Hopefully you can help me with this. For the past year I have been having a problem with my menstrals. Every month, either before it or after, I develop a very irritating vaginal infection. Most of the time it occurs immediately after my period. I had begun to think that I was allergic to my own uterin lining. It got to the point when I assumed that it was something that just happens to women my age (I'm 41). But I am really concerned. I just finish a cycle this past Monday and I had to purchase Monistat 3 day last night. First I tried soaking in the bathtub (something my mother suggested) but it didn't help. There isn't much of a discharge but what does come out has a very foul smell and my vaginal area is burning and slightly swollen. There isn't any itching though. Most of the time it last for about 4-5 days after my period has ended. Please help.

VeryConfused, you have a yeast infection and Monistat isn't helping the problem. What you need is a proper treatment for the infection. You've had this for a year, so please go see a doctor as soon as possible.

Yes, Go to a doctor. Very important. As far as infections are concerned taking Baths is a big no no. When taking baths with all that soapy and dirty water, Guess where it is going. Taking baths and soaking could make it worse. You need to get advice from a doctor. It could be the pads, it could be the way you wash or anything.

Joe