Experience Licensed Naturopathic Physician for 7 years
Currently: Assistant Professor of Naturopathic Medicine, Department of CLinical Sciences, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL
Organizations American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Secretary and member of Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Education/Credentials Bastyr University, doctor of naturopathic medicine
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, residency in family and integrated medicine
Question I am 60 years old female. I have been receiving Acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs for assistance in dealing with fatigue. My acupuncturist is a younger Chinese male. I am not ready to talk to him about this until I know more. I have also used homeopathy in the past and would prefer to address whatever is going on with me as naturally as possible.
About two weeks ago I noticed an odd sensation when I urinated – initially not really burning, although it was more like burning after a while. I have had UTIs a long time ago and know what that feels like – I don't have the constant urge and inability to go. I don't have any discharge, no cloudiness to or blood in my urine, no pain and it doesn't itch. Then after that initial feeling, I noticed this other sensation which over time I determined to be somewhere around the clitoris. It seemed that possibly either my clitoris or the hood was somewhat enlarged. I have this feeling of being very slightly aroused – like there is blood flowing to that area. I have not had any form of sex in the last month and did not do anything that would have led to an STD.
Yesterday, I used a soap with tea tree oil in it when I showered and my symptoms were much worse. I had done that also in the last two weeks and wonder if that started my problem. I had greater discomfort which went on all day. Today it is better and does not look swollen or inflamed. However, when I urinate I again have a slight burning sense which goes away after a few minutes. I am generally aware of this other sensation most of the time.
I am wondering if I could have a UTI and just have really mild symptoms? Could this be a Vaginal infection or contact dermatitis? I am also wondering if this could be a reaction to the Chinese herbs I take either in that they are impacting my hormones or just producing side effects. I know that there are some herbs that impact libido a la Viagra. I have checked the obvious ones and I am not taking those. Could herbs and diet impact the pH of my urine which then causes the discomfort when I urinate?
If I go for an exam and tests, I am paying out of pocket. I want to take care of my health, but also be cost effective. Suggestions?
Answer Hello Ellen,
Thanks for your question. I think there are a couple options for what might be going on; one is that is is just a side effect of the chinese herbs or acupuncture. I don't have extensive training in this area so I can't tell if it's common or not, you would need to ask your acupuncturist about this, or find another one who you would be comfortable in talking about this with. That's the easiest option, to try first, because it seems the most likely, especially if some of the herbs have a hormonal-like action.
The second option is that it is a passing condition such as a UTI or dermatitis; this might be minor enough and will pass without any specific treatment. While I'd suggest you seek a local practitioner for assessment, you might be able to let it pass on your own.
The last option is that it's an entirely new condition that will require some assessment & treatment. It could be serious or minor. In this case, waiting longer will delay detection & treatment, so again I'd recommend seeking out a local practitioner, even if it's just to diagnose the condition which you then treat on your own with natural therapies like homeopathy.
In any case, make sure that you don't just let the symptoms continue. It's obviously important to you, so follow your intuition but be safe. If it doesn't resolve in a short period of time, finding a practitioner who you can talk to about this is probably the best and most cost effective way to deal with it, and may give you some piece of mind.
In health,
Dr Conner
