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Hi Aunt Vadge,
Ever since I started having sex, my vagina became quite itchy and would sometimes split near the top of my labia. I put it down to thrush and bought treatment, but it didn’t help. After 2-3 months I saw a doctor because it was knocking my confidence.
He wasn’t much help – after I said I’d already treated for thrush, he just gave me more thrush treatment (a pessary and cream). I used it and it seemed to work, until last week when it all started again: another split at the top of my labia, sore and itchy.
Any idea what’s wrong? It’s getting me down.
Yours,
Split
Age 18, England
Dear Split,
What you’re describing – itching and recurrent splits at the top of your labia ever since you became sexually active, which improve with thrush treatment but keep coming back – most likely is a recurrent yeast problem, as the partial response to antifungals suggests.
But the key insight is that a one-off pessary and cream, given again and again, often isn’t enough for recurrent yeast, which is exactly why it keeps returning. Recurrent thrush usually needs a proper diagnostic work-up and a longer, structured treatment plan rather than the same short course on repeat.
So the most useful thing you can do is go back – and this time ask specifically for a swab, to confirm it’s yeast and identify the strain, because a stubborn or non-albicans strain won’t respond to standard treatment, and recurrent yeast is often managed with an induction-and-maintenance antifungal course over several months.
It’s also worth your doctor considering whether something else is contributing, since recurrent splits since starting sex can also involve friction (not enough lubrication or arousal, which tears that exact spot) or, in some people, a skin sensitivity – all worth raising.
On the friction side, you can help yourself straight away by using plenty of lube and taking time to get aroused before sex, so the tissue doesn’t split.
And please don’t be put off by one unhelpful appointment: you’re entitled to a doctor who takes this seriously, explains things and refers you on if needed – it’s completely reasonable to ask for a swab or a referral, or to see a different GP (a women’s-health-focused or female GP can be a great fit).
This is common, it’s not something worryingly “wrong with you”, and it’s very sortable once it’s properly diagnosed. Don’t let it keep getting you down.
Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
