Swelling...down there..(maybe TMI?)

starkbaby22 · July 2011

Okay girls, here's a rather personal post from me. I have noticed this pregnancy so far that when I have sex with H my skin "down there" feels like it's been rubbed with sandpaper, and it BURNS so bad. So, I thought maybe it's just irritated and we should hold off on the sex for a while..it's been about 2 weeks and I noticed the other day that my lips and labia were WAY swollen, and somewhat itchy.

I'm currently on an antibiotic for a UTI, but this obviously isn't an infection or that would be taking care of this, too right?

I know we've got alot of extra blood volume that can cause swelling, do you think that's what my trouble is, and I'm just doomed this pregnancy to be ridiculously uncomfortable? Does anyone else have this trouble..or an explanation? I will most likely be calling my Dr. in the morning, but I'm not sure if I'm making too much of this. I'm just so uncomfortable that there has to be something wrong.

TIA for any replies!

maiyamoore · July 2011

I did have the "sandpaper; swelling" issue post sex a few weeks back. The swelling lasted a couple of days. But to be honest we don't have sex enough for me to know if it's a normal occurrence.

InTheSun · July 2011

Did you try using lube?

tl+ct = <3 · July 2011

I hope you start to feel better soon! This is going to be long and for the record I am not a professional just someone who experienced a similar situation once and wanted to share what I learned.

It could be a yeast infection. The few I've gotten have been caused by taking antibiotics. What happens, from my understanding, is the antibiotics are killing bacteria throughout your body. Which is a great thing when its getting rid of a uti, but our vagina's are full of lots of different kinds of bacteria, both good and bad, and when the antibiotics are fighting those bacteria it throws off the balance down there and can cause yeast infections. The first time I got one I did not have the tell tale signs (cottage cheese type discharge, a yeast like smell) but did have itching to the point that it was painful. I'd go see your obgyn if you can. This is one situation, from my experience, that I would recommend actually asking for a prescription if they first mention an over the counter drug. Not that those couldn't work, but then if it doesn't you'll have waited two-ish days to see if it was working while the infection is getting worse and MUCH more uncomfortable. I think I went a week not being able to sleep because of the first one. Good luck and I hope that is not what it is!

NeenyW · July 2011

I've had yeast infections that sound like what you are describing (without the discharge, smell, etc). And, as PP's have said, antibiotics can bring on a YI. I hope you're feeling better soon!

l_herron · July 2011

Yup I just went through this. When I went in for my PAP/GBS test, I had a yeast infection as well as GBS. I had no symptoms of a YI. I was instructed to take the meds for GBS first (which might be the same as you are taking for a UTI; the antibiotic cephalexin is used for both during pregnancy)and then the OTC YI cream. That drug also causes YI regularly. (I had a long talk with the pharmacist lol.) Sure enough after the antibiotics my no symptom YI turned into a burning itching irritated vagina. MH always told me it looked angry.

Good luck and I hope you find relief soon!

MLPT2012 · July 2011

I had this exact feeling when I was on my antibiotic for a UTI a few weeks ago. This might be the cause of your symptoms. Apparently the antibiotic I had to go on can cause swelling/extra blood flow in the " infected area " . Mine only lasted about 24-36 hours though.

I hope this helps!

kmn3 · July 2011

As PPs said, probably a yeast infection! Very similar thing happened to me, I was on an antibiotic for a cold and had similar symptoms. First question when I went to the OB was if I had been on antibiotics. Without an exam he diagonsed me (he did do an exam to confirm though!).

Definetely get it checked!

tosh24 · July 2011

Might be a YI, but if it's not, don't worry. It's totally normal for your labia to swell during pregnancy. Also very normal for them to darken. I wouldn't freak out about it.

KatieMcClure86 · July 2011

I have been swollen but I have not had the sandpaper issue. I would definitely call your doctor being that you are on antibiotics for the UTI and make sure you don't have a yeast infection. GL!

starkbaby22 · July 2011

tl+ct = :

I hope you start to feel better soon! This is going to be long and for the record I am not a professional just someone who experienced a similar situation once and wanted to share what I learned.

It could be a yeast infection. The few I've gotten have been caused by taking antibiotics. What happens, from my understanding, is the antibiotics are killing bacteria throughout your body. Which is a great thing when its getting rid of a uti, but our vagina's are full of lots of different kinds of bacteria, both good and bad, and when the antibiotics are fighting those bacteria it throws off the balance down there and can cause yeast infections. The first time I got one I did not have the tell tale signs (cottage cheese type discharge, a yeast like smell) but did have itching to the point that it was painful. I'd go see your obgyn if you can. This is one situation, from my experience, that I would recommend actually asking for a prescription if they first mention an over the counter drug. Not that those couldn't work, but then if it doesn't you'll have waited two-ish days to see if it was working while the infection is getting worse and MUCH more uncomfortable. I think I went a week not being able to sleep because of the first one. Good luck and I hope that is not what it is!

Thank you, and everyone else, we determined over the phone with my OB's nurse that I most definitely have a yeast infection. I've never had one before, so these symptoms to me were something very abnormal. I appreciate all the information! They did suggest I use over the counter inserts and topical cream.

lmanchen · July 2011

I have been having the same issues but not so much after sex. Mine gets irritated if I am outside in the heat so its more like a heat rash afterwards. Then for a day or 2 I have to tough it out (DH loves the walking around panty-less- TMI I know but it helps!). I already wear cotton and use dye free soaps and detergents, etc. so its not that. I would check with the doc just to make sure its not some kind of infection.

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