[WonderingChick]

So in the last couple weeks I suddenly have pains around my vagina, like it itches but when I itch it hurts. Any ideas on why?

[joypulv]

Sounds like one of many infections. Start with yeast infection treatments at the drugstore. Monistat is one brand.

[Alty]

Do not start monistat or any yeast infection prescription unless you know for sure it's a yeast infection. Go to your doctor first. Starting a treatment for a yeast infection, when it's not a yeast infection, is not a good idea. Your body becomes immune to the treatment, then, when you actually have a yeast infection, the medication won't help. Never self diagnose or self medicate. Always go to a doctor to find out exactly what's going on.

[joypulv]

Alty, I didn't know that about developing immunity. Yeast is so common and so often self-diagnosed (usually when there is a cottage cheese discharge too) by people who can't afford doctors.

[Alty]

Alty, I didn't know that about developing immunity. Yeast is so common and so often self-diagnosed (usually when there is a cottage cheese discharge too) by people who can't afford doctors.

It is, but you can actually do more damage by treating for a yeast infection, if it isn't a yeast infection.

One thing that could be a suggestion, if this is a yeast infection (which we really can't be 100% sure of) is yogurt. Plain yogurt can cure a yeast infection much better than anything bought over the counter. It does take a bit longer, but it's all natural, and won't cause any immunity from treatment. You eat the yogurt, but, there are treatments where you insert the yogurt as you would the monistat, or whatever other yeast infection treatment you can buy over the counter. Not sure about inserting it, but I do know that eating plain yogurt can cure a yeast infection. I had this issue when I was pregnant with my daughter, and couldn't use medication to treat a yeast infection. Eating plain yogurt every day, worked.

I really think that women were greatly disserviced when yeast infection treatments were offered over the counter. Every woman assumes that any itch or discharge is a yeast infection, goes to the pharmacy, buys the over the counter medication, and is actually doing more harm than good, especially if it isn't a yeast infection.

Bottom line, I really do think that going to a doctor and getting a diagnosis, is far better than self diagnosing, treating, and possibly actually doing more harm (in the long run) than good.

But that's just my opinion, and that of my doctors. I'm not the OP. She has to choose. :)

[joypulv]

I will take all that to heart.