bambi_raver's Friends

Is it normal for garlic to burn?
I decided to treat my vaginal weirdness/itchiness with a garlic clove, but as soon as I put it inside my vagina, it started to burn. Is this supposed to happen? I took it out, as it didn't feel right at all.

Another question, how do I know which type of plain yoghurt is OK to put inside? I looked in the supermarket today and most of them had no actual ingredients list. I saw one which said plain natural yoghurt, 2% fat, nothing else added. Can I assume it's OK?

Pubic Hair
I have some questions about pubic hair. I just wanted to know if it is normal to have some hair growing out of your vagina, basically it is growing out from the lips area, does everyone have this, or is it just me. If I get waxed, will they remove this hair that is growing out?

I am thinking of getting a brazilian wax through laser removed. Has anyone had this done? Can you tell me about your experience? Can someone tell me about the advantages and disadvantages?
My main reason for wanting to remove the hair is by night fall my crotch area is wet and moist and starts to get a little itchy, the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. I am hoping that by removing the hair, I won't be as wet and it will help my crotch area. Will this help?

Should I get my hair waxed first and then wait 3 to 6 months for the laser procedure?

Badly needing to pee - why?
As well as my recent itchy/sore vagina and clumpy discharge, I've found that in the last week or so, I've been going from needing to pee a little bit to needing to go really bad in a very short time. I'm not usually like this. I was in a bar last night and had to wait in line 10 mins for the bathroom and I really thought I was going to wet myself. It also feels a little strange when I do pee, like a little bit stingy, not outside but inside, as if it were my bladder. I've been tested several times for STDs and infections and the results have all been negative. Not to mention, I haven't seen my boyfriend since August. What could be causing this? Could it perhaps be a UTI or are the symptoms of that different to what I'm experiencing?

Depo Provera and antibiotics
I have recently been prescribed a 10 day course of antibiotics. I am aware that antibiotics affect HBC pills, but i forgot to ask about the contraceptive injection. My doctor has a history of not telling me about drug interactions (eg that some anti-epileptic drugs affect HBC) and it just occured to me that I am unsure whether antibiotics change the effectiveness of depo-provera as a contraceptive method. I tried to google it and I could only find anecdotal reports, so any help valued, thanks.

Infection or just semen?
I have been reading the little things on the side about discharge but I dont really fit all of the symptoms. I have a mildly not quite itchy not quite burning feeling mostly felt a night when I go to sleep. I also have a lot of goo. Its not thick like a paste but not thin, kinda like hair conditioner or semen. the goo itself is off white. Its not chunky I am also noticing a slight smell. Its not fishy but more like sweaty/sex smell?

Im just not sure whats going on, I havent really ever had an issue with my bits. I am on the second pack of birth control pills and I didnt take the placebos. This has just started when as I was taking the pills. I havent ever took pills before. I was on the depo previously with no problems. I havent had a period in over 1 1/2 years. Could the pill be cleaning out my vag? I let my bf ejaculate in me, could it be all the semen coming out?

also I have noticed increase in having to pee. Could adderall cause this? I just started that the same time.

Any insight? Im pretty new so anything could help. I have never had a yeast infection, urine infection or STD. the only thing that has ever happened to me was a swollen glad.

I have only had one sex partner in 2 years.

Going home for Xmas / Family secrets
My usual posts to VP tend to be outbreaks of pre-period hysteria. But this time I'm in need of advice on another matter entirely.

( long, family difficulties, may be triggering )

I desperately need advice!

Itchy: discharge or toilet paper reaction?
My period ended over a week ago. (If that's relevant) Occasionally, once a month or so, I have a lot of discharge. But most of the time, it's a fairly "normal" amount. Today while out shopping, I soaked through my panties. My jeans were ever so slightly damp. It was quite a gross and uncomfortable feeling, though. So I went to the restroom and cleaned up (just wiped really well) and then folded up some tissue and put it in my panties til I could get home and change. (I was at Publix - if this matters. Their tissue definitely isn't Angel Soft.) It was at least 45 minutes before I removed the tissue from my britches. No problems at that time and there was no remaining tissue on my crotch. I still had lots of discharge. Now about 1.5 hours since removing the tissue - my labia (near my clit) is insanely ITCHY. Yes, I scratched it. I thought maybe because my pubes are growing back (I do a bald shave on my labia) maybe it was just prickly and stabbing [more] senstive skin due to excess moisture and became irritated. So I shaved it back down - which I needed to do anyway. After I did that, I noticed about 3 small bumps - welt like. Just tiny little welts. Could this just be an irritation from the tissue or maybe i'm getting a yeast infection? After writing this all out, my vagina has calmed down and is no longer itching. For now. What gives?

