Vaginal and anal tearing/fissures - Women's Health

maryharry

Aug 31, 2007

Sounds like Lichen sclerosus. Causes tears arouund vulva and anal area....Hope this helps.

sperry@mesastate.edu

Sep 01, 2007

To: ALL

Ok I think I am getting a hold on this. besides the fact that I am red and burning and I DO NOT HAVE ANY INFECTION and have been through every test for almost a year< i think I found out what is wrong.....I tested positive for CELIAC DESEASE......look it up many people have it and dont even know or are misdiagnosed! It means I VERY sensitive to GLUTEN, some TOILET PAPER has it in it! Hence the Angel Solf the one I use! I get the paper cuts just like XELA21 I even get then in my anal area!!!! I also get inflamed after sex it burns like hell and one side or all swells! So I am going to try GLUTEN free toilet paper! WISH ME LUCK!!!!.........Please to all you women out there, I suffered for years I am 26 and the docs ignored me, I "ordered them to give me" the blood test to check for gluten intolorance.....CELIAC DESEASE...and I am POSITIVE....now i can change my life and get on track to live a "normal life".............

CLN1

Sep 02, 2007

Please do more reading on Lichen sclerosus before self-diagnosing.  I disagree with maryharry.  Lichen Sclerosus has other symptoms besides fissures.

Fissures are NOT STD related.  My 10 year old daughter has them on occassion and she does not have ANY diseases.  Fissures are a simple skin tear caused by pressure on the skin (i.e. difficulty passing stools), irritation from soaps, detergents, and other possible irritants.   The vaginal/anal/perineum is a sensitive, tender skin area and thus the reason some people get fissures.  (Similiar to anal fissure found internally in the anus caused by hardened stools or difficulty passing stools).

Here are my suggestions for your fissures:
  -change your laundry detergent that you use to wash your underwear or pants, (Tide is bad!)
  -use an organic laundry detergent,
  - stop using clothes softener like Bounce,
  -use a hypoallergenic soap when showering,
  - don't let shampoo reside reach your vaginal area when rinsing hair,
  - rinse vaginal area last when showering to remove all soap residue,
  - stop wearing underwear or PJ bottoms at night to allow air flow to heal/prevent fissures,
  - use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Ozonol or Polysporin to heal fissures.

If you are an adult:  Be gentle during intercourse, use an organic lubricant such as Grape Seed Oil (no perfumes etc.) and shower after intercourse.

Your fissures could be allergy related so avoid all perfumes etc. in the area.
Fissures are tears ONLY.  All other symptoms such as redness, puss, sores, itching etc.  is most likely something else such as an STD, yeast infections etc., and you need to see your Doctor.

Changing some of your habits noted above will also help with yeast infections or other allergy related symptoms (most soaps are an irritant to the vaginal area for those who have an allergy sensitivity).

Please note: this is what has worked for me, always check with your Doctor for other possible causes.

Hope this helps!

CLN1

Sep 02, 2007

One more comment to my post above:

I have not completely eliminated the possibility that hormones are/are not related. My 10 year old daughter is pre-adolescent and showing signs of puberty, the fissures only appeared (for the first time) in the last year. She also has many allergies. It is possible that the two are both contributing factors in her fissures. Nonetheless, my suggestions in my first posting have worked for her.

jp813

Sep 02, 2007

To: CLN1

thanks for your comments. We get such good ideas and things to check out from everyone on here. As for me, I'll have to try using something other than tide, been considering trying that BASIC soap instead of the Dove I currently use in the shower. While I think that hormones definitely have something to do with it...especially if there's no other symptoms (swelling, redness, etc...I won't say itching because mine often itch), I think some of these other ideas are just smart. But like CLN said, don't do it blindly...do your research!

P.S. I haven't heard of Grape Seed Oil, but I'm interested in finding out more about it! :)

sperry@mesastate.edu

Sep 02, 2007

To: CLN1

I have done all the things on your list! Mine come and go! I get red and swell also. I have had every test done from std to yeast. I am a married woman and i am very clean! I think it has to do with celiac desease! I am so sensitve and i hope changing my tolit paper will help! i have irregular period and I also have pimples "rash" on my neck, back and chest! I am going crazy figuring out if it is all related! My fissures come and go and my sensitivity does also. Do you have any idea if my chest neck and back pimples are related?

CLN1

Sep 03, 2007

Does your "rash" appear to be like a white or blackhead (pimple) or is it more like exzema (eczema) (which is usually allergy related).

If it's pimple like, my first thoughts are hormones, especially if they are along your jaw or chin which often indicates hormones or an imbalance of hormones.

It is quite possible that fissures are caused by more than one contributing factor, so I wouldn't eliminate celiac disease as a possible cause.  In fact, I will keep that in mind for my daughter's fissures as celiac disease is in her Dad's side of the family.  Something to think about!

I use Grape Seed Oil to remove my eye make up and moisturize around my eyes at night.  It is also good for dry skin or as a personal lubricant.  And it is all natural!

malarson

Sep 03, 2007

To: all

I am in the process of getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and I also have these paper cut-like fissures (as well as many other symptoms). What they are telling me is either Crohn's disease or Behcet's disease...anyone else, does this sound familiar?

sperry@mesastate.edu

Sep 03, 2007

To: CLN1 and MALARSON

I have a autoimmune desease...CELIAC DESEASE and I have the same symptoms.

