Vaginal Tear - Herpes or Yeast Infection?

[md1733]

I have been dealing with vaginal burning and redness for 2-3 months now. The only time I find minor relief is during the week of my period and about a week thereafter. Otherwise, the levels of discomfort vary but I never feel as though the pain is ever truly gone. I'm sure my stress doesn't make it any easier...

But on to my question - Last night, a tear opened in my vaginal area. It is located under my pubic hair at the top of my outer vaginal lips. The tear bled a small amount but I saw no other fluid. I have no other tears in or outside of my vagina. I'm wondering if this tear closely resembles a herpes lesion or if it sounds more like something that would be caused by a severe yeast infection? I would get the tear swabbed and cultured, but it tends to start healing fairly quickly...

Any info is greatly appreciated!

[jp813]

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/WomensHealth/messages/674.html.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/WomensHealth/messages/188.html

Wanted to give you these archived sites to read over.  Saw your post on some other sites....think I may have even responded to one.  Just finished a big long post about our similarties and lost it somehow.  So in a "nutshell" (or at least a coconut shell!), it seems that Drs don't know much about the cause of these vaginal tears.  I'm finding that women who are both positive and negative for Herpes-2 have them.  Unfortunately, if you're positive, they tend to assume that's what's causing them.  My problem with that is I have had off and on cuts (with only a day or two without) for about 6-8 weeks now.  Supposedly, Herpes outbreaks only last 2-3 weeks tops.  Lately, my vaginal area has been VERY dry, and has suffered some or all of the following symptoms:  inflammation, redness, swelling, itchiness and overall discomfort.   I have had issues with Group B strep in the past two years and recently treated for what I thought to be another occurence, but I feel so confused about what's normal anymore, I'm not sure whether to get a refill for the Group B strep or if all these symptoms are caused by the Herpes Infection  (or if my parts are hopelessly falling apart.)

My main goal was to let you know not to stress about Herpes as it very well may not be.  And even if it is, it's not the end of the world.  (And you have all of us to support you!)  I hope you find some comfort soon.  Let us know what you find out as there are many of us still looking for answers.

[Aliland]

Both my husband and i had full screening for VD prior to marrage. I have a few open wounds in my pubic area - very itchy.  I am trying to get pregnant and  so really concerned this could creat a complication.

[rideout2003]

If it is herpies (herpes)...don't fear...you can still get pregnant...I have herpies (herpes) and have a 7 month old...more than likely you will have a c-section...

[free spirit]

Check out vulvodynia. Also the vaginal splits and tears can be associated with low estrogen levels or possibly a vulvar dermatological problem like lichen planus.

Find a good knowledgable gyn or specialist.

[Neg002]

Thats the same thing with me! I have been getting this annoying cut on the left side near my vaginal opening and its not very big (No bumps or anything) and right after that heeled I got another paper like cut on the right side of my Vaginal opening and it seems they are on the crease! I have No clue what it is or if I should be worried! I just turned 20 and have only had one yeast infection in my entire life! I dont know if its a Yeast Infection or Genital Herpes outbreak! I got tested for Genital herpes which came out negative, but I have been looking online and alot of people say that many people get a misdiagonosis of Herpes as a Yeast infection. That is when I was diagonosed with a yeast infection (Papsmear and they found alittle Yeast). I've been lost ever since the Middle of November because this is when it seems to have been happening!

[44andholding]

I am not sure about your diagnosis- but I do know I was diagnosed with herpes and when I have outbreaks it is only slight little cuts I have never had anything else.  Valtrex does seem to work good as a treatment.

[freya_faery]

Hi ladies.  There is another forum in here on this topic and I came across this one as well.  I cannot believe that so many of us are having the same issue with no results!  I am 24 and have suffered from these vaginal tears and itching off and on for many years.  I have found that it comes at the same general time in my menstrual cycle... and it is definately NOT HERPES!  I have regular check ups and have never been diagnosed with herpes (even before I became sexually active!).  I too think that it has something to do with the vaginal flora and the yeast levels.  I am a certified herbalist and nutritionalist, and I am starting to think that the cause for all of this may be a systemic candida infection.  Candida albicans is the scientific name for yeast.  When it becomes systemic it can cause all kinds of problems.  Google it and you will find many holistic websites that list the many and varied symptoms.  It effects everyone differently, so it can be hard to diagnose.  This is also the reason why the mainstream medical community does not really recognize systemic candida infections as a real illness.  

