Blog 4 in Series: PCOS
There are many, many, many underlying symptoms to PCOS. Some, you might not even realize are related…but they probably are!
The Nitty Gritty: The one that really made me stop and think was the Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), or ‘Acne Inversa’. It is not something that has been studied that this is linked so often as it is a common symptom many women in the community share. Without being TOO graphic, the HS are basically abscesses anywhere that touches or rubs. Most typically, they are found in the vaginal area. They can be as small as a centimeter in diameter or as large as a baseball and are filled with puss and blood. If you want to know more details, please read the link on HS above.
My Experience: I suffer from HS. I get them pretty much every month or two. They can be teeny tiny, and I once had one the size of a golf ball. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they take an emotional toll on people as well. I had a lot of “why me” moments in general, but especially in intimacy. It’s awkward! They have puss in them, so they don’t smell great, and they hurt. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though! In my experience, they do relieve themselves or immediately the pain goes away.
I remember having them far before I knew I had PCOS. It freaked me out. I thought I had a disease, and even though I had a limited sexual experience, I thought I might have an STD! I Googled my symptoms and by process of elimination, found out they are basically harmless. There is no “treatment” for them, but if they become too painful, you can have them basically “relieved” by a doctor. If you experience a spike in fever while you have one, I would definitely head directly to the doctor.
WHY SHARE THIS? Simply put, I don’t want you to feel alone. I can’t imagine too many other people are openly sharing about this subject. It’s embarrassing and personal, but if you have PCOS and you are experiencing HS– YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Feel free to email me with questions or just for support. I am happy to talk to you guys!
theprettyplusonline@gmail.com
Thank you Thank you Thank you for sharing this! I literally feel like I’m going to get staph and die when I get these, which I have had 2 in the last few weeks! Sorry for commenting on all your stuff lol, I feel like were the same person!! Just happened to start reading your blog some more and found this! So relieved to know others get these, and I most definitely think it relates to my PCOS. Its really embarrassing, and they are so painful, it makes me extremely irritable, and I absolutely DO NOT want to be embarrassed at the doctors office, with something like this. But mine seem to take days to develop, is that what normally happens? I put Neosporin on them, but I’m always googling trying to figure out, if it is what I think it is!
Don’t apologize! I write my blogs for myself first, then for people who may be experiencing the same things next. I am glad to be someone you can talk to about your symptoms!
I have found that at the doctor’s office especially, DO NOT be embarrassed! It’s a natural thing happening to your body (as unwanted as it is!!!) You should be very open with your doctor about your symptoms and issues to give them a fair chance at treating you.
Yes, I find that I start feeling the bump, then it develops more over a few days to a few weeks, it peaks and then it’s gone. By peak, I mean it feels the most painful and then usually quickly after that moment, it relieves itself.
I just make sure to stay clean so it doesn’t get infected. Neosporin might not be a bad idea! ~B
I just recently got off my BCP (which I’ve been on since I was in high school), and have developed some of the more unwanted symptoms of PCOS, this being one of them. If I hadn’t ready your blog, I would have thought I had some sort of infected hair follicle or bug bite… I’ve also begun having the standard PCOS acne. I’ve been using spearmint tea face wash and that has worked great. I’m just wondering if now that this has presented itself, if I should go to a dermatologist… I just hate to spend money and miss time at work. Any idea how long they tend to last? Maybe I can just ride it out. Thanks again!
Since I’m not a doctor, I can’t really give you any specifics…just what I’ve experienced personally or what I’ve researched. I plan on looking into the acne problems more and blogging about them later on this week. I not not have acne issues, but what has been helpful is following a detailed skincare routine. If I didn’t do that, I would probably have more acne issues. I recommend going to a dermatologist. They specialize in skin issues and would likely be able to get you pointed in the right direction.
As far as the HS goes, they usually lasted in me for about 1-2 weeks. If you are experiencing exceptional pain or fever, I would DEFINITELY go to the doctor or hospital. No sense in taking a risk when something could be seriously wrong.
Hope this helps! Feel free to ask me whatever you would like! ~B
Thanks for your insight! Just talking to someone who has experienced it before is reassuring.
Happy to help!!! Keep your head up! You got this. :)