Yes keep it in mind it is over looked a lot! They say it IS GENETIC!!!! Also if you are gluten intolerant than most of the time you are lactose also.

No my pimples are on my neck, shoulders and chest. They are red they look just like pimples and go away and come back and hurt, ich and are oily SOMETIMES! I also have PCOS...I am so lost I am working on jsut getting balanced and getting normal periods.

yowzers

Sep 05, 2007

I was so reassured to read about all of the problems you have each had with vulval tearing. My problem started about 2 years ago. I have been with my partner for 4 years, and suddenly sex became a huge problem. Each and everytime we attempt to have intercourse the pain is unbearable and I tear and bleed. I have been to 3 separate doctors for the same problem because I was concerned about herpes and candida, however both tests came back negative on three occassions. My docs suggested lubricants etc, but there is only so much lubricant you can use!!!! (and with NO benefits). I worry about whether there may be an underlying neoplastic lesion...

has anyone had any biopsy results back with any pointers?

CLN1

Sep 05, 2007

To: sperry@mesastate.edu

Regarding the pimples, another thought is lactose intolerance. I break out when I eat too much dairy so I take a digestive enzyme capsule before eating any amount of dairy. Combined with hormones, it is the reason I get pimples on my neck and jawline. Give the digestive enzymes a try, as you mentioned, with you having celiac disease there is a really good chance you are lactose intolerant as well.

Elizabethsm5

Sep 06, 2007

To: All

I have been dealing with these symptoms since 2004.  It all started with a yeast infection and then another yeast infection, and then another one.  I have had other medical issues in the past few years, some which I've had to take antibiotics for which are known to cause a yeast infection.  So... recurrent yeast infections is my problem.  I am on the 'it's caused by yeast' train also, as someone else mentioned.

My symptoms:  I am always itchy, red, swollen, with burning and pain during and after sex.  The cuts are present more often then not.  I am on seasonale birth control where I only have a period every 3 months.  It's not my birth control because I have tried everything and the cuts and related symptoms where always present.  I have tried many, many different types of treatments for yeast infections and unfortunately, if there is any relief it doesn't last long.  Your body's natural yeast flora can become resistant to treatments pretty easily.

I recently went back to my dr after a treatment from my gyno proved to not really help except to relieve the pain from the tears but it wasn't healing them.  My dr is wonderful!  I really love her.  She also struggles with an inbalance of yeast flora.  She explained it to me like this:  your body has natural yeast flora inside and on the skin.  Some women have life long struggles with balancing the yeast and so can suffer symptoms like we are do.  There is no specific cure-all since everyone's body is different.  She said it is possible to have these symptoms on the exterior of the vagina without really having a full on yeast infection, because yeast flora is always present in and on our bodies.  I asked her about it possibly being low-estrogen levels (was mentioned on this board many times); she said no because the type of birth control I'm on has high levels of estrogen.  I asked her about Lichen Sclerocis, she is familiar with LS (had just been at a conference about it) and said it looks different then that.  Herpes has been ruled out as has other STD's.  I have been tested for many types of yeast and have a resistent type that often will not show up on culture tests unless the type is specifically tested for.  My dr said my cells are incredibly healthy looking but there is a high amount of yeast present.

We talked about my diet and agreed I need to cut out sugar and yeast as much as possible.  Someone talked about a candida free diet.  I bought a medical health book that talks of this and how it can be incredibly helpful for women who battle yeast infections.  My sister who also has struggled with these same symptoms we all have has stuck to this diet strictly and has been symptom free for over a year now.  It says to cut out the following foods: sugar and sweetening agents (honey, maple syrup for example), sugar containing foods like cookies, cakes and pastries; candy, ice cream, sweetened cereals, soda, fruit juice, white flour products (like white bread, pasta, pizza, crackers); and yeast or fermented foods like bread, alcohol (especially beer and wine), vinegar and foods containing vinegar like ketchup, mustard, mayo, most salad dressings; pickles, soy sauce, aged cheeses, peanuts and peanut butter; mushrooms, dried fruit; prepared soups and yeast containing foods.

Feels like you can't eat anything after reading that but here are the good foods to eat when on an anti-candida diet: meat, fish, eggs, beans, legumes, veggies, seeds, oats, brown rice, moderate amounts of fruit except grapes.

So... my dr suggested I start trying to use this diet, at least cut out sugar and watch the amount of beer and wine I consume since they are my drink of choice.  Dr also prescribed my a combo steriod cream to heal the cuts.

Someone mentioned they were using a cortizone cream... my Dr said to NEVER treat yeast symptoms with cortizone alone because it will make it worse.

Good luck to you all.

jp813

Sep 07, 2007

To: elizabethsm5

Yep, yeast does thrive on sugar. Good info on the diet, Elizabethsm5! Unfortunately, i think I would die! ha ha ha Guess I'll have to suffer the cuts. Since I'm not a very good veggie eater and somewhat picky in general, I think it would be really difficult to follow it. I love too many of the "no-no's"! I bet I could lose those last 5-10 pounds though if I followed it!

I hope it helps you and I wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted!

Elizabethsm5

Sep 07, 2007

To: all

I hear ya jp813! I never said it would be easy to do. I love all of the no-no's! I am just going to work at it slowly. I don't drink soda, and I am cutting out raw sugar. I will limit the amount of bread I eat and beer or wine I drink.