My girlfriend's period is extremely heavy, she usualy goes threw a box of tampons and is in so much pain....I know period's differ and they can be heavy and light but is this much normal? She goes threw a tampon like every 3 hours.

Thanks

Hey everyone! Happy Friday!

Here is my question...

This is my first month on Nuva Ring and so far it's been good. Technically my 3 weeks are over tomorrow. I've read on here and on other sites that some women leave their ring in for 4 weeks so they quickly become on a 5 week cycle.

My question is if I forget to take it out tomorrow (Saturday) and take it out Sunday instead will I have thrown myself completely off or will everything be fine, I may have cramps tomorrow and from now on Sunday will be my day-o-ring in/out?

Thanks!

p.s. I don't plan on doing this every month to screw myself up... tomorrow is a big day and I'd rather not run around with my period. Plus, Sunday is an easier day to remember for me than Saturday.... so we're really only talking about leaving it in longer this one time.

Change in Luteal Phase
Per here, I was scheduled to have Day 1 of my period coincide with my cross-country holiday flight.

The good news: that is not happening, at least not to the full extent of the awful that I had feared.

The less good news: my period is here now.

While this could mean that I've misread my fertility signs, I really don't think this is the case. Cervical fluid, cervical position, and waking temps all pointed to ovulation on December 7.

Adding this to my other recent cycles, it's looking like I now have a very consistent 11 day luteal phase. That's not abnormal in itself, but it's a not-small shift from the very consistent 15 day luteal phase I had about 4 years ago, before I started on hormonal birth control.

I'm not concerned about the shorter luteal phase; in fact, since it lessens the duration of my PMS experience, I am all for it. I am, however, curious as to what may have caused such a substantial reduction in my luteal phase. The two factors that seem most obvious to me are time/age and HBC use, but I don't know if there's any evidence that these can actually affect luteal phases.

Thoughts?

very frequent periods, constant YIs, OBGYNs in Madrid?
I'm getting desperate.... Basically I am currently having my fifth period since October 12-ish. Yes, I've had 5 periods in 2 months.

On top of that, I've had this relentless yeast infection since early last summer... tried various things like vinegar douching, the usual monostat cream stuff.... even the garlic.

I've been living in Madrid for 3 months now, so I'm still somewhat new here. I went to a clinic that another american english teacher like myself recommended. I went this past monday. All they did was take a culture and give me an appointment to return on January 19 for a sonogram I guess (ecografía). So great, I get to wait for a month. I'll probably bleed to death by then, considering my periods seem to only get more frequent. :(

I would have asked to be put on birth control but the people there were in such a hurry and the doctor who saw me was rude to me, so I didn't bother asking. I've been on birth control in the past. I got off it about a year and 3 months ago or so. My period was sort of irregular at first, but then it adjusted to being off birth control and was regular for awhile. I'm so effing sick of getting my period all the time that now I'd love to get back on it ASAP, not have to wait until Jan 19 to see the doctor who was a jerk to me anyway.

To sum up, these are my questions if anyone can help me with any of them-

1. Why am I all of a sudden getting my period every 1-2 weeks? PLEASE DON'T SAY STRESS. OK, I am not any more stressed/depressed than I've been in other times, seriously. I'm sick of people suggesting stress or depression, though I know that can be a cause.

2. Does garlic induce periods??!?!?! I've noticed that the two times I tried the garlic (I put it in over night), I literally started bleeding the next day. But I've been getting such frequent periods it's hard to tell if those times were just a coincidence.

3. Is this on-going YI related to my frequent periods?

4. And finally, do any of you happen to know any good OBGYN clinics in Madrid (that accept MAPFRE insurance)? VPs so big I figure maybe someone here knows... :)

Current Mood: depressed

chart pros needed
can anyone tell me if I have ovulated by my chart? I know its a little hard to see or understand, so I will explain a little. I was on a very long period for over 3 months until November. My doctor prescribed me provera November 11 to stop the bleeding, and I had to take it for 12 days. I stopped bleeding completely by the end of the 12 days which was the 23. I started spotting very lightly the 24, so I started taking my temps as my doctor asked me too. I stopped spotting the 29 of November. I've been taking my temps until today because I go see my doctor in the morning. Here's my chart, and here's my temps from the 24-November to 17-December. Please help. ( Picture )

I accidentally chewed my pill!
I was eating some nutted ice cream when my alarm went off and in the confusion (I know, I know. What confusion, right?) I chomped on my pill. What I got from a cursory googling was that this is bad and that the pill loses its effectiveness in such a circumstance. Is that true?