We are all on some version of the standard american diet... over processed foods with too much refined sugar>> candida's best friend!  I am not sure if this is a definitive answer, but don't be surprised if your GYN blows it off.  Most of them will not accept this as an answer but I am going to look into it more... Unfortunately, curing systemic candida usually requires major diet changes and a strict herbal regimen.  I will post again with more info when I can.  Good lcuk to you all... keep the info coming!

[HIGHPITCH]

Hey freya_faery,
  Thanks for your very informative comment. You're 100% correct!!!! I appreciate your knowledge. Please continue to bless with any additional info. PEACE AND BLESSINGS!!!!!!!

[rmmcg]

WOW!  I can not believe that this is such an undiagnosed and unsolved problem for us.  I have all of the SAME issues...and I'm not even going to write my history or symptoms, because they are the SAME as almost all of the posts I just read.  
So here's my question:

what can I put on my vulva to stop the itching?

And here's my tip:

try pouring a cup of cool water over your vulva while urinating when you have tears/fissures...it dilutes the urine and decreases the burning.  

And here's my theory/question/hypothesis:

are we suffering from yeast infections/varying pH levels due to estrogen level imbalances?

peace to all...and let's FIGURE THIS OUT!  :-)

[md1733]

Just a brief update ladies - Since originally submitting this post, I am really no closer to understanding what is going on...I tested negative for herpes 16+ weeks past my last initimate encounter. I have not gotten the cut for a couple of months now, but the burning and tingling pains continue after my period on a monthly basis.

I'm thinking this may be a hormonal issue - likely estrogen. I have been under enormous amounts of stress the past 6 months or so. In recent months my periods have become much lighter. Although I take birth control, I am wondering if there is not enough estrogen in my pill to overcome a natural estrogen dificiency. (However, I have had some light brown spotting today. It is about six days before my period, so I am not sure if this something abnormal or just my body secreting some old blood.)

I have been tested repeatedly for STDs and all have been negative.  I have had several wet mounts to check for BV and yeast and those were also negative. A urine culture was normal as well.

Besides hormones - other possible causes??

Hypersensitivity to yeast
pH levels
Dermatological problems - lichen planus or lichen sclerosis

Please ladies - Keep posting so we can all help each other!!

[echopk]

i've been dealing with this same thing.  it started happening about 2 years ago, and back then it was frequent (once a month after my period) and finally i used a treatment for yeast infections and it went away immediately.  it didn't return until about a month and a half ago, when i started having sex with a new partner.  it wasn't very bad and went away after a few days, no cuts this time.  then, after a particularly long sexual session a few weeks ago it came back like crazy.  i had a terrible discharge and went to the doctor.  today i got the results and was told i had a strep b infection, and given a prescription for amoxil.  i only had one cut this time, at the top of my labia which happened when i was pulling them apart to look at everything.  i have been freaking out that this is herpes, but the tests showed this strep b infection.  the only info i can find on that is for pregnant women, elderly women, or women with compromised immune systems.  i'm none of those .  has anyone had this problem?  

[jl1985]

I'm both relieved and troubled to see so many ladies having the same problem. I was worried it was herpes at first, but I have had no contact with the virus. I noticed the problem began when I became active with a new partner, like echopk said. I have had intense vaginal itching and this tear for over awhile now...only relief being during and just after my period, like someone else said! I have tried yeast treatments, including taking regular probiotic supplements, but nothing seems to help.

I think it is possible the tear comes from pulling the labia apart to see what was going on with the itching (I was doing this very frequently for awhile) and possibly from sexual activity, also.

Do you think it is safe to get a bikini wax while having this problem? I'm really not sure...

