Dear Aunt Vadge,
I have yellow discharge and bumps around my vagina. I’m not sure what this is. I have been taking fluconazole for 2 weeks to treat a yeast infection.
I still have burning when urinating and my vagina is very red. I went to the doctors and they told me It was just a yeast infection but I think it’s something more now. I haven’t had sex in 5 months.
From, B.
Age 19 Canada
________
Dear B,
It sounds like you’re having a bit of a rough time with your symptoms, and it must be frustrating not to see an improvement after two weeks of treatment with fluconazole.
Yellow discharge and bumps could indeed indicate something other than a yeast infection, especially if you’re experiencing persistent burning when urinating and redness. Yellow discharge and redness are associated with aerobic vaginitis (AV), which are the same type of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The presence of bumps around your vagina1,2 also needs to be evaluated carefully, as they could result from various conditions, including an allergic reaction, an ingrown hair, a skin condition, or something that warrants specific medical attention.
Recommendations on what to do next
See your doctor again
You may want to consider seeing a different doctor or sexual health clinic for a second opinion or request further testing. It’s important to be assertive about your concerns so that you can get the care you need.
Describe all your symptoms in detail
Make sure to mention the full description of your discharge, the bumps, the redness, and the fact that you haven’t had sexual contact in five months. This information can help your healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue more accurately.
Consider alternative causes
Since you have symptoms consistent with an infection, it may be something more than just a yeast infection. Bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, sexually transmitted infections, or even dermatological conditions could present similar symptoms.
Don’t self-medicate further without seeking help
Until you have a clear diagnosis, it’s best to avoid using more over-the-counter treatments, which can sometimes exacerbate symptoms if they’re not appropriate for your condition.
If you feel that your concerns are not being addressed adequately by your current healthcare provider, you might also want to consider speaking to a My Vagina vulvovaginal specialist naturopath who could offer a different perspective on your symptoms and potential treatments.
Remember that you know your body best, and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to seek further help. Persist until you find a healthcare professional who takes your concerns seriously and provides the support you need to feel better.
Take care,
Aunt Vadge
References
- 1.Sally R, Shaw KS, Pomeranz MK. Benign “lumps and bumps” of the vulva: A review. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. Published online September 2021:383-390. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.04.007
- 2.Ning Y, Ling R, Zhang F, Zhang G, Zhang H. Common and uncommon lesions of the vulva and vagina on magnetic resonance imaging: correlations with pathological findings. BJR|Open. Published online August 2023. doi:10.1259/bjro.20230002
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