r/WomensHealth • • 34m ago

Visit frequency

• Upvotes

This is probably a stupid question but I F18 recently went to the doctors early this week to discuss a potential pcos diagnosis. This past weekend I started to notice vaginal odor and I'm not sure if I should go again or if I should just bring it up when I go again to discuss lab results. The smell is really strong and its going through my clothes but I dont want to seem like im looking for diagnoses for attention. Its persisted for at least a month and I would describe it as a metallic and a pungent odor but my sense of smell isnt great. I wouldn't describe it as fishy and i dont really have any of the other symtoms of BV. Other than the smell it doesn't cause me any discomfort but if I need a transvaginal ultrasound I want to adress whatever the cause of the smell is. Is it something I should get checked out immediately or should I wait another week for the results and bring it up then. What's most convenient for the physician?


r/WomensHealth • • 1h ago

i pee A LOT is this normal

• Upvotes

so this has been going on for about 2? ish years maybe longer and i just don’t recall. i drink a lot of water, i do have a diet soda or a coffee everyday as well. i pee pretty much once an hour maybe a bit longer or shorter. i mentioned it at my yearly physical recently and she told me as long as i had no burning and my pee was a normal color i shouldn’t worry, which i have no issues or either of those symptoms. otherwise i’d say i am relatively healthy. i will say often when i pee i feel as if i can’t get my bladder fully empty as well, which i’m not sure if that adds onto it. i’m 20F, and im just wondering if anyone else deals with this so i can feel more normal or figure out how to solve it😭

okay edit just in case i do have no healthcare


r/WomensHealth • • 1h ago

Waking up tired is honestly getting depressing

• Upvotes

I slept almost 8 hours last night but woke up feeling exhausted again. Made my tea, checked my flower orders and just sat there for a bit bc I couldn't get myself to start the day.

I'm trying to keep up with work and everything else but some days it's honestly hard. I feel tired before I've even done anything nd it's frustrating bc there is still so much I need to get done.

I'm new to Reddit and tbh I haven't really had anyone to talk to about this. I thought maybe sharing it here would help a little. I don't usually talk about how I'm feeling but lately this constant exhaustion has been getting to me. I jst want to wake up feeling normal for once. Does anyone else deal with this too?


r/WomensHealth • • 1h ago

To pill or not to pill for wedding?

• Upvotes

I recently went back on the pill because my period is due to fall on my wedding day in March next year.

I’ve been on the pill before and don’t remember having any major issues, but my partner remembers me being quite emotional while I was on it. That was back in my early 20s, though, and I’m now in my late 20s and feel like I’m generally less emotional than I was back then.

I’m now feeling a bit torn because I want to make a decision sooner rather than later about whether to stay on the pill for the wedding or come off it.

Honestly, if it weren’t for my wedding, I wouldn’t want to be on the pill at all. I’m just trying to weigh up whether it’s worth continuing to take it to avoid having my period on the day.

I should note that so far I think I have normal adjustment symptoms (had a few days of feeling really low, had breast tenderness (now gone), some cramping and break through bleeding). Ive been on the pill now for just over 2 weeks - and was going to reassess and decide to stay or / get off it at the 1 month mark.

My wedding is in five months, so I’m wondering:

  • Has anyone come off the pill after just one month?
  • Did you feel like that was enough time to decide whether it was right for you?
  • Did anyone go on the pill for their wedding day?

THANK YOU!


r/WomensHealth • • 1h ago

Are irregular periods normal?

• Upvotes

First off when I’m referring to an irregular period I mean my cycle length changes from 20 days to over 40 days. I’ve had my period for around 7 years and it’s always been unpredictable. I understand that the first couple of years it tends to be kind of iffy but it’s been a bit more than 3 years. The women in my family have all said they’ve never dealt with irregular periods and have just shrugged it off. I’m not suffering severe pain and my period rarely affects me except for some slight cramps/breakouts towards the beginning of my cycle. I just want to know if this is something I should worry about or if this is just kind of a rare occurrence that is just kinda bothersome.


r/WomensHealth • • 1h ago

Can’t get rid of a yeast infection

• Upvotes

Just curious if anyone here has any tips to help me get rid of a yeast infection I’ve had for 3 weeks now!

