I need female help?

Question

I don't use Sanitary napkins only tampons but last December I had a super heavy period that required me to use both. I changed maybe once an hour. It lasted for almost a month and the doctor's said there was nothing wrong, that I was just adjusting to some changes (whatever that meant). Well the reason I never use napkins is because I think I am alergic to them. It itches and this is why I only use tampons. Well anyway since I used them for a long time I kept scratching and scratching. Then I started using Vagisil creme, wipes and powder and I still itch. The doctor says to keep using it but it has been 8 months now and I have a terrible rash that doesn't go away and I don't know what to do. Please help me...

Answer 1

Both commercial tampons and commercial pads contain bleaches and chemicals to make them whiter – this is the only reason they use these manufacturing methods, in making them 'whiter than white' it is implying menstruation is dirty furthering taboos regarding menstruation that keeps women believing only 'whiter than white' products will do and so keeping their customer base strong.

These chemicals and bleach cause problems;

-Your vagina has natural flora (bacteria) that help keep it healthy, chemicals in or around the vagina can interrupt natural vaginal PH, this in turn leads to an imbalance in the vagina's natural flora leading to certain bacteria or yeast to overgrow leading to infections such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush.
-Your vagina is made up of mucosa that does not have the protective layer as skin does so the chemicals can make their way into the body much easier than they would do if they had just come into contact with your skin.
-Chemicals used can irritate the skin or cause allergies, the mucosa is more sensitive than skin, tampons also cause vaginal splitting and irritation that can further irritation and risk of infections.

Commercial pads are also made from synthetic material such as the paper pulp that makes up the main part of the pad, gel as the absorbent core and plastic backing, all together this means that not only are the plastics irritating but they all prevent aeration – when your vulva is not well ventilated it means it remains moist and warm and so the perfect environment for yeast to multiply leading to yeast infections. Commercial tampons do not only have the issues of chemicals and bleach but also by their very nature they are bad for vaginal health as they prevent your vagina from cleaning itself out, they give bacteria and yeast the prefect place to multiply and cause vaginal splitting as well as result in fibre loss, all this adds up to increased risk of infections and TSS.

Vagisil is funny, they have advertisements for their cream to cure 'feminine itching' they then follow those adverts with advertisements for feminine wipes and washes, these wipes and washes actually increase your risk of infection and irritation for the same reason as commercial pads and tampons – chemicals interfere with vaginal PH leading to infection, chemicals can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Feminine hygiene products like these are not only unnecessary but also potentially harmful, all you need to use to keep yourself clean is water to rinse off dead skin or sweat from the vulva, your vagina is self-cleaning so it can take care of the rest.

If you have a continuing infection – which by the sounds of it you do have – then it should be treated for one, but you should also try to determine the cause, of course menstrual options are a big factor, as too are soaps or washes used to clean your vagina/vulva as discussed, but also any other chemicals such as from washing powders you use on your clothing if they are too harsh or have ingredients you are sensitive to. Other possible reasons could be tight clothing, synthetic clothing or wearing panties or PJ's to bed, all would restrict aeration to your vulva that could cause problems. High alcohol and sugar intake is another factor as yeast love sugars, this is why yeast infections are very common in women with diabetes – your problems may be a sign of illness such as diabetes or a problem with the bacteria in your gut.

Doctors are ignorant – it is this simple – most doctors have to know a wide variety of information on a wide variety of things so cannot be expected to know everything; I have actually met gynaecologists that do not even know of tampon risks – fortunately I have been in a position where I was given the opportunity to teach them otherwise while training them in Fertility Awareness Method. It's important to educate yourself so you don't rely on what your doctor knows or does not know, it is also good to get second or even third and forth options.

Chances are you either have an allergic reaction to the chemicals within the products you are using or you have given yourself an infection, so step one is to switch to safer menstrual options, step two is to get tests done to see if you have an infection, step three is to get any infections treated – or you can skip the second step, if you do have an infection it is going to be either bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection, both of which you can treat at home either with medicated cream, using pro-biotic yogurt in your vagina at night washing out in the morning – eating pro-biotic yogurt will help too by insuring good gut health obviously though not the same as the yogurt you used in your vagina, putting a garlic clove in your vagina every few hours, using tea tree essential oil in your vagina, etc. Try the following site for home treatment - http://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast


