Irritation between inner labia, around clitoris, and slightly in vagina after sex?
Hey everyone. I have noticed that whenever me and my boyfriend have sex and use a condom, I end up with a little bit of mild irritation between my inner labia, on and near my clitoris, and a little bit inside my vagina. I have never had a reaction to latex condoms before though that is what we have been using. We did not use any lube as we both felt that I had produced enough of my own natural lube. Also, this has happened before when we did not use a latex condom (I was on a hormonal birth control method) although it seemed more severe then. I am suspecting that this is either a mild latex allergy or I am irritated because I wasn't really lubricated enough. Could anyone possibly give me some ideas here? The irritation usually lasts about 24-32 hours after intercourse and then it disappears. We do not have anal sex, only vaginal.
Spicygirl82
Replies:
Please go to the drug store and purchase a bottle of water-based lube and use lots of it. Lube has a purpose and was created for a purpose. Use it on his penis, the tip, and in and on you.
dancingdoc2
Yeah it's about gotta be a lube issue. T and I have just had an issue that made us decide we need to get into lube.
We had a morning romp the other day where he fingered me to orgasm first, then I worked with him to get him ready to go in. As I was working with him, I noticed my anus start to hurt. There had been no anal play, so I decided I'd tightened up down there, almost like a cramp, as can happen sometimes after an orgasm. When I tried to put him in, I asked him if I was tight, or if he was bigger this time. He said I was tight and he was dry. We continued on, and added some clit in to get some moisture down there so he could get in. By the end of that day I had red spotting. Nothing that overnight or all the following day, and I'm on an IUD anyway, so it had to be the sex and a need for lube.
lnt1103
No, it does not have to be a lube issue. That is one possibility. It could be a low level latex allergy; switch to poly condoms. If you are using spermicide (you should be) either in you or on the condom, you could be one of the few women with an allergy to Non-9, the most common spermicide. There are two others commonly used, so check to see what is the active ingredient and then find a vaginal spermicide that uses one of the others. Nonoxynol-9 is a detergent and women who react to detergent washing liquids will similarly react to Non-9.
The issue I suspect the most has to do with accumulated "stuff" that you have in and around there. Smegma is the name and it includes urine, skin cells, vaginal drippings, menstrual fluid, semen and migratory bacteria from the anus. Thorough cleansing twice a day could help. I keep a bottle of baby shampoo by the bidet and in the shower. It cleanses well and rinses easily.
Then, get the surgilube or K-Y (both water based) and use as doc suggests.
Brandye
Hmmm, ok. I have a bottle of silicone based lube around here. It's called Wet Platinum. Would that stuff work just as well? I honestly prefer it since it doesn't dry out as fast.
Thanks! I will definitely try using some lube next time. I'll pick up some water based lube to use just in case the silicone based kind doesn't work as well.
Oh okay thanks Brandye! I will try switching condoms. However, isn't Astroglide just as good as Surgilube or K-Y?
Spicygirl82
Doc specified "water-based" for a reason. Surgilube and K-Y are used in surgery for the simple reason that no one has ever had an adverse reaction to them. Astroglide is a silicone based product. Rub some on your hands. Lots. Now try to wash it off. You may or may not react to it but it will encapsulate the stuff that is really irritating you and you will have to wait for it to wear away.
- Wash well with hypo-allergenic soap (baby shampoo) twice a day.
- Use non-reactive condoms (poly) that are NOT lubed.
- Use only water based lubricant and LOTS of it. The same applicators that comes with K-Y+ and Gynol II (both vaginal spermicides) fit the tubes of lubricant. Fill the applicator and pump it into you and then rub plenty around your externals. That will last through the act.
- Do not use any flavoured or aromatic powders, douches, soaps or sprays.
- If the problem persists, see your doctor will specific explanations of what has happened and what you have done.
Brandye
Hello everyone. I asked my Gynecologist about a possible latex allergy and he told me that if it were a latex allergy, I would most likely have swelling in the area. I believe he said it would be rapid onset swelling but he may have said gradual onset swelling. Regardless, he said that it does not appear to him that I have a latex allergy and that I can continue to use latex condoms.
I am thinking that my irritation might be a result of the lubricant on the condoms. I will try to do some more research on this. Aso, if you could provide me with some information, I'd appreciate it. I know that preservatives can sometimes cause an allergic reaction in/on the genitalia.
Also, I think it might be possible that I have a urinary tract infection. I have not been having much, if any, burning when urinating but the symptoms seem similar to UTIs that I have had in the past. I go to my primary care physician today so I will ask for a urine test to be performed.
Thanks for the advice!
Spicygirl82