[didi175]

I am so happy to see I am not alone.  I have had a cut on the right side of my vagina for months now, it seems to be reoccuring and some times it is worse then others.  You need to realy fold back the lips in order to see it which is why i feel it hasnt healed because i have had it for about 5 months.  I felt it but never saw it until i took a look a week ago and i was shocked! it look like someone took a knife to me!  I just got back from the gyno about an hour ago and he took a culture and blood to see if it was herpes but he told me he was most likely from intercourse.  Hasr anyone had a tear for 5 months ? it seems liek so long and how can i remedy this!?!

[prettylady14]

I get little cuts in my labia in like the curves and stuff and at the opening of my vagina, i dont think its herpes because ive had it before i even started intercourse, im going to get checked out though... but its really annoying i thought it was from just frequent masturbation or masturbating when im too dry or just whiping to roughly or spreading it open to take a look.. either way i just hope it isnt herpes.

[mynah]

hi everybody. i am a mid 30 yr old that has experienced years of very similar experiences. since my ealry 20's, i have had trying times with inexplicable itchiness and tears during both active and inactive sexual times. moderate times i just felt like i was crazy because the itchiness was so intense and there was no indication of yeast infections or sti's whatsoever. after a few more intense with it, i finally met a dr who thinks that i have lichen sclerosis. (LS). at first i thought this was a rare skin disorder, but i am finding out through research that more and more this is a common experience for women. just as an idea, i suggest you checking into some info about it on the internet when you can- whether for yourselves or other women, i think it could be useful and also a condition that is far too rarely explored or talked about in comparison to it's prevelace these days.

[vivophoenix]

i had an issue where my opening was slightly itchy. i have anissue with toilet paper so i assumed that was it. then it got a little worse, but no odor, no discharge. then i experienced tearing and small cracks. then the skin of my labia started peeling and falling offf...turns out these are symptoms of a bad yeast infection. that no one tells you about. i am on the treament now and will tell you how it goes.

***@****

p.s. there is now some edvidence that yeast infection can be caused by too little lubrication

[ladywallace]

i also ma having tears with itching but i am begining to think it has to do with hormonal changes and estrogen levels maybe something to do with pre-menapause please continue to bring more information to the rladies here on this board i found it very relieving ladies thank you for sharing because i was begining to think i was out suffering alone until i came across this site. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!

[lisalisa7up]

HI~! First of all, I have the same complications as you all do. I have been to the doctor lately and they put me on estrogen to build up my levels and yes the yeast is causing this mess for me. I just wanted to let you know. Thanks!

[trac777]

An autoimmune disease called Behcet's Syndrome's initial symptoms closely resemble the herpes virus, causing inflammation, then later, vaginal sores, cuts, fissures, bumps, boils, or folliculitis (in grown hairs).Other symptoms develop weeks to years later, so it is very important that you find out just what it is that is causing your symptoms. Don't be too quick to brush it off as nothing, Behcet's disease affects people of every age and every race. It is important you see a doctor who know's enough to help you. Ask them about Behcet's Syndrome, if they don't know enough to tell you what it is, they won't be able to tell you if you have it or not. You can also contact the free American Behcet's Disease Website for much more information. Behcet's is not contagious and it doesn't run in families. It is commonely triggered by strep throat, food poisoing or other infections or for unknown reasons that have damaged the immune system. Stress, injury, common illnesses, and genital to gential contact are common causes for later flares. People with this illness need to rest more often and take better care of themselves. Even then, they will need medicine and a good doctor to stay well. Some common symptoms that can develop are chronic yeast infections, bowel, or bladder inflammaton,  arthritis, chronic fatique, muscle pain, and eventually eye inflammation and central nervous system symptoms during flares. It is different for everyone who has it.  I recommend you get the  herpes blood test to make sure you don't have herpes, if it's negative, there is agood chance you have the early symptoms of BD.. You need a really smart doctor. Behcet's syndrome is treated by a Rheumotologist. I would see one of them if it turns out you don't have an STD.

[LMA516]

Wow, than God I came across this post - I been freaking out, wondering why I must be the only one having these issues, etc, etc - but obviously this is a too-common problem for women.

