Cytolytic vaginosis (CV) is a little-understood gynaecological condition, thought to be characterised by an overgrowth of a type of so-called ‘good’ bacteria in the vagina. Sure, this sounds pretty small fry, in terms of things that can go wrong in that most delicate of ecosystems. But the current thinking is that this imbalance causes a more acidic pH level in the area and irritates your vaginal wall – potentially resulting in some nasty symptoms.
These range from discomfort in the vagina, itching and burning on the vulva, pain during sex – or finding penetrative sex impossible, altogether – and white or yellowish discharge (for this reason, it might be mistaken for thrush or bacterial vaginosis.)
As you might expect with something that’s not been so well researched, it’s also controversial. Not all gynaecologists accept it as a stand-alone diagnosis and one recent review of the existing data stated that, when it comes to making receiving one, there is ‘inadequate criteria for excluding other causes of vulvovaginal symptoms.’
Between the ages of 23 and 24, after a year of searching for answers to her debilitating pain, Lucy* was eventually diagnosed with the condition, by a private gynaecologist, Austin Ugwumadu. Here, four years on, she shares her experience.
Read the original full article HERE
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