Anyway.... the cream has helped alot after only 1 day so I am pleased with that. I hope it keeps working.

Meg9

Sep 09, 2007

To: all the ladies

I feel all your pain & am jealous of those that have found their own answer to this. I find it difficult to accept that all of us have the same/similar findings and it can supposedly be brought on by a spider bite or staff infection... two completely different sources. I think it goes deeper and although there a few younger girls(nieces, etc.) that have these fissures, they don't have the whole shebang of itching, redness, swollen areas,etc. The one common link we all have is birth control. We are or have been before taking an oral contraceptive and to think it has no long term side affects is exactly what they want us to assume. Did any of you have this "yeast infection topped with a whole lotta other ****" before you began BC? I read the forum in its entirety....it's ridiculous to think we all have our own independent causes singularly. I had NO problem getting wet, excuse me, before I started taking birth control & it's been more than an issue now. Manmade lubrication does not mean that your vagina is prepared for penetration - natural wetness is an indicator that the tissue and internal cavity are ready. Astroglide, as well as staff infections, are not the answer. I live in SoCal and am willing to take further steps to have the long term effects of BC investigated.....does anyone else feel this to be the commonality & potential culprit? I am sick of this careful life of planned sex....it's not fair & it pisses me off that the world just tallies it up as women not being as horny as men! Ha! How bout our coochies are under attack!?! Much love to all you ladies, Meg

Ts2007

Sep 10, 2007

To: meg9

I am not on birth control and I have the same thing as all you in here and its driving me crazy Help!!!!!!!

Tidbits

Sep 10, 2007

To: All

I'm also not on birth control. I had the same symptoms: tears, itching, flaking, redness about 4 months ago. I went to see my family doctor 2 months after it had started and she didn't know what it was but prescribed me with an oral steroid that cleared it up a bit but it came back after I had finished the medication. I went to see a gyno who didn't know what it was either but she prescribed me a steroid cream used for treating severe inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and lichen sclerosus. I had to use the cream for 4 weeks and everything went back to normal. I haven't used the cream since then and I'm really happy now.

sperry@mesastate.edu

Sep 10, 2007

To: CLN1

Thanks for responding! I have just ciut out lactose in my diet and I just got a period after being 5 weeks late. My pimples are clearing up and my tears and inflmation went away. It got really bad right before i started my period, pimples and cuts....nut now i am on a NO gluton diet and no dairy so i have no idea what made it clear up? Hormones, getting my period? I just started to use different tolit paper becasu the one i was using contains gluton.....I hope this diet works and it does not come back! Do you suggest any calicum pills? I take centrum right now and cutting out all dairy i am going to need some?

alliwantishappysex

Sep 10, 2007

To: ALL

i dont know what to do anymore. I have had this condition for almost a year now and am so tired of it. It ruined my sex life with my boyfriend and because of it we're not together anymore. I've been to doctors and been given nystatin cream, treated a yeast infection hoping it would go away and it didnt, and also treated BV hoping it would go away with the same result. It used to be I would get a fissure right before my period and it would go away until my next cycle but now they seem to come whenever they feel like it. I usually get them outside thet inner lips but now have one right under my clitoris and want to die. It's so painful. I've been tested for herpes and yeast and everything with no results. I just want it to end. Im going to my doctor with some of these names that I've read above hoping for some answers. Just needed to vent.

pinkpal

Sep 11, 2007

To: All

My conditon is extremely similar to the one above. Since July, I have been getting reocurrent cuts on the outter lips and the perienum. I saw my doctor a few weeks ago. I was tested for std's and herpes, both of which turned up negative. I too experience paper cuts right before my period and clear for 2 days and they are back again. My boyfriend of 5 years is very frustrated and tested clean for stds. I did believe the toliet paper i use at work was a factor because we get it at the dollar store. Anyhow, I used nystatin and triamcinolone and acetonide cream. The results were great for about a week after treatment. Then I had sex with the boyfriend and used the shower head to clean the area real good. Then immediatly following my shower I felt really dry and my "lips" were stuck together. The next day, I looked in the mirror and noticed a "cut" on the outter lip (along with reddness). I have a feeling it could be attributed to the water softener because the water was really hard be cause the softener had no salt in it. This is just a theory, I have many because I cannot pinpoint the cause. My dr couldn't give me an explanation either. I dont think i have been doing anything different since July. It seems like this popped up with no explanation or any relief! ???????

cbee27

Sep 11, 2007

To: PLS HELP!

i get one cut near the anal area / perineum..gone in 24 hours w neosporin..no pain besides if the skin is stretched and the cut is touched. resembles a v small paper cut..doesnt hurt..causes no discomfort

i am totally freaking out that it could be herpes. does not resemble and is not painful but i am so scared..dont have med insuranse right now...started in may of this year ..i got the 1st one the day i finished a 20 day (500mg each day) of TETRACYCLINE..for rosecea on my face...face clerared up then i got a horrific yeast infection

went for a herpes test..not the one this site is saying..it was a test for both types...herpes 1 was a 5.50 and herpes 2 was 1.08 (THEY SAID THIS WAS EQUIVICOL AT QUEST DIAGNOSTICS..NOT POS OR NEG.....this site is saying that a positive hsv1 test can give a false positive on hsv 2 which i have heard in several other sites

the other thing that is confusing me is that about once a month...either right before or right after my period i get the chills for about 2 hours at night and cant sleep till theyre gone...v strange and not related to cuts i dont think

everything ive read about herpes so far doesnt match at all to what i have....and i am prone to yeast infections----i am 29 and have them 4 as long as i remember....i got a 2 cuts in may 2 weeks apart, one in june, one in july and none in august...

