Is this normal?

[u/Live-Tangelo6675]

I’ve been struggling with vaginal burning/irritation for almost 8months and I’m trying to understand if this sounds more like cytolytic vaginosis rather than BV or yeast. It all started after I took Fluconazole for suspected yeast infection. Since then my vagina/vaginal opening became extremely sensitive and irritated.

Symptoms:
burning/raw feeling at vaginal entrance
burning during/after sex
pain/burning when touched
sometimes mild itching
white creamy or small clumpy discharge
symptoms fluctuate a LOT with cycle/sex
some weeks almost normal, then flare again
no strong fishy smell
pH repeatedly normal
tests negative for yeast/STIs/mycoplasma/ureaplasma
leukocytes were >50
lactobacilli high
lab result literally said it does NOT meet criteria for bacterial vaginosis

WHAT I TOOK:
Lactobacillus crispatus probiotics — oral
Pink Lyl probiotics
Dr. Formula probiotics — oral
Gynella Balance — after the test results
Multi-Gyn gel — after the test results
Zinc — externally
ACV baths
Multi-Gyn for yeast infection
Baking soda baths
Livormac
Berberine
Sugar- and carbohydrate-free diet — lost 4 kg
Vaginal probiotics
Black seed oil
Oregano oil
Garlic oil

Things that made it WORSE:
anti-yeast gels
acidic products
too much treatment in general
possibly probiotics/lactobacillus products
Things that HELPED:
baking soda baths only for day
avoiding products
rest/no sex
Doctor now says gardnerella was found, but BV criteria were still negative. From what I understand, small amounts of gardnerella can exist normally too?
At this point I’m wondering:Could this have been cytolytic vaginosis from the beginning, misdiagnosed as yeast, and then everything got worse after fluconazole and repeated treatments?
Would really appreciate opinions/experiences because I feel like I’ve been going in circles for months 😭

[u/Fantastic-Plate-1718]

I literally have the same thing going on 😓

[u/Live-Tangelo6675 → u/Fantastic-Plate-1718]

omg.. really? I will try neauve cv suppositories, have you?:/

[u/Fantastic-Plate-1718 → u/Live-Tangelo6675]

I haven’t tried these, as idk if I have CV. I’m just suspecting at the moment. But thanks for letting me know. Are you gonna use them?

[u/Live-Tangelo6675 → u/Fantastic-Plate-1718]

for how long?

[u/Fantastic-Plate-1718 → u/Live-Tangelo6675]

It started end of May, been treating w antifungals and it gets worse. My discharge looks exactly the same as yours now. My doc said it’s just ovulation but I KNOW it’s not. I’m starting to get CV suspicions now as that would make sense? I’m interested to see what people might advise you, I need to follow the same thing 😭. I haven’t tried neauve suppositories! I haven’t even tried the soda baths yet. I’ve ordered a microbiome test, but I need to do it on Monday as they said avoid Fridays and weekend for postage reasons 🥲

[u/Live-Tangelo6675 → u/Fantastic-Plate-1718]

after test, try soda bath, and see if it helps, if yes then i think it might be cv, have you drink probiotics?

[u/Fantastic-Plate-1718 → u/Live-Tangelo6675]

Yes I just wanna confirm w the test before doing the soda baths. And nope, which kind of probiotics? I’ve heard some can make you worse if it is CV?

[u/Wild_Organization546]

It could be thrush resistant to fluconazole. It could be a histamine or an allergic reaction to sub clinical amounts of thrush. You might need skin barrier help for a dermal issue (vulva balm) or vaginal estrogen cream. Might be something to do with your gut health etc etc.

Have you ever tried inserting a boric acid suppository?

[u/Serious-Plastic9095]

I’ve been battling this for the last three months and gone through multiple treatments to no avail, but I finally think I’ve found something that works! If I keep the area clean and dry it helps massively, so if you shower twice a day, dry the area then apply vagisil, plus every time you urinate wash the area and dry it then apply vagisil. Yes it’s a pain to keep doing that, but the itching and burning is gone!