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 :(

Comments

Hope this helps!

[pretty492.livejournal.com]

I've never experienced this personally but you may just be extra sensitive? I have found though that keeping up with my acidophulus intake daily helps my vag stay balanced(ph) and less acidic and prone to discomfort. And while I love me some yogurt I find that the pills are faster, easier and cheaper. I've been taking "the vitamin shoppe" brand and it's working out more than well it's called Ultimate '10' Probiotic. All you need is one a day so the big bottle lasts for just a bit more than three months.
Also with problems near my bladder I drink(or if I'm lazy/broke) or take Cranbury juice/pills.

Re: Hope this helps!

[savedbyfaith.livejournal.com]

I actually bought some of those acidophulus pills a couple months ago - I'll try to start taking those more regularly and see what happens. Thanks!

[slipstreamborne.livejournal.com]

Just to toss out an idea, but could are you sensitive to any soaps or detergents, scented pads, etc.? Cleaning with water and a washcloth shouldn't be the problem, so do you use any shaving cream or soap if/when you shave around that area? I know I once made my crotch very angry when I switched to a stronger brand of shaving cream.

[savedbyfaith.livejournal.com]

Good point - I've used the same soap and shaving cream for awhile so I don't think that's the problem but I'll definitely be more aware of it. Thank you!

[kaelstra.livejournal.com]

You can develop an allergy to something you've used harmlessly for years. I'm living proof-I'm very, highly allergic to sunscreen chemicals, yet, as a child and teenager, I used them just fine.

I'd also wager perhaps the washcloth itself might not be helping-some of those suckers are rougher than they feel on the skin, especially that skin. I just use my fingers to get the gunk out of the labia folds.

[savedbyfaith.livejournal.com]

That sucks about the sunscreen chemicals. But if I was in fact allergic to the soap/shaving cream, wouldn't it in theory also react elsewhere (my legs, etc.)? I don't know.

But I'm sure you're right about the washcloth - that's why I asked because I wasn't sure. Thank goodness for this community :)

[pinupstar.livejournal.com]

I have that problem to. I had to get a really mild soap and now I actually clean my labia after I get out of the shower with some cutips and warm water. You might want to wash your underwear the first time with a little detergent them r un them thru a 2nd time with just water to rinse them out real good.

and switch

[flyingdogs.livejournal.com]

to an unscented, baby-safe detergent.

I know people who are so sensitive to regular detergents like tide, they get a UTI after wearing underpants washed with tide for a day.

Never underestimate the effect of chemicals on sensitive areas.

[savedbyfaith.livejournal.com]

It could definitely be the detergent. My mom buys whatever's on sale (I'm a college student so I take advantage of the free laundry whenever I go home), so it tends to change around a lot. I'll buy some unscented detergent and do a second rinse - I actually tend to use a lot of detergent when washing my clothes so that could definitely be it. Thanks so much!