any ideas??? one time i know for sure the cut appeared after i passed a stool that was quite large and painful (not to be gross) just trying to paint a pic...the other times just appeared..always just one..never last more than a day

i am also prone to hemmroids..think it could be related

i also read that fissures cause chills....im so confused...the result of the hsv2 freaked me out ...they said it was EQUIVICOL.....NOT POSITIVE

pinkpal

Sep 11, 2007

To: cbee27

Whenever females take anitibotics they almost always get a yeast infection. Your ph gets upset by the antiboitics because when it kills the un-natural bacteria it in turn kills the healthy bacteria. Yeast infections can cause irritation and slices on the vulva. My doctor told me this about two weeks ago. I dont have yeast, therefore, I dont know what is wrong with me ! I would purchase an over the counter cream. I would use the 7 day, the 3 days are useless. Because yeast infections to affect the vulva. Sounds like you have one that hasnt cleared up yet. And it won't hurt you to try that at all. Im not sure about the herpes tests, that is all new to me or the chills. But my dr also told me herpes can be characterized by cracks and fissures. Geeze i hope i helped. I cant help myself because i have no idea what might be the cause for my cracks. I dont think it sounds herpetic though. Most likely related to your yeast infections. Let me know what happens, aye?

needhelpbad

Sep 11, 2007

omg please help me, i'm only 13, and there has been yellow liquid coming down from my vagina, this is embarassing but, it itches ALOT, i mean it hurts when i scratch and when i wipe myself i feel like screaming, please elp i need it! i'm scared and afraid to tell my mom because she always teases me and makes me feel bad please HELP! AND I"VE HAD TEARS OMG I"M REALLY REALLY SCARED!!!

cutsrus

Sep 15, 2007

Could roscacea be a common thread here?

Also, I quit my BC after 13 years and then went back on due to jawline breakouts. The tears began a few weeks after resuming the BC (the acne went away)

Meg9

Sep 16, 2007

To: needhelpbad & all

Hey girl, it sounds like you have a yeast infection or maybe a bacterial infection. Take a mirror and take a look down there. If you flex your vaginal muscles to make them open and you see whitish/yellowish goo up there start to come down, it's a yeast. VERY itchy, but can be soothed with Monostat from the grocery. However, I think just getting the yeast out is better. I take a mirror and see what's going on, then push hard and wipe out what comes out. Keep the area dry, even using the cool setting on a hair dryer helps. Talcom powder reduces the moisture. Warm baths followed by a quick cold splash feels good too. Good luck honey! And if you can't talk to your mom because she's silly with you, go to a female teacher or counselor you trust at school.

Meg9

Sep 16, 2007

To: everybody

So maybe this is a normal phenomenon happening to us all regardless of birth control, seeing how pollution and diet could be the culprit. However, mine started out at the vulva, labia, about two weeks ago. Now, I have gone from one fissure above my anus to 4 around my perineum and still the anal one too. My vulva feels 100% better as well as my internal vaginal cavity and labia, but my perineum and anus feel like I have fire ants running around down there! What the hell ya'll!!?! It's like my vagina passed it to my booty! Weird, has anyone else experienced this? Also, I don't have rosecea...I don't think that's it. This sucks. My poor boyfriend...it's unacceptable that we can't fornicate without such ridiculously painful repercussions....darn it, Eve! I'm gonna go to planned parenthood and see what they say. Please don't forget about this forum, Ladies! We may be onto something that women everywhere have been keeping quiet about. Something that desperately needs a cure!!! And this group helps us each deal, you know?! Have a fabulous, itch free Sunday!

Blesski

Sep 19, 2007

To: EVERYBODY

I made it half way through the posts. Tons of ideas here.  Dealing with same issues!  Mine started with intense anal itching--thought it was pinworms.  Anal itching went to vaginal itching--to the point where I would scratch myself raw but not create the cuts

Who is going to complile all the information and see what commonalities there are????????????????  LOL

My theories:

The water softner that our landlord has and maintains sporadically.  That is, the water goes from extremely hard to softened.  Often we smell/taste copper, iron.

TP?, we had switched to the soft DUSTY stuff and I hated it.  Went back to Scott.

Allergy to my hubby's semen and/or the condoms. I don't have a known latex allergy.

Tampons--tried a million brands, seems to get worse after using them.  Haven't tried pads.

Mollusum--my 2y/o daughter has the molluscum, positively ID'ed by a biopsy.  Apparently, it is highly contagious and there is no treatment, heals itself in time.  It is considered a virus.

The systemic yeast sounds promising--I 've had one on and off for a while.  No antibiotics.  Often without symptoms.

32 years old
dog, bird, snake, mouse--rarely handled
Antidepressants (zoloft)
Walmart prenatal/nursing vitamins
poor diet
little exercise
stress
well water
breastfeeding

Blessing

Blesski

Sep 19, 2007

To: EVERYBODY

PS to my above/previous post:

No birth control, have been off for about 2 years

Irregular periods-
-started a few months ago, keep getting earlier, will bleed heavy for a day or so, then extremely light for another day or so. Used to be like clock-work, same week, consistent flow.