I will be making a GYN appt. this week. I actually DO have genital herpes (I believe it would be considered type 1 - b/c I got it from oral sex, or so the tests showed) and have had it since about 2003 or so. My first outbreak was bad (blisters, sores, fun stuff :-/) but I didn't have another one till winter of 2007 - or at least, not one that I ever noticed.

Now all of a the past few months it seems like a tear on my left vaginal lip (near the crease) forms the week of or after I get my period (if I get my period - I'm on BC and sometimes it just doesn't come strong at all).  I think it may be an outbreak of Herpes for me, but it seems weird that all of a sudden it's happening so often.

I've been going through problems with my boyfriend of almost 3 years for a long time now, and wonder if perhaps that stress could be causing it. It just seems like there could be so many reasons behind it and not knowing is scary. Glad to see I'm not alone...thank ladies.

[trac777]

herpes 1 tends to be much milder than herpes 2, it very rarely causes gential symtpoms, but it is possible. This is one of the reasons it is so hard for Behcet's patients to get diagnosed, because most of them have herpes 1. I have herpes 1, but my doctors couldn't ingore the intensity of my genital symptoms, which are not commonly seen in this milder form of the herpes virus. I would just want to keep an eye on it. Try to rest and take good care of yourself and let go of the stress and see how it goes. If this becomes and on going problem, it may not be herpes 1 causing the problem. The best way to tell is for your doctor to do cultures of your lesions to see if they are coming from herpes 1 or not. What test did you have that showed you have herpes 1? Was it the blood test? If so, that just means you have it, most people do, it does not necessarily mean it's what is causing your problems. I hope you the very best.

[LMA516]

Thanks for the response trac.

When I first got a breakout back in 03 or so (from my boyfriend of over a year - sure as hell didn't stay with him much longer), they tested the lesions, so it was definitely positive. Than, just b/c I hadn't seemed  to have a break out in forever and I wanted to reassure myself as well as b/c my fiance encouraged it, I got a blood test done last spring and it came back positive for herpes 1 which the doc told me wasn't as severe as herpes 2 (um, I guess that's something to my thankful for...)

But now with what's going on the past couple months - I had been just going to Planned Parenthood for my care, b/c they sufficed - now I think it's time to find a personal GYN that I can discuss all my concerns with. I will definitely be asking about that Behcet's thing you mentioned.

I'm trying to think of all the things that have changed that could be causing it - I moved back in with my parents in Sept (I'm 24, so that is DEFINITELY stressful) been going through bad patches and shaky ground with my boyfriend/sometimes fiance - more stress.

And I've found that the well water in my house is HARD. It drives my face out like nobody's business, and since some people have wondered whether this is a dermatology-centered problem, I wonder if that could have anything to do with it...

What else...I had to have a biopsy and get soem irregular cells frozen and scraped out in early 06 - I've been on birth control pills since 2000 - (novum 777 for a couple years now) and I used to get yeast infections 2-4 times a year - though oddly enough, when I was diagnosed with herpes, I stopped getting them even that often. Weird...

Anybody else get a little annoyed at how complicated it can be to keep woman parts in good shape?  Sheesh!

[d21]

I NEED ALL OF YALL HELP THE FIRST TWO WEEKS I HAD ITCHING IN MY VAGINAL LIPS AREA. AND THEN IT WENT AWAY THEN LATER MY VAGINAL AREA START TURNING RED AND THEN GOES AWAY AND WHEN ITS NOT RED IT LOOK PEELING LIKE . MY LIPS INSIDE MY VAGINAL AREA IS SWOLLEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY. IT BECOMES SWOLLEN AFTER SEX AND AFTER I RUBE IT SOMETIMES WITH TISSUE I AM VERY SCARED I DONT KNOW WHATS HAPPENING I WENT TO DOCTOR AND GOT TESTED FOR YEAST INFECTIONS , CALYMODIA, GORREHNA, AND OTHER CULTURES AND CAME MAKE NORMAL. AND I TOLD MY P-ARTER HE GOT CHECK FOR THE SAME THINGS INCULDING HERPS AND ALL HIS TESTS WERE NORMAL WHAT DO YOU THINK IT CAN BE SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE

