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[Marchlove]

Hi All

So, following Pepperminty’s advice I decided to contact local gum clinic for testing diagnosis of what is causing my severe itching and burning.

Rang them yesterday and spoke to receptionist and requested an appointment for them to test for
Bacterial Vaginosis
Cytolitic
Lactobacilli overgrowth.

Candida having been ruled out by GP swab.

She had never heard of these tests and asked me if this was a STD. I said I didn’t think so and she said well this is a STD clinic!

Anyway, she then said call today at 8.30 and request a telephone appointment with a clinician. I rang at 8.36 and got message service saying they were not able to answer calls!

So, what to do? Are there private sexual health clinics who do these tests?
X

[CrispyChick]

How odd!!!

Can't your GP test for them???

I'm pretty sure you can buy a BV test in boots. I've never heard of the other two.

I'd just go back to your GP, tell them what the GUM clinic said and ask them to test.

[Joaniepat]

So, what to do? Are there private sexual health clinics who do these tests?
X

There are private GUM specialists and private vulva dermatologists. Either would test for these conditions.
JP x

[Marchlove]

The Gp said my BV was clear, but my specialist said I had been fobbed off and they hadn’t tested for BV as not mentioned on swab test report.
Gp doesn’t test for CV as has to be done on the spot with a microscope on a wet mount (whatever that is!)

Here is a mums link regarding CV, very similar symptoms to thrush and BV but totally different treatment required.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/general_health/1494932-Not-cystitis-not-thrush-Cytolytic-Vaginosis


Any thoughts ladies? X

[CrispyChick]

OK. I'd start wiry the BV and rule that in/out.

Boots test, boots offer treatment, if needed.

Then perhaps move to a private clinic.  . Why is it always so hard?!?!

[Marchlove]

Good thinking Crispy, I’ll get a test today x

[Eviepf]

Just wanted to say that Canestest, the test for BV and thrush marketed by Canesten, isn't designed for use by 'menopausal or post-menopausal' women because the changes which take place in vaginal PH in these groups render the results unreliable. I'd imagine the Boots test may be the same.

I only know this, having forked out for one myself a while ago and then reading the leaflet inside the packet... 

[Marchlove]

Oh what a Pooh, just bought one and it cost a fortune as popped into shop next door and bought some clothes too!

So, it’s GP or sexual health clinic then Eviepf? X

[Marchlove]

Oh it’s so confusing, see this study 3rd paragraph from the end, where it talks about post menopausal women using hrt can have an abundance of lactobacillus!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7291839/

[Marchlove]

So did the test anyway and it was normal. So normal ph.

Therefore test says could be Candida/thrush which according to GP swab it is not. So according to leaflet my probable medical condition is normal and treatment none!

Therefore I’m left thinking that I’ve got Cytolictic vaginosis and treatment is bicarbonate of soda.

As I’m not likely to get into a private gum clinic this side of holidays I’m going to go with that.

What a joke, well not really, par for the course I suppose!