Blessing

Hiya2u2

Sep 19, 2007

To: everyone

I found that I am allergic to glycerin!!  Stay away from personal lubricants and soaps that contain glycerin as it's a known irritant.  Many, many products contain glycerin and I read online somewhere that 20% of the population has a glycerin allergy.

Astroglide sells a new personal lubricant that is glycerin and paraben free.

http://www.astroglide.com/products_astroglide_free.asp

Why would they make a product like that unless there was a need?  I'm surprised my doctors didn't know about it.  I'm just sick of all the money that I spent on doctor visits and tests to no avail.  I solved the problem on my own from a lot of reading and searching online for a year.  It was like putting a puzzle together.

I've been using Slippery Stuff with success and things are back to normal.  I no longer have rawness, or little cuts after intercourse.  My normal color has returned as well.

I'm not sure if it's going to help everyone, but I thought I'd post what I've found.  Even if it only helps a few, at least I figured out my problem.  I know I'm not the only one.

Doctors kept telling me to use more lubrication, but it's not the lack of lubrication, it's the KIND, the INGREDIENTS!

I also avoid using shaving cream and soap that contains glycerin:-)

Anouk

Sep 20, 2007

Anouk

Sep 20, 2007

To: all

Same symptoms as most everybody else. Sigh...To answer questions about what we may all have in common: tears tend to appear around a week before my period/I have used Dove soap, but stopped for a while using some other natural non-dye non-perfumed soad, but still the problems remain/have had problems with yeast infections that reoccur or never seem to really go away and not often with many symptoms, mostly just itching/Negative for herpes and all stds/don't use lube (KY and others were irritating)/ not on birth control/ 33 years old/ like starchy foods - beer brings on yeast infections almost immediately/use condoms/wear normal underwear (not thong - a sure yeast bringer) I find that my tight jeans bring infections on too - I guess I'm pretty sensitive down there/not on any medication/ husband had occasional cold sores/have used tampax for years without problems - had to switch to o.b. because I am in Europe now and they are mostly what is available, but actually I rarely use them now since they either cause my tears or make them worse - even pads are irritating - can't wait for next period.

That's all I can think of for now. I also thought I was alone and am heartened by all you caring "sisters" out there. I emailed an old friend who is a ob/gyn resident and gave her this link encouraging her to undertake a survey/research anything to help us as this seems shockingly widespread. I will also try to check French websites to see if they have different remedies and I encourage those who can read other languages to search online as there are different trends/solutions in different countries that don't always get shared across borders. I will also check ayurvedic sources as they have a different philosophy to health which might prove useful.

I hope the best for all of us.

nyel10

Sep 23, 2007

To: All Ladies

I have had the same problem for nearly 6 months now. I have a tear each side of the vulva in the crease area. I have been back to my doctor umpteen times and the swabs would always come back as BV. I eventually got referred to the Gynae clinic at the hospital here in the UK where every 6 weeks I had swabs taken and they once came back positive with BV and Group B Streptococcus. They were treated with the antibiotic Metronidazole. The itching and burning goes for a while then comes straight back again.
I have been told that I have reoccuring BV and the doctor has now given me the antibiotics on repeat when I need them. I told the Gynae Dr about the tears and she said it was Thrush! (???)
I am always itching and dread going into the shower frightened that even cleaning with just water will aggrevate it. I use Aqueos Cream, E45 cream and Vaseline. Nothing seems to work.
I have been researching the internet and it seems that the problem is likely to be Dermalogical, which is great to have answer to the problem but all GP's don't seem to know anything about it.
I am so glad its not just me that suffers and I totally understand how you all feel and its s**t!
I dont want to be in tears anymore over this horrible, and at present, untreatable condition. If anyone has anymore answers please let me know. Hope you all feel better soon :o) x

sperry@mesastate.edu

Sep 24, 2007

To: Hiya202

I think that I cant use glycerin. I stopped using the soap with glycerin and guess what so far I am NORMAL!!!!!! No tears, not RED I feel amazing! So on top of the gluten I think that the GLYCERIN in the soaps was making me tear and inflamed! Now I need to get soap for my hubby because when he uses certain soaps it BURNS LIKE HELL!!!! I hope this is what it is and not just a fluke! I feel great! Yeah for SEX I actually want it ! LOL. I am going to keep my fingers crossed that that was the probleM!!!!

jp813

Sep 25, 2007

To: all

I'm glad to hear people are finding some solutions. Keep us updated. I've been doing well as well. I'm taking a daily dose of Fem-dophilus and got off the continuous (no periods) Loestrin-24 at the end of August...which BTW has helped tremendously This is the first time I've felt "normal" for an extended period of time in 2 years!! I really think that the Fem-dophilus has certainly helped even the flora out down there which has not only helped the chronic BV, but the cuts as well. (Nyel10, I thought of you!!!) I've only had one cut recently and it was after having sex that got a little dry (ouch!) It cleared up within a couple of days. Will be interesting to see what happens next week when I get my period.
As for the Glycerin...hmm interesting. I just checked and its in the new lube (Vagisil) I got, but that one feels leaps and bounds better than the KY, so I don't necessarily think its Glycerin for me, but will certainly keep it in mind. I'm still on the "hormone" wagon.