[kiisha]

you girls should try this secrete, it works...... fill a medium size bowl half way with very hot water(make sure the bowl is big enough to sit on, and do not put your weight on the bowl), add about 1-2 full cup of iodized salt..... and sit on it for about 20-30 minutes........do not let the hot water to touch your skin because you only need the steam to penetrate in your vagina area. Try this two time daily after shower for a week........ you will notice some discharge after every sitting. I remember having some serious vagina infection with boil like sore on the side of my vagina,   and i was too shy to talk about it, so i did the salt therapy and it worked. That has been since 1994, I am married now with two kids and has never been diagnosed with any STD or vagina infection.

[Kimberly3]

I am 29 years old with three kids and in a relationship with the same partner for seven years now. (I know there are no affairs on either side) There isn’t now nor ever and STD problem EVER. Neither me or my husband…we have been threw a lot with our kids and have a very strong bond…so the herpes or std factor does not apply to me at all!

I have been on birth control on and off for 7 years as well. After my last pregnancy, my woman area both inside and out has just went to hell… I had 2 c-sections and lets just say nothing ever get put back exactly right where it was. It cause me to have a really sever bladder problem which I take Detrol LA for. I take birth control now even though I had my tubes tied cause my hormones were just shot and my doctor recommend it). For the last 4 months I have had another problem down there. For no reason it will turn really red, get itchy, and I will get these cuts in different places. Sometimes at the top and sometimes at the bottom. I have extremely sensitive skin as well and my husband though that a new body wash was the cause so we threw it out. But it has happen three more times since then (which was in May.) The last time was 8/07/08 and I’m still suffering from it. I use a triple antibiotic ointment on it till it finally goes away. (It helps the cut heal faster and keep the area moist too)  I have read all of the postings and mine usually happen when me and my husband do and don’t have sex…and it happens when I’m on my period or when it isn’t even time for it.

We are under a lot of stress and that comes natural with kids, and a mortgage. I thought it might have something to do with the pool we got (the chlorine levels maybe but we test the chlorine and ph levels at least four times a week), but we had the exact same pool last summer and my first “painful experience” was almost two full months before we got the new pool. After reading the other post I do believe it has to do with the estrogen levels and yeast infections or some type of infection. (I have been dealing with an ear problem for a while. I believe I may have an ear infection but I keep putting it off…the doctor isn’t exactly cheap ya know!) I got the gyno a lot for the bladder control problem but I haven’t discussed this yet cause the first time I thought it was a reaction to the body wash and brushed it off and I haven’t been back yet.

I included the extra info about myself cause I wanted everyone to know that it happens to the married mom too and not just to the “new partner”. I don’t want other women to feel like it’s a sexual problem cause sex is about the last factor for me. And there are so many factors with me that it was about to drive me nuts trying to figure out exactly what the cause could be.

I’m so glad I found this posting…it has giving me a few idea that I hadn’t even thought about asking about and doing my own personal research as well. I will do more research into my hormone levels to see if that is the biggest factor and the personal dryness as well.

~And to all of you wonderful women who took the time to share your own experience with the rest of us and help us all figure out what is going on with ourselves…THANK YOU. I felt so compelled to share what I was going threw in order to possible help someone else. We need to keep this going and when we find out something we need to post that as well. We learn a lot from each other…you girls kick so much ***!

Thank You So Very Much!

[shaftsbabe]

I recently had to go to the hospital to have a carbuncle (huge boil) lanced on one side of my vagina, it was horrible! anyways than I was on penecillan and t3 with codeine but after I finished the perscription, the cut on my vagina opened up and than I got another paper like cut down there and when I pee it stings! It's red, itchy and tender down there as well. I just wish all of this would go away and I could get back to my normal life with my boyfriend, I am only 22 years old. I am going to the doctor tomorrow but I think I have a yeast infection!!!!

