For the Ladies - Do This Sound Like I Need to see OBGYN?

[sydneymom]

Its been a while since I have been on here. I  have been in therapy for about two months. I finally started going after my dad was hit and killed by a train two months ago. I hate it, but it is helping with the HA aspects of my life.

However, I have a question. About two weeks ago, after using hypoallergenic laundry soap for 13 years (my kids all had eczema and sensitive skin) I found a detergent that was scented but said proven safe for sensitive skin. Not long after I started using it, I felt it was irritating me in the female parts. I stopped using the soap and rewashed all my undergarments. I dont know if it is a coincidence, but I started to have this strange discharge. No odor, no itch, but not something normal for me. It was gradually lessened and become less thick of the past few days. Also, I have taken two UTI tests and both were negative. I did wake up yesterday feeling sort of raw down there, but I put some KY jelly and that made it much better.

However, yesterday every time I went to the bathroom, my urine had a strong smell. That happened once before and I ignored it and it went away. There is no smell today, but I do have some mild cramping. It is about a week before my period. I am 43. I dont know if this is all hormones, or if I had an infection like bacterial vaginosis. I did have that once about three years ago. But the symptoms were more obvious and there was some blood and basically no question something was wrong.

For that time, I ended up having a UTI and BV. I took oral and internal antibiotics which cleared it up but then I had six weeks of diarrhea, developed post infectious IBS and have not been 100% right since in my stomach. So I am hesistant to go to the doctor.

I do take probiotics every day, and the symptoms are mild. Do you think I need to see my OB to be sure? My sister is a doctor and she says yes. But she is big on constant testing all the time. I am afraid I may have a UTI that doesnt show on the test strips that will lead to a kidney infection and sepsis if untreated. I dont know if I can just wait it out. I have had this once or twice before and ignored it because of my fear of antibiotics. But I dont want to be foolish.

Also to top it off, I always shave the bikini area no issues. But for some reason this time I got a few red bumps. Two swelled up and looked filled with pus. Today in the shower they popped open and now I put polysporin. I am afraid they will get infected.

Basically I am asking advice on whether to go to the doctor or wait a few more days. And whether anyone has had these symptoms before, especially those women who are older as I am not sure it could all be perimenopause.

[oregoncoastlady]

It sounds like you should see the doctor. Just let them know about your reaction to antibiotics.

[haunted68]

Are you using the test strips that you buy at the store to check for uti?  If so, I've also used them and they show I do *not* have a uti, but after the symptoms get worse I go to the doctor and I do have a uti.  My doctor says those are worthless.

I would go to the doctor.  Those infections are miserable enough without suffering longer than you have to.