[21F] With vaginal itching, missed period, and frequent urination

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms—vaginal itching, frequent urination, nausea, and a missed or late period—there are a few possible explanations:

1. Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)

• Vaginal itching, especially on the outer area, is a common symptom of a yeast infection. Yeast infections can occur due to hormonal changes, stress, or irritation from products like body wash. While frequent urination and nausea are not typical symptoms of a yeast infection, they could be coincidental or related to another issue.

2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

• Frequent urination is a hallmark symptom of a UTI. While vaginal itching isn’t a direct symptom, irritation in the area may occur due to proximity to the urinary tract. UTIs can also cause nausea in some cases. If frequent urination becomes painful or urgent, this diagnosis becomes more likely.

3. Hormonal Changes or Pregnancy

• Your missed or late period, along with nausea, could be due to hormonal changes or early pregnancy. Vaginal itching is not a direct symptom of pregnancy, but pregnancy-related hormonal shifts can alter the vaginal environment, increasing the risk of infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. The light bleeding you experienced for an hour could potentially be implantation bleeding, which occurs in early pregnancy.

What you can do

1. Take a Pregnancy Test

• Since you’re sexually active and have missed your period, taking a home pregnancy test is the first step. Use a reliable test like First Response or Clearblue for accurate results. Test with your first-morning urine for the highest hCG concentration. If the test is negative but your period remains absent, retest in 3–5 days.

2. Manage Vaginal Itching

• Avoid Irritants: Stick to unscented, gentle cleansers and avoid tight clothing or synthetic underwear.
• Home Remedies: Soak in a lukewarm bath with baking soda (avoid soap in the bath) to soothe irritation.
• Over-the-Counter Treatments: Consider antifungal creams like Monistat or Clotrimazole for yeast infections. If you suspect pregnancy, consult a doctor before using these products.
• Stay Dry: Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid scratching to prevent further irritation.

3. Address Frequent Urination

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to flush out your urinary tract.
• Cranberry Supplements: These may help prevent bacterial adherence to the bladder wall.
• Symptom Relief: If discomfort worsens, you can use phenazopyridine (e.g., AZO) for temporary relief, but this does not treat the underlying infection.

4. Monitor Nausea

• Small, Frequent Meals: Eat bland foods like crackers or toast to help manage nausea.
• Hydration: Sip water or ginger tea throughout the day.
• If Pregnancy is Confirmed: Nausea could be morning sickness, and your doctor can recommend safe remedies.

Track Your Symptoms

Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share detailed notes with your healthcare provider. This will help you identify patterns and provide valuable information during your doctor’s visit.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention promptly if you notice any of the following:

• For Vaginal Itching: Severe redness, swelling, or discharge with a foul odor, which could indicate a bacterial infection.
• For Frequent Urination: Pain during urination, fever, or blood in your urine, which could signal a UTI.
• For Missed Period: If your pregnancy test is positive, schedule a prenatal appointment as soon as possible. If negative and your period remains absent, consult a doctor to rule out hormonal imbalances or other conditions.
• For Nausea: Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down, which could lead to dehydration.

Your symptoms may be due to multiple causes, and it’s important to address them with a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Let me know if you’d like help preparing for your doctor’s visit or exploring other options!