Feelbad

Sep 26, 2007

To: All

I'm so happy to hear that other women are going through the same thing. I was tested for the "H" word a few months and came back positive, and since then I feel like everything else is wrong with me. After hearing that dermatitus has the same symptoms I wonder if it may be possible it may be that! I know that you can have a normal life with the "H" but I would certainly like to have my life back, this has taken over. Just need to talk to someone who maybe going through the same thing or feeling the same way I'm feeling.
Thanks ladies

jp813

Sep 26, 2007

To: feelbad

Dear Feelbad,

I know exactly where you are. I felt some relief thinking I had an answer and in complete shock that I thought I had Herpes. The good news for me is after all the emotional stress, etc, I got another test and it ended up being a false positive. I am also positive for HSV-1 (which I knew). Every so often, if you test positive for both one and two and your results for two are between 1.0 and under 3.5, it could be a false positive. If you have any reason to question your results, go get a confirmatory test done. If you need more info on what test to do, let me know...I just don't have the info downstairs right now (and I'm too lazy to get up right now!!)

But even if you are truly positive, your life is not over. Many people live with this and control it quite well. Be sure to read the many posts from Grace on the STD patient to patient forum. She is very helpful and very knowledgeable as a nurse and as a person who lives with Herpes. There's also another girl named estrellab that has similar symptoms as most of us and also was diagnosed as having herpes (and her husband of 14 years is still negative!) Good luck, stay strong, and remember....herpes does not define you!

AngelicSee

Sep 29, 2007

I have the same problem as everyone else. I have been having it for over a year now...maybe longer. I never know when its coming or going. I have tried so many different solutions, none have seemed to work for extended periods of time. I can deal with the tearing better than the itching and burning. I thought it was some kind of weird autoimmune problem. I tear so easy. It also happened when I was breast feeding. My nipple tore from my areola. My son also seems to have sensitive skin, he has tears behind his ears. I have several other autoimmune problems and I just always assumed this was a part of one of them, or another one all together. Any thought on that possibility? Its nice to know that there are other people with this problem. I thought I was nuts.

Adge11

Oct 01, 2007

To: All Ladies

I am so glad to see I am not crazy. I thought for the longest time I was the only weird person with these symtoms (symptoms). Anyway.
Over the past 5 years, I would get the cuts every now and then normaly in the winter when it was dryer, so I thought it was just simular to having dry skin down there, but over the last several months they are a common accurance. As with most of you, I went to my dr and she automaticly thought herpes and had me tested...test is still out- due back in this week. She also mentioned fissures, but related it to my shaving cream and or razor.
I am really starting to think it maybe a the water at my new place. I have been dealing with this off and on since May (same month I moved). I don't use soap down there only Summer's Eve sentitive, which I have been using for years. I haven't been on any antibiotics since Aug. I changed my laundry detergant and softener back to stuff I use to use (All free and clear and the Gain sheets)
Prior to finding this forum, I was thinking it may be from being dehydrated. Has anyone else thought that?

januarybaby

Oct 02, 2007

To: Everyone

I have just finished reading all the posts and would like to add my two cents and address some of the comments.

First, when I was in my early teens, I too had a heavy yellow discharge most of the time.  There was no yeast infection and I was terrified that I had cancer.   I didn't want to tell my mother either.  This has gone on all my life, not consistently, but frequently.  I had one yeast infection in my mid teens and then nothing until I was in my 40's (I am 54 soon to be 55 in January) and it took a while each time for the doctor to diagnose it.  In my 40's I also started getting very sore along with painful cut like feelings in the crack between the labia, on the edges of the labia and most times the hood of the cloitis.  If I did check it out, it just looked very very angry red.

I worked in Manhattan and never felt comfortable not wearing pantyhose even in the summer.  Most of the problems that I had started towards the end of the summer when it gets the hottest in NYC.  I also sweat profusely and some days it felt like the band on my underwear was wearing a trough where my leg meets the body on the inside edge since it was wet.  Add the sweat to a very heavy discharge of vaginal fluids and my underwear was soaking wet.  Panty liners made it worse as they scrunched together and rubbed even more.  It was very painful and every step almost brought tears to my eyes.  I remembered that when we went to the beach for our summer vacation, most of the pain went away.  I bought a small squeeze bottle that they sell for toiletries, added table salt and warm to hot water (I would not reccomend the hot water if you are very sore), sat on the toilet and parted the labia with my fingers while I sprayed the salt water on.  Then I took toilet paper and very gently dabbed some of the moisture away so that it would not run down my legs that much and went to bed that way.  The salt water had a chance to lay in all the creases and it seemed to help.  But this method took me more than a month for it to help but since the doctors had no idea what was going on (one even told me that she could not help me anymore!) it was better than nothing.

I too would get sore before my period and many a time would get a yeast infection after.  Like other people, I didn't have a usual yeast discharge or smell and would be told that I didn't have one when in fact I did and it would take a few months for the usual symptoms to show before I would get any meds out of the doctors.