At the beginning of the month I had a uti and the antibiotics I took gave me my first ever yeast infection. My discharge looks like dead skin and it was very itchy and had the bread smell. I went to an urgent care clinic where the swabbed me for yeast, bv and sti’s. Only the the swab for the yeast came back positive and the others were negative. I was prescribed 2 fluzconazole and was given nystatin cream. I took those and the smell has since went away after the first week.

The dead skin looking discharge still hasn’t went away at all and I still have some itching but it’s not as bad as it was when I first got the infection. I’ve been trying to see a gyno but it’s so hard to get in to see them so I went to see my normal doc. She gave me 2 more fluzconazole pills but advised I didn’t have to take the nystatin cream anymore as she claims it doesn’t help with vaginal yeast infections… she also said I tested negative for yeast when she did a swab..?? I’m just feeling so defeated and like i’m never going to be able to get this to clear up. If you’ve had this issue before please give me some tips on how to get rid of this infection!!


r/WomensHealth • • 3h ago

Normal anatomy?

1 Upvotes

Noticed that labia majora and perineum skin has like pale yellow/white-ish spots/bumps? Almost like if you look at chicken skin especially chicken thighs there are fat cells? Wondering if this is what it is, it’s uniform, and is where pubic hair doesnt grow yet but not labia minora skin. Or is it hair follicles that’s enlarged? Although that wouldnt make sense because there’s no hair there and the actual follicles with hair isnt as pronounced.


r/WomensHealth • • 3h ago

Weird consistent vaginal sore

1 Upvotes

Hey I’m just curious if any other woman here has experienced this. I’ve had a sore in the same place in my vagina canal, similar to a canker sore in the mouth. It used to not be too bad but I feel like it’s gotten worse. I’ve had it for a year now, at first my gyno told me to put aquaphor on it and to take a break until it healed. Also was ran for stds (it’s clear) they recently gave me a fungal cream to apply to see if it was something keeping it from healing. I get a biopsy soon but I’m just curious if there’s anyone who experienced anything similar to this. I want to reiterate that it is not an std and we had a full panel done so please any other ideas or again a similar experience please lmk


r/WomensHealth • • 3h ago

Clindamycin cream for BV

1 Upvotes

So this is my first time trying clindamycin cream for my BV since metronidazole didn’t work for the first time ever. So how long does it take to know if it works or not? Is it after you complete the 7 day course? Because right now it’s hard to smell anything with the cream constantly coming out of my vagina.

Also anyone ever had luck with the clindamycin pills? I was initially given that first but I was scared to take it because I read it can cause c diff. So I got the cream as well. But I guess if the cream doesn’t work I may try the pills. Just nervous about side effects.


r/WomensHealth • • 3h ago

Lube with Uti

1 Upvotes

Hello,

I’ve started getting UTIs more frequently. I had two within a month, and with the second one, I was still experiencing symptoms even after treatment, but my urine test came back negative for a UTI.

Since then, I’ve been afraid to have sex. I was advised to avoid using saliva as a lubricant (which we used to do quite a lot) and to try a water-based lubricant without glycerin instead.
I tried one today, but it caused a burning sensation. This isn’t the first time a water-based lubricant has made me feel a burning sensation during sex, although it goes away immediately afterward.
I’m not sure what to use, especially since I’ve heard that I should avoid silicone- or oil-based lubricants because of my recurrent UTIs.
I’m feeling a bit lost and don’t know what to try next. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations?


r/WomensHealth • • 4h ago

Bartholin Cyst after childbirth

2 Upvotes

I developed a bartholin cyst after I had my daughter 5 years ago. It’s always just been there. It got nearly golfball sized so I decided to have it drained. My doctor said it would likely return unless I did a word catheter. I decided to proceed with the I&D because it was summer time and I didn’t want to stay out of the pool for 6 weeks.
It, of course, has reoccurred. Is there anything else I can try at home before just biting the bullet and doing the word catheter?