[fungage]

I have suffered from vaginal tears for about a year and a half, my doctor told me it was post- thrush infection.He prescribed me many different types of creams but none of them made any difference. It really is a horrible experience and makes your sex life extremely painful. I did a lot of research about Candida Albicans and I bought Threelac a year ago but never used it. I then decided to give it a go, and after about a week I had a LOT of vaginal discharge, even more than when you have thrush but without the itching, which I can only imagine was dead Candida. About a month has past now and I can gladly say I'm almost cured, for the first time after a year and a half. It's really a breakthrough. In my opinion these vaginal tears are definitely linked to Candida Albicans, but as someone else here pointed out the doctors will never admit that. I'm not here to promote Threelac as there are many different cures for Candida Overgrowth e.g. a non- sugar diet, exercise and many different supplements which kill off candida. I actually read some worrying things about threelac and am considering trying another supplement instead. This problem seems to be much more widespread than I realized and the doctors don't seem to have a cure unfortunately. Hope my story helps.

[dgrabowski]

Dear Ladies,
I think I may have found a solution for myself and everyone. I have been dealing with all of the same issues and all of the wrong diagnosis for the past 3 years. I won't get into all of my issues because they mirror all of yours.

Last week, I went to see a UROGYNECOLOGIST that I was referred to. He told me he believe that the cause of the itching, burning, tearing/papercuts etc. was from muscle spasms of the LEVATOR muscles of the vaginal area. He said spasms can cause this type of itching.

I thought he was crazy. He told me to call the office when the itching was intense and they would have me evaluated by their PELVIC FLOOR THERAPIST. He also told me to stop using the steroid cream I'd been prescribed by my GYN. He said the cream only served to thin the skin and make the tearing/papercuts worse.

Last night I woke up at 4:00AM with intense itching/burning/throbbing. It had been building for days. I was seen by the Pelvic Floor Therapist at 11:00AM. She hooked me up to a machine that looked kind of like a ultrasound machine. She placed sensors on my lower abdomen, inside my vagina, and just inside the rectum. Within seconds of turning on the machine she said, "You are definitely spasming." She asked me to do Kegle-type exercises and some deep breathing.

The result is this... many women internalize their stress which causes the Levator muscles to spasm. The spasms cause intense itching or burning or both and a discharge sometimes. In addition, the scratching or rubbing of the vaginal area during the times of extreme irritation leads to the tearing/papercuts -- especially if you are using steroid-based creams for relief (as they thin the skin).

She gave me a treatment by inserting a small instrument into the vagina which sent electrical impulses into the muscles. It was not painful at all -- there was just a warm sensation. She also gave me simple vaginal muscle exercises to perform at home. I'm supposed to go back weekly for the electrical impulse therapy until the condition is under control.

She told me she had a patient come to her that had had this condition for 25 years and within a month of this therapy was pain/itch free. She did say that this is a condition I will probably have all my life but proper management will prevent the flaring.

Lastly, the Urogynecologist suggested that if I needed and extra boost until the therapy and exercises begin working, he could prescribe Xanex to use on an as needed basis. I didn't take the Xanex because I want to give this therapy a chance to work.

I have looked up Levator Spasms on Google but can only find information about problems with the rectum.

I hope gives all of you some new direction in finding a solution to this problem.

[Lady77]

Well I have been having two paper like cuts on corresponding sides at the top of my vaginal lips, also one long one at the side of my rectum, they have been there for about 2 months, I recently moved to another country so I was busy and tried to ignore this...  the cuts seem to get better until I have a shower then they open up again, today I notice in the vaginal folds/outer lips, a creamy white discharge... now I believe after looking at some pics it could very well be a yeast infection...

I was going out of my mind thinking about herpes and thought maybe my husband cheated on me but we are both deeply in love and faithful but needless to say the thought crossed my mind....  I think I should just go to the doctor and finish with this... but for those of you that are interested, here are some pics of yeast and the one with the long cuts looks like mine, my discharge is also located in the lip creases....

http://www.dermnet.com/thumbnailIndex.cfm?moduleID=18&moduleGroupID=545&groupIndex=0&numcols=0