Then I started going through the changes and things eased off a bit.  Now it is different.  I don't get the "cut" feeling pain but tremendous dryness and soreness.  Unfortunatley the saltwater did not help but made the dryness unbearable and painful.  I have to stop here and say that my husband and I have not had intercourse for longer than I can remember so sex is not a factor.  We have not had sex because I cannot get sufficiently "wet" (yes I know there are lubricants for that) and my husband has become over weight and lost the ability to keep an erection.  If he does get one, the lubrication turns him off and he loses it.  I find now that if I get a yeast infection, it either starts in the early spring or late summer.  I work from home now and don't have to wear pantyhose so that is not a factor.  I have begun to wonder if it is related to season allergies.  I do have spring and fall allergies though the symptoms are not like they used to be.

Five years ago while rushing to finish on the toilet, I inadvertantly stabbed my anus with my finger nail very hard.  I ended up with an anal fissure and abscess and had to take antibiotics and Flagel (yuck) for 2 1/2 months.  I only mention this because this past spring I had something that never happened before.  I felt like I had a bladder infection.  Every time I needed to go to the bathroom, it was urgent and the urethra and inside hood of the cloitis felt very irritated.  Didn't hurt, just irritated.  I told the dr and they did a urinalysis and nothing came up.  Then I started getting sore and then my anus got sore and worse and when the doctor checked me out, he said I had an intestinal abscess.  Said that I had probably strained to go to the bathroom, injured my intestinal track and bacteria got into the tear forming an abscess.  After a two week regimen of antibiotics and Flagel again, I came down with the worst yeast infection.  That was in July and I have not been the same since.  I saw a new gyno and she told me about KY Silk E for the dryness that I usually have.  Last week the soreness began again and spread to the anus.  I used the Silk E with good results for two days and then nothing.  I had an appt with my regular dr for an annual physical and she said it was yeast before even looking at me.  I asked her to look and she said it was not yeast, the vaginal canal opening looked like raw meat and gave me nothing but advice on over the counter A&D which never seems to work for me but makes it worse.

When I went to the bathroom yesterday and wiped myself, my anus had two tears and I had prinprick blood on the TP.  Yesterday afternoon the irritation started in my urethra.  So I used my trusty sqeeze bottle with plain water and flushed out the labia after I urinated each time and when I had a bowel movement, flushed out the area there before using TP, then Cottenelle wipes and TP to dry it.  Seems a little better today but still don't feel right in the entire area down there.

So to sum it up (and I know this has been a long comment):  I have gotten the pain when I had periods and now without periods, seems to come on with the onset of allergy season, hot and humid weather brings it on as does heavy sweating where my clothing gets moist, salt water helps the cuts if I don't have a feeling of terrible dryness from anus to cloitis, hydrocortisol cream helps the cuts and rawness, Analpram helps the anal cuts but nothing seems to work in the long run.  Let me just say that most of the doctors don't know their "anus" from a hole in the wall when it comes to this and I think that we are on our own and we have to figure this out.  If we were men, they would have scientists working on this night and day.

mstr

Oct 02, 2007

To: All my related ladies...

Ok... so, once again, what we all do have in common... another woman, in her 30's, that has 2 cats, cuts on her vagina, has tried all kinds of methods, previously had a yeast infection & treated it), has some slight extra discharge & feels the effect this is having on a sex life (I am a very sexual person)... is making an entry to this thread! I do have itchy skin on my legs... has been itchy for a while. I don't know if it is related, but hearing that a lot of you have exzema (eczema) appears that it could very well have something to do with it. I also recently ended up with a different brand of TP... it was on sale what can I say. I found that taking a hot shower and running the water directly in and on it and then spreading eagle in front of a fan helps, but only temporarily. I have a cut inside of the top of my lips above my clit. Then, a couple days ago... there was a very small one on the "hood" of my clit. It has not bled yet, and am hoping it doesn't. I just started to experience this about 2 months ago. I am in a relationship, we do not have protected sex and I am not on birth control (not a believer in controlling my hormones unless neccessary). So... that would rule out a reaction to latex. And, I have always stayed wet enough, so that rules out lube. On a different forum, I read that one of the ladies said something about autoimmune and crohns... I research my thyroid problems constantly... and they are always talking about these 2 topics. So, I am not sure what to think about that. Anyone else here have a thyroid problem? I have not used any different brand of detergent, soap or shampoo in a long time, I am kinda set in my ways ;) It is like the skin is getting too thin and tearing. I have a friend that can bump her arm lightly and it will cause a sore... wonder if that is happening to the vagina. I don't have anything going on with my anal area other than typical hemroids on occasion that are fairly easy to get rid of. I work with adults w/ developmental disabilities, which is like working at a school or day care... you just never know what you are going to be around.

It has helped to wash my hands before I use the restroom, wipe toward the hole (gently), use a wipey every once-in-a-while... and of course the showers. As of right now... it has been barable... and I am hoping that it doesn't get too much worse. Although, it appears as if I have not hit rock bottom yet.

I do agree that if we were men, the scientists would be working 24/7 to figure out at the very least what the heck this is. Valid point sista!

I wonder a lot if this has anything to do with our partners. Maybe it is a type of body chemistry. Maybe it is in what they eat and is why it isn't constant, but constant enough. And, maybe why it happens a lot when sex is involved.

Ok... Beauty n the Geek is on... gotta get to the tube, ladies. I hope we can all figure this one out. Best wishes.

sperry@mesastate.edu

Oct 03, 2007

Well it came back i guess it was not the soap! It always comes right before my period!!!! ANy suggestions

januarybaby

Oct 03, 2007

I was running to a doctor's appointment yesterday when I wrote and forgot a couple of things.