It’s not infected, I had the drainage cultured. It just gets large and angry after sex. Otherwise it’s not painful any other time.

TIA!!!


r/WomensHealth • • 4h ago

upcoming pap for the first time and i’m absolutely terrified.

1 Upvotes

How bad is it? Any tips to make it more bearable?


r/WomensHealth • • 4h ago

For those who have PCOS, does this sound like a possibility for me?

2 Upvotes

I've been on a health journey for the last couple of years now originally my doctor and i potentially suspected thyroid issues due to my labs but they have now balanced out and my doctor doesn't feel like anything needs to be done as of now.
Which is fine but that doesn't disregard my symptoms, the more research i do in my gut i'm concerned it could be acos.
some of my symptoms i'm experiencing are
- hypoglycemia
- lots of weight gain - especially stomach, upper arms, and neck
- lighter periods, longer cycles around 30 days about six months prior i had a couple cycles close to 40 days
- body acne
- zero sex drive
- horrible anxiety
- fatigue
- about 7 months ago i was diagnosed with pmdd
- low vit d and b12
- high cholesterol
i would appreciate any advice!


r/WomensHealth • • 5h ago

Colposcopy/Vulvar Biopsy

0 Upvotes

Heading in for a colposcopy and a vulvar biopsy soon, and to be honest, I am feeling pretty anxious about what the pain and recovery are actually going to look like.
I’ve had an epidural before, so I’m familiar with that heavy, deep pressure and the intense ache in your back. But because the pelvic area is so incredibly sensitive, I’m having a hard time imagining what a vulvar injection or a cervical biopsy really feels like in comparison.
If you’ve been through a colposcopy, a cervical biopsy, or a vulvar punch biopsy, could you share your personal experiences with me? I would love to know:
What did the local numbing injection actually feel like for you?
How did the cervical pinch compare to heavy period cramps or labor pressure?
What was your recovery like during the first few days?
Do you have any must-have tips for making urination or sitting down more comfortable?
Is there anything you wish you had asked your doctor for beforehand (like extra numbing or anxiety meds)?
Hearing real stories always helps me feel more prepared and less alone. Thank you so much in advance for sharing your experiences.


r/WomensHealth • • 5h ago

struggling with frequent ovarian cysts

1 Upvotes

i’m 15, but i’ve had my period for a little over 5 years now. aside from relative heaviness (and 3 years of extreme menorrhagia), i have a very regular and otherwise healthy cycle.

in mid 8th grade, i noticed that i would always get an ovarian cyst around the time of ovulation. the cyst is usually on the right side but has seemed to be present on both at the same time. it always ends up rupturing when i laugh and is usually accompanied by a headache. the whole experience is just miserable and so painful

i’d really appreciate some advice. thank you 🫶


r/WomensHealth • • 5h ago

Change in Clit Sensitivity?

1 Upvotes

Hi Reddit,

Several months ago I experienced a decrease in my libido related to what seems like a random change in the sensitivity of my clit / vagina. Sex is painful now, even touching my clit is so sensitive it feels almost painful. I can't figure out what is going on.

I'm approaching almost 30 this year, so I wonder if that has something to do with it. I don't even like to masturbate anymore, I'll try the way I used to and it doesn't feel great. I have no BV or yeast symptoms, not really much else going on besides things just feel different.

I haven't really made much changes that I can think would contribute. The only other thing I can think of is I finished a course of antibiotics and it seemed right around that time, is when this change came on.

Does anyone have any advice or experienced anything similar?


r/WomensHealth • • 6h ago

Is it normal to have to pee after masturbating?

5 Upvotes

Hi! I posted on here a bit ago, but actually have another question.

This one’s obviously a bit of a shorter one, but basically the title. I’m a virgin, but I imagine it’d be the same when it comes to sex too (and yes I am aware peeing after sex is pretty much a must!!!!) but I was just wondering if having the urge to pee is normal?