Links for healthier menstrual options;

http://www.natracare.com – Organic tampons and pads
http://www.jadeandpearl.com – Sponge tampons
http://www.lunapads.com – Cloth pads, etc.
http://www.gladrags.com – Cloth pads
http://urban-armor.org/urban-armor - Cloth pads
http://www.wen.org.uk/sanpro/reports/makeyourown_web.pdf - DIY cloth pads
http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm - DIY cloth pads
http://www.divacup.com – Silicone bell-shaped menstrual cups
http://www.keeper.com – Rubber bell-shaped menstrual cups
http://www.softcup.com – Plastic diaphragm-shaped menstrual cups

Answer 2

I have that rash too when I use napkins! And to use them for that long must have been hell! Are the napkins tight when you use them? Tight ones cause rashes...Was the Vagisil Creme prescribed? Maybe you should change it and use another one. Or get a second opinion from another doctor. Use antiseptic in water to wash the affected area and an anti-pespirant power... if your period has stopped try not wearing anything too tight that would irritate the rash and let the affected area breathe for a while while changing the routine you are using now. Good Luck!

Answer 3

OK, I am a guy and don't ask me what brought me to finish this questions without running away screaming, but I think I can help. My girlfriend is allergice to latex and has a crazy rash right now on her chest and stomach from her bra. What I learned about rashes would amaze you. But the main thing I learned is that more moisture makes it worse. I think Vagisil is water based, but water and body fluids also makes it worse. Try four things. First, take baths with Aveeno brand oatmeal to stop the itch. Find it by body lotion and other anti-itch stuff in the pharmacy section of the grocery store. Next, use baby power to absorb moisture. Next, if you have some kind of allergy, take benedryl tablets. (alternatives to the above is hydrocortizone cream for itch). If all else fails, get a second opionion from another doc or dermatologist....8 months is just too long.

Answer 4

well first of all it is not good to always use tampons while on your period. i used to use napkins to but now i use tampons most of the time , but it is not good to use tampons all the time while on your period b'cuz you have to let all that bad blood and let your body clense itself out normally everyonce in a while. STOP itching and if you feel like you have to scratch more and more take sit baths and soak in the tub for a while. Also when you go to the store to buy tampons or napkins then you should buy UNSCENTED and or perfume free. Another thing is buy DOUCHE But get the Unscented and perfume free Douche. ok But what ever you do DO NOT Douche all of the time. Douche Only right after you've just finished your period, And Only Douche (1)Once every 6 months. Because it is not good to Douche All the time ok .

Answer 5

Sounds like a yeast infection. These can be caused by stress, abnormal activity in the vaginal area, lots of things. Try an over-the-counter treatment like monistat. Use at least a 3 day treatment. The one day treatments are not as effective in these cases. Spread some cream on the outer labia to relieve itching. Stop using the Vagisil. It isn't working is it? Good luck.

Answer 6

see another doctor! you shouldnt have to suffer for that long.not all doctors are specialized ask to refer to see a specialist. check if you have medical cover in work? i dont have any answers sorry but i would want to know. i hope your confident enough to see a doctor and have full tests done to eliminate all possible causes. yuou can then find a solution or product that will work, it could be as simple as your allergic to something, have an infection, diet, type cream/soap your using anything. try not to use soap it will make it worse use femiwash i think its called a soap free product...hope it gets better and you are comfortable again...good luck

Answer 7

You should see if your doctor will prescribe Diflucan, it is a one time pill for yeast infections. If you have a rash Vagisil is not going to work. Try hortizorticone cream.

Answer 8

I don't think those cremes, wipes and sprays and douches are good for women at all!!! They throw off your natural "vaginal cleansing" process. Powders can too, altho I think a corn starch one would be ok. I would take nightly baths in JUST water, nothing added to it, use a "pure" toilet paper and if it keeps up you do need to find a new FEMALE ob-gyn who hopefully can help you, good luck hon!!!!

Answer 9

Go to a new doctor. Having your period for a month is very weird, I don't think that can be attributed to "changes". If you are allergic to maxis stop using them immediately. Your doctor sounds like a real dumbshit...

Answer 10

Sounds kinda strange but try some diaper rash meds. (Aveeno is what I used for my baby) It is less harsh than that other stuff.
Oh, and get another Dr and a second opinion

Answer 11

I like you should go to a different doctor, cause yeah....that doesn't sound normal to me. It's not suppose to be itchy. Unless you have some sort of vaginal issues.... I would go get a second opinion on something like this....