His and Her Health

Hello out there....hopefully someone has some advice for me.Over the past few months (since about October '05)I've had what seems like a totally new vagina: itchy, swollen, puffy, burning,irritated when I sit for a long time(which I do a lot because I'm a grad student),and sweatier and generally more moist than usual.These symptoms do not occur all the time,usually about once a week or every two weeks.I wouldn't say I'm ever in pain, and I can still have and enjoy sex, but in general something is just off.When these symptoms started I was having a problem controlling a yeast infection brought on by antibiotics, which is now gone and has been for about 2 months.I have tested negative for all STIs, diabetes, and my vagina looks as normal as it ever has.I haven't changed detergents,soaps,I don't use fabric softner,I am healthy and in great shape.I am under a lot of school stress, but have been in years past with no problem.I did battle mild depression for a while but am now feeling better than I have in years.I have been with the same partner since just after these symptoms started.I stopped taking birth control pills in March,tried and stopped using Nuvaring after 1 month,and since use no birth control besides condoms. My periods have been normal for the most part, I've never had regular ones (mostly about every 5 weeks) but have recently been spotting in between. I'm perplexed because this has never happened to me before, and this condition seemed to come out of nowhere. No one seems to have any advice. At my last visit, my doctor perscribed Estrace Cream to use for the next 3 months and mentioned that I look into vulvodynia, which I have donw but I don't think its symptoms really fits me. The cream made me more irritated and sweaty after 2 days of use. Could this be an allergic reaction? If so, to what? I am using all the same products I've used for years (astroglide, lubricated lifestyle condoms no spermacide). This conditon makes me irritable and in no mood to be touched sexually, though as I've said, sex is not painful. My boyfriend has been wonderful in all this and even stopped using a certain lotion and soap in case it was the culprit.

Please help me if you can!

I have had similar symptoms and I have had it with it all. I have not experienced any yeast infections and I am not sexually active at this time. My symptoms started in December, which at first I thought was caused by irritants from new laundry soap and strees. My oldest daughter had a heart transplant on Thanksgiving and we were living away from home with new soaps and detergents. I would love to know what this is and how to stop it. I am however glad to know I am not alone in this problem.

Hello Artgal-
Sounds like a frustrating problem. Two thoughts come to mind when I hear complaints like this from patients:
Chronic yeast infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat- we need to look specifically for the less-common species of yeast, b/c they don't respond to the typical creams and need longer therapy to eradicate.
There are many situations where complaints like this do represent irritation from a non-infectious source, some chemical that is contacting the skin and setting off this reaction. Having your partner change his routine with lotions is a good idea. You have to be a careful thorough detective in this, and remember: just b/c you weren't allergic to something before doesn't mean you're not now.
Finally, menstrual periods more than 35 days from start to start is not normal, and needs an evaluation- esp. if there is spotting between them. There are potential causes that need to be excluded, and serious consequences if this is ignored.
Good luck.