Peeling, itchy nipple.
My left nipple has been SUPER itchy lately. It peeled majorly, then scabbed a little where I scratched the itch, then tonight it peeled again.

No discharge, no pain really, just a little extra sensitivity.

I'm not on ANY medication- no HBC, no antidepressants, no vitamins, nothin'.

I recently cut most dairy, especially cheese, out of my diet and have had a little more soy than usual in the past few weeks. I believe I have a lactose problem. I have no idea if the dietary change, which is minor overall, could have any impact on my left nipple; certainly my breakouts and digestion have improved since cutting way back on dairy.

No family history of gynae-related cancers... no personal history of breast weirdness...

So, VP: WTF?

STD transmission when living with a drug addict
I am totally clueless about the answer to this question and would really appreciate your input:
Does cohabiting (not sexually) with a drug addict increase a non-drug user's chances of getting a STD? Does this apply for AIDS as well? What precautions can be taken if moving out (i.e. leaving the drug addict) is not immediately possible?

I apologize if this is the wrong place to ask this question and would appreciate it if you can direct me to the appropriate source.

Thank you.

Edit: Drugs used are: pot, cocaine, meth. Maybe heroine.

Spotting on the pill?
I'm currently on the active pills of birth control, (I take one called monofeme if that's relevant) but today I had some spotting. Pretty light, but I'm not sure if it's stopping or if I'm going to get my period (I'll update in the morning with which)
I've heard before that getting your period while on the active pills can be a sign of pregnancy? I had sex with my boyfriend a few days ago now, we always use condoms although there is some penetration before we put one on. I don't take my pill at the same time every day, I use it as more of a skip periods when I need to thing than a birth control thing (But I am planning to start taking it more regularly soon)
So, should I be freaking out that I'm pregnant or is it nothing?

Crushed BC
I tossed my pack of BC in my bag and a few pills got shattered. The seal hasn't been broken, but the pills are in a few different pieces inside the packaging. Is it okay to take the pills in separate pieces? What if some small parts got powdered and I only take about 95% of the pill - how much does it matter? Or should I just not take the broken pills?

Still no cause for vaginal discharge
I am absolutely at my wits end right now. I have had yet another full set of vaginal swabs done and again everything has come back negative. This time, I had a doctor and a nurse tell me I most definitely had candida, I have a lot of white discharge, pain and itching, but the test says not. It's one thing to have a repeated/ongoing yeast infection (the itching/soreness has been on and off for the last 6-8 weeks), but how can it not show up? Whatever it is is also not responding to OTC yeast meds. It's not chlamydia, it's not gonorrhea, it's not BV, not trich. I've had ongoing problems for the last few years but this is the worst one in terms of symptoms. What on earth could it be?

Spotting when stacking birth control
Not happy with my birth control right now.

I've been using the Nuvaring for a long time, since I had my child 4+ years ago, actually. Lately, I have been using the method of keeping the ring in 4 weeks and then just putting a new one in to skip my period after that. (It's been approved as okay to do by my doc for those of you about to say you should only do 3 weeks...) I've done it for 2 months and this would have been my last month before I'd stop to get a period on purpose.

Well, my body didn't want any of that. I got my period while I still had the ring in, a good two weeks before I was going to take it out and have it on my own. They're calling it "breakthrough bleeding", I call it my damn period.

And to top it all off, the ring must have fell out sometime yesterday when I was taking my tampon out. So I am going to my pharmacy to get a new one and am encouraged by the lightening of the blood as hopefully it's a sign the damn period/bleeding thing is going away. And, needless to say, I do not intend on keeping the ring out for at least another 12 weeks from today. I'm calling that my quarterly period and am done with it.