I started to use a special towel just for that area after my shower.  I use just a small towel like a hand towel and use the label side for drying my butt and the other side for my vagina.  I have toe nail fungus that is not bad but thought that maybe I was transferring it by using the same towel for my whole body.

I also only use my fingers and Cetaphil liquid soap down there.  I read that bicycle racers use it for the inside of their thighs because it is non drying and their legs get chapped and sore from all the peddaling.  I make sure that I let the water run over everything to get rid of any trace and then carefully pat myself dry.  If I am still a little damp, I use the hair dryer on cool and don't hold it too close to myself.  Over drying is just as bad.

I also forgot to mention that I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago.  I have my symptoms under control more than I did but it could be a factor.  As I said before moisture from sweating aggravates it too.  I am still looking for a connection between seasonal allergies and this problem.  If the pollen or mold is heavy in the air and you are breathing it in, it has to go through your body and exit out somewhere and that could be aggravting the sensitive skin down there.  I know that season allergies can give you stomach problems.  Just a thought.

januarybaby

Oct 04, 2007

I keep remembering things so here I am back again. When you use the toilet, after wiping yourself make sure to check that a piece of toilet paper is not stuck to you. I had this happen to me a few times and was in absolute pain. The paper as it started to dry started to shrink and pull the skin or hair along with it. It doesn't have to be a large piece either. I just saw a commercial for a new Charmin that they claim leaves less paper behind (no pun intended!). So evidently this is a problem that has come to their attention too.

januarybaby

Oct 04, 2007

I too get the feeling that there are ants crawling around down there from time to time.

miss001lady

Oct 08, 2007

I was suffering from these little paper like cuts too, about 2 of them both in the creases. I got treated with canistan 1 oral tablet and some cream that made it worse. I got really worried and couldn't get rid of it. The doctor thought it might be herpes, but test came back negative. There were never any blisters or anything anyway. She then gave me Resolve thrush cream to use for 7 days and then to take Ecovag to mantain the natural balance of the vagina. I am so happy to say i havent suffered from the papercuts for a few weeks now and all the other irritation is gone. It is important to carry on with treatment until finished to clear it properly. Dont skip any treatments. Just thought that might help someone as i was desperately trying to find answers too.

overthis!

Oct 08, 2007

I am so sick of this~ I have had this for a almost a year. The doc told me today he has no idea! My hubby and I had sex today and it burned and hurt like hell! I have been so emotional! I am a very sexual person and now i hate sex cause it hurts so bad! Someone has to help us! We all have to have something in common!

I have cliac desease, hypoglycemic, PCOS, irregualr periods, married (one partner), front loader washer and dryer, cheer detergent, use to use dove soap, now walmarts hypo baby soap, certain toilit papers make me swell........???? anyone anyone?

I dont know i am just at my wits end! I have baeen to my doc every month.so much money pain and frustration!

overthis!

Oct 08, 2007

I am so sick of this~ I have had this for a almost a year. The doc told me today he has no idea! My hubby and I had sex today and it burned and hurt like hell! I have been so emotional! I am a very sexual person and now i hate sex cause it hurts so bad! Someone has to help us! We all have to have something in common!

I have cliac desease, hypoglycemic, PCOS, irregualr periods, married (one partner), front loader washer and dryer, cheer detergent, use to use dove soap, now walmarts hypo baby soap, certain toilit papers make me swell........???? anyone anyone?

I dont know i am just at my wits end! I have baeen to my doc every month.so much money pain and frustration!

sister2007

Oct 10, 2007

To: All

SAME!!!!!  SAME!!!!!  SAME!!!!!
I've read thru most of the posts on this forum and this is simply ridiculous!!!!  Why in the world can the medical community not come up with an answer!!!!

I've only had this problem for about a month now.  I'm pushing 50 and have had Herpes for nearly 25 years....I can tell you this is NOT that!  I haven't had a breakout in forever and only got the canker-sore type (except blisters with the very first breakout).  But this is neither.

I thought the low estrogen sounded like a culprit but then why are you younger women getting this???  hmmm...   I think sugar is EVIL and I have a myriad of difficulties when eating it so I'd say, for lots of reasons, staying away from processed sugar has to be a good thing.  And, if it's yeast related, gluten breads, etc. should go, too.  Eating yogurt has always helped me....and for those of you that don't want the sugar of cranberry juice, AZO makes a GREAT cranberry pill - no sugar and if I feel a urinary issue arising, that takes care of it in 2 or 3 doses.  Just FYI....trying to help!

From what I've seen here, I'm not going to the Dr. just for this.  I'll mention it the next time I go but won't be surprised if she doesn't know anything about it.  I don't have this as badly as some of you....I hope that's NOT because this is the beginning.  I'm newly married and would hate for this to interrupt our (lively) sexual relationship!!!

Here's something new tho.....I haven't read anyone referring to G-spot orgasms.  Here's a weird one for you:  my husband told me last night, after taking a closer look at what's going on, that he actually had this problem anytime he didn't wash after we had sex.  I have very wet G-spot orgasms (I understand many women don't do that) and it's real easy to just go to sleep afterward.  So, I'm going to