Sore clitoris, painful sex, red rash on outer surface of vagina and whiteish discharge- on and off itchyness. This started 2 days ago after the use of a latex condom with my boyfriend and hasnt gotten any better just yet. I usually dont use condoms with my boyfriend as i am on the birth control pill but i took antibiotics for a bladder infection a week ago and my doctor advised me to use condoms for a while. what is this?
Sounds like it could be vaginal thrush, a yeast infection that is usually caused by a type of fungus (Candida) that lives naturally in the vagina. It is thought that a change in the natural balance of the vagina leads to a huge increase in the growth of Candida and brings on the symptoms. This change can be chemical, such as when you take antibiotics.
Are you in the UK? Thrush can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal cream from a pharmacist, but it is recommended that you see your GP if (among other things):
- this is the first time that you've had thrush
- you're under 16 years of age or over 60
- your symptoms don't improve after 7-14 days
Although thrush is not classed as a STD/STI, it can be passed between partners during sex. So, if you get treated for thrush, it’s worth asking your boyfriend to get treated too. This usually involves applying an anti-fungal cream, available from pharmacies, to the penis. He can tell if he has thrush if it’s painful for him to urinate or if he has smegma under his foreskin. You should avoid sex or use condoms until it clears up in both of you.
Hope this helps