Hiya, I'm a transmasc fella who's been just about ignoring my genitals for years because of dysphoria, when it was at its worst I'd only ever acknowledge its existence when washing it, and wouldn't even touch it to scratch an itch. I've socially transitioned and just started T and feel more comfortable interacting with and thinking about my vulva these days. I'm still not comfortable with talking about matters in person, which is why I'm reaching out here.
I'm starting to wonder if my vulva is too dry - it itches quite a lot and the gooseflesh-like area on the inside of the outer lips, around the clitoris and urethra, often feels sore or sensitive, like I have a low-level rash. It also smells more than I'm comfortable with, although I can't tell if it smells bad. Last time I went to the doctor's about it they said it might be a yeast infection and sent me home with a pill and the advice to hydrate and apply some oil. The itchiness didn't go away but at least they got me to drink more water.
My issue is, since I've never had a partner with a vulva or felt comfortable asking any female acquaintances, I don't know what's normal. Maybe vulvas do itch just like this and people just never acknowledge it because it's a private matter? Or maybe I've had a bad infection for years and my vulva smells rank, only no one has ever gotten close enough to tell? I have no idea.
Is there anything I can do to get a clearer picture of what is going on down there?