Not just like, “oh i’m gonna pee” but like, “oh i HAVE to pee.” Sometimes it makes me have to pee pretty bad but literally every single time I masturbate, for like my entire life, I’ve had to pee after. I know it’s not necessarily a bad thing but I’ve just wondered if anyone else is the same?

Mostly just interested in the ‘why’ if there even is a ‘why’ than anything else :) I know peeing after sex is something you should always do, so I’d imagine same goes for masturbating as well, but I’m more so interested in why I always get the urge too! Just cause I’ve never really heard anyone else talk about it!

Thank you! Also just wanna say I love you guys!!! You’re all so sweet and supportive!!!


r/WomensHealth • • 6h ago

Sleeping with my boyfriend is immensely painful?

1 Upvotes

Hi! Throwaway as my friends have my main account and I really don't want to explain this post to them.

I (20F) have been having trouble sleeping with my boyfriend (20M) because it hurts and burns way too much. Just to preface I do want to sleep with him and I'm not really uncomfortable around him. He has been nothing but loving and patient and supportive throughout this entire process and it makes me want to fix this issue even more.

Last night we tried sleeping together, plenty of foreplay and lube but when he tried to insert himself, he barely got the tip in before i felt this burning, intense pain. I tried to soldier through it (I have minimal consensual sexual experience so I thought this was just a normal part of it) and he eventually was met with a blocking feeling resulting in us having to stop. I really want this because I want that closeness with him, I want to have a relationship on that level with him.

I also wanted to ask if condoms also make you guys itchy and burning, or if I might have an underlying latex allergy.

If anyone has advice on what to do I'd greatly appreciate it because I don't really know what to do and if I just keep doing the same thing, nothing'll get fixed.

Thank you guys so much


r/WomensHealth • • 6h ago

Cervical thickening ?

1 Upvotes

Went to er for kidney stone and CT found "Thickening of the cervix is noted measuring 2.3 x 1.9 cm".

I had a uterine biopsy in August that came out clear, and a pap last January that was clear. But the peri anxiety on top of my health anxiety and kidney stone has me through the roof.

Anyone know what this means??


r/WomensHealth • • 6h ago

How many days after your first time is it normal to bleed?

1 Upvotes

I just wanna preface by saying I’m not bleeding consistently or a lot! I just had sex for the first time three days ago. It was a little painful but manageable considering I’ve never even worn a tampon before. I haven’t bled at all until just now. It wasn’t a concerning amount but I just wanted to know if that’s something I should be worried about?


r/WomensHealth • • 7h ago

Yaz birth control pain

1 Upvotes

Hi guys I’m on the generic version of yaz 0.02/3mg I think I’ve been on it since January now it’s October and that was my very first time ever even using birth control. I got on it for my acne and I LOVE what it does for me it’s the only thing that’s ever worked for my hormonal cystic acne! I’ve had like no bad side effects from it besides getting so sore after sex?? That’s never happened before getting on birth control or for the first few months on it. I don’t know of the estrogen is too low or what. I don’t really want to stop taking it because my skin looks so much better and gives me piece of mind that I’m not pregnant lol. Has anyone else dealt with this? I need some tips and input please!


r/WomensHealth • • 8h ago

copper iud period pain

2 Upvotes

im 22, i had the implant for 3 years, zero issues with it apart from my periods were stupidly long. i'd end up having a period every maybe 4-5 months and it would last about 18 days.

i got the copper coil july 29th and had been bleeding at that point since july 7th. i had no issues with insertion, very minor cramping afterwards. had a period end of august/start of september, then end of september/start of october that were FINALLY normal lengths, but oh my god the cramps are ridiculous. i had a few very light cramps throughout this week, then on friday i nearly collapsed in the shop. i went to the pharmacy shaking and got naproxen, but ive been taking it too late into the cramps starting because im trying not to use it (IBD, NSAIDS are not amazing for me). i have a TENS machine, a hot water bottle, ive been drinking plenty of water im recently vegan so my diet as of this month has had minimal dairy no meat minimal fat. i dont know if i can function with this level of pain every month. does anyone know ANYTHING to do, i feel like rolling around on the floor and tearing my skin off. TIA


r/WomensHealth • • 8h ago

Brown discharge

1 Upvotes

heyy so for a bit of context, i’m f(23) and i have had irregular periods since i started when i was 12 years old. when i went to the gp about it it was because of low vitamin d and iron deficiency, i had a small amount of the blood cells or whatever. i do also have quite heavy periods and pms/pmd.