:>

Any advice and/or thoughts?

period? spotting? on yaz.
Hey all,

I take Yaz, every day, about the same time, and have been on it about 6 months. My last real period was the 20th of November, and ended around Thanksgiving, I think. Then I started to bleed again on December 7th, and it has continued since then. This is not what I would consider "spotting," but maybe I should (I've never had anything like this happen before)...I bleed on and off throughout the day, the same amount I would on a light period. Sometimes the blood is more lumpy and less liquid. Still, I take Yaz and I was under the impression that it shouldn't cause me to get more periods, especially for this long. Should I be worried or is this common? Do you think that some stress (finals) could be a factor? Is there anything I can do to stop it? Should I call my doctor? Also, I had PIV sex about 5 hours ago and I am experiencing some cramping, but I never do. Why is this/is this common/should I be concerned? I am wondering if they are related because I don't usually experience any pain after.
Thanks !

withdrawal bleeding while pregnant?
this is probably a silly question and it doesn't apply to me right now but it's something i've always wondered about.

hypothetically if you mess up taking you HBC and unknowingly end up pregnant, would you expect to experience a "period"/withdrawal bleeding when going off of the HBC for the placebo week? in other words, is withdrawal bleeding an accurate assessment of pregnancy even though it's not really a real period?

TIA!

Difficult to oragasm on anti depressents?
I recently was put on Zoloft due to anxiety and depression, but now it seems that I cannot get the same 'oomph' when I orgasm. Don't get me wrong, I can still get there, but it just doesn't feel the same. My clit becomes almost numb and it's difficult to feel anything. I know that there are sexual side effects with this type of meds, but is there anything I can do to? Should I just relax and keep at it? Does anybody have experience with this?

Parsley 'Tea' (or other uses)
Has anyone ever tried it to start up their period? Most importantly, did it work? What form did you use? (Tea, vaginal insert..?)

As stated in a previous post, I was on HBC for 3 months or-so and stopped. My period is a good 2 weeks late if going by my last cycle (while on HBC). I am NOT pregnant, so no worries there. Have Just felt so bloated, crampy, head-achy and overall gross. :"(

On behalf of mom
Hey everyone =)I am posting on behalf of my mom since she's not terribly good with internet communication. She is thirty seven, has three children (including myself), and had tubal ligation about six years ago.

She has been diagnosed with global pelvic prolapse (meaning her uterus, bladder, and rectum are all prolapsing simultaneously). It is not to the most advanced stage yet, but she is due to have a hysterectomy around January. She is also showing signs of having developed endometriosis (pain beyond just cramping right before and during her period that magically disappears the week afterwards and more recently, extremely heavy bleeding). She is uncomfortable almost all of the time due to the prolapse but lately, her period week is supposedly worse than the pain of having kidney stones and leaves her shaking and immobile. So, I have a few questions I want to ask for her.

First, has anyone else here dealt with global pelvic prolapse? If so, was surgery to repair it a success?

Second, we've been told that recovery after her hysterectomy will be extremely long. I know she's dreading the recovery period and I'm wondering if anyone can say from personal or second hand experience if the recovery is really as lengthy and uncomfortable as the doctors say it will be.

Third, I know that many of you wonderful VPers have struggled with endo. What are some of the best ways you've found to cope with the pain? Vicodin isn't even making a dent in the pain for her. She's open to any ideas.

Thank you all for any insight you can provide.
<3

Creative ways of douching?
19, NP, not pregnant, never knowingly had yeast infection or BV before, STI-free. Myself and both exes (polyamorous relationship, both breakups happening close together) who I have had sex with in the last few months had been tested and are also STI-free, which was highly important to all of us considering the multiple partners dealie. Currently on Implanon after Mirena IUD/IUS expelled a month ago.

I am 90% sure I have some kind of BV. Since my IUD expelled about a month ago, I've had manual penetration and oral sex, as well as sex with my (now)ex-girlfriend with a dildo. I have had PIV sex once with a male condom since expulsion. While it wasn't within the first week after expulsion, I'm pretty sure that I was still at a higher risk for infection, but didn't really think of it at the time enough to use gloves and dams, just the condom.

Now, my discharge has been both slightly thicker (though nothing like that "cottage cheese" type of thickness) and slightly yellow in color, though I didn't think much of it because I attributed it to the irritation and breakdown of my uterine lining when the IUD was in and when it expelled (I had it for about a month). Usually when my hormones fluctuate, I have a slight change in scent. I did not notice an abnormal change in scent, but my housemates claim that they notice on their blankets (we tend to bring our blankets in the living room and just get under whoever's because it's cold).

So, now I'm wanting to try the hydrogen peroxide or a vinegar douche. Problem is, I don't have anything like a syringe to squirt it up there with. I've never douched before. I've heard something about a douche bag, and am wondering how it works and if I could make a makeshift one with a condom after washing away the lube. If that' possible, would latex be okay or should I go with nonlatex?

Thanks, VP!

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