and have had it approx. 3 times a week since.

According to my normal cycle, which was always pretty regular, my period was due March 15th. I started spotting March 11th, and it quickly turned into a full-blown period, which lasted until March 19th. After it ended, about a week passed by and I had two days of very light spotting.

There have been a few days since--maybe once or twice a week--where I have taken the pill late. By late, I mean more than an hour later than my normal time. A few times I was more than 3 hours late. My period was "due" (obviously my normal cycle is compromised by the birth control) Monday or Tuesday. Since it was early last month, I'm very worried that it hasn't come yet. I haven't had any spotting or cramping, my breasts are very sore (they were sore for a week or two when I started the POP, but haven't been since), and I have all sorts of probably-completely-in-my-head pregnancy symptoms.

My questions for you all. . . Am I justified in being worried? I know my body is probably still adjusting to the pill, and there is a possibility that POPs can cause the cessation of periods altogether. Is it too early to take a pregnancy test? I'm assuming that taking the pill has thrown off my normal cycle, and IF I ovulated it could have been anytime in this cycle. And, finally, what would happen if I stopped taking it for a few days, and abstained from sex/used back-up for a week or so? I'm concerned that if I am pregnant, consistently taking the pill would harm the baby. If I stopped taking it for a few days, and I'm not pregnant, would this induce my period to come? Or would that just be withdrawal bleeding? Or would it not do anything at all?

I'm sure I'm just overly paranoid, but I really appreciate any answers you can give me... Thank you!

RIP Nuva Ring

[jesuslivesnigga.livejournal.com]

So, I've posted on here at least twice about my various vagina woes in the past couple months.

WELL, I've been to the doctor, been tested, even made my BF switch to a different soap.

I have now self diagnosed the problem as being my Nuva Ring.
All my problems started the month I put it in (November), and since then, I've probably had a month or two total of good vagina weeks! That makes what...3 or 4 months of stupid vagina!

For example, this month I ended my period on Friday (4th). That is also the day I just happened to put in the ring.
I felt fine up until about Monday (7th). That's when I noticed more discharge than normal.
Tuesday when i woke up, it was itching juuuuuust a little. Wednesday...ok this itching is getting a little annoying.
Today, it's like a nonstop annoying itch, and very apparent filmy off-whitey mucusey icky (not cottagey).

Now, I take care of my giney I think. I hardly ever wear thongs, cotton underwear 85% of the time, never put soap in it, wipe front to back, always pee and wipe up after sex ETC ETC.

ANYWAYS LONG STORY SHORT

I called up the health clinic today and scheduled an appointment on April 28th to switch HBC.
Now, I LOVE the ring, because I'm terrible at keeping up with pills.
I just don't think it loves me as much, so I WANT A REMEDY!

So, if I take out the ring..like tonight..will I get a period in the next couple days?
Or should I leave it in and stick with my icky vagina til the 25th when I take the ring out?
I just don't know! Halp? THX!

HBC hormones

[elanor-g.livejournal.com]

Hi firstly sorry if this has been asked before.

When taking hbc, on the pill free week do the hormones actualy leave your system?  I've just been wonderin that, durring my pill free week I actualy feel like me again not some crazy cow.

IUD question (again) about bleeding

[pezpyre.livejournal.com]

I got my Paragard inserted on Monday (it was near the end of my period; probably the second to last day, b/c the flow was light.) I know it's normal to bleed a little after IUD insertion, but I'm still bleeding. Is this normal? It's not copious amounts of blood, and it's mostly the dark brownish kind. I'm wondering if it's because the RNP had trouble getting the IUD in (b/c of my crooked cervix problem thingy.)
Anyway, what I'm basically wondering is 'is this normal?'