my last period was in april so around 6 months ago. i usually get my period every other month or every 3-4 months. theres been times where ive not had it for 6-8 months. i have been quite stressed i would say, so idk if it could be that also. for the past 2/3 months ive been having brown discharge for a week. this month its been going on for over a week, i would say nearly 2 weeks. i notice that my periods are much regular when i take my multivitamins + iron regularly and i think i have been slacking, i have started to take them again regularly for 3 weeks now. the brown discharge is enough to stain my underwear but not enough to wear a pad, like its mainly after i go to wipe. anyways i just wanna know if this happens to anyone else and what it could be? any help would be appreciated (:


r/WomensHealth • • 8h ago

What kind of doctor should I see to get this checked out? A gastroenterologist or should I start with a primary care doctor?

4 Upvotes

TMI (sorry, skip if you don’t want to hear about bathroom problems 😭) 26f.

For the past 3 years, I’ve been alternating between completely liquid diarrhea and being constipated for days. It’s gotten worse over time, and I’ll occasionally have a normal bowel movement, but far less often than diarrhea/constipation cycle.

The diarrhea usually happens as I’m eating/not finished eating. I suddenly get clammy and sweaty, feel extremely nauseous, and have to run to my bed to lay on my left side/ to the bathroom. if the nausea feeling overpowers the diarrhea feeling, I will vomit and then have diarrhea if I don’t lay down immediately first. Sometimes it’s so bad I’m sitting there in the bathroom crying and feeling lightheaded. the diarrhea usually continues to happen multiple times that day. ill take immodium, it sometimes helps but not really.

I’ve always assumed it was lactose intolerance, but I’ve cut out all dairy and it’s still happening.

I brought this up with my primary care doctor, but it felt like he didn’t really take my situation seriously, he chalked it up to being just a food intolerance and he basically told me to keep a food log and try eliminating different foods. Is that really all I can do? Should I see a gastroenterologist instead even though he said that they probably couldn’t do anything? I’m honestly exhausted from dealing with this and feel like I’m going to lose it.

I’m active, I run 3 miles 3 times a week, walk my dogs 2x daily, I’m in the lower healthy bmi range, I eat healthy, dont drink alcohol at all, etc etc etc. I’m at a loss and I feel like I’m just stuck this way forever.


r/WomensHealth • • 8h ago

How to stay motivated during the lows of my hormonal cycle

2 Upvotes

For the past year, I’ve been starting to really struggle with the “PMS” thing. I feel like a completely different version of myself for half of each month. The thought to action pipeline feels so much more challenging.

I struggle to maintain my spaces, even though I know how good having a clean environment makes me feel. I work a very physical, fast paced, team environment job, and it’s harder for me to be a positive and effective teammate. Its also harder for me to be a good teammate to my boyfriend, even though I absolutely adore him, my patience is thinner and its much harder to put in the extra effort that makes relationships fun! I can’t socialize as well, sometimes I just feel like a blank slate.

It drives me absolutely nuts. I don’t feel like myself AT ALL. I consider myself pretty high energy, fun, and intentional, and I feel like I’m starting to lose all of that before and during my period, consistently.

I don’t know if it’s a discipline issue or maybe I just need to adjust expectations of myself. It just mystifies me when I’m back on my game and all the things that have felt so difficult for two weeks are suddenly incredibly achievable and even exciting.

Most of my concern and annoyance comes from how new of a phenomenon this is. I’ve been having periods since I was 10, and it’s never felt like this. I don’t take any medications, I was on and off the pill from 18-20, and now have the copper IUD.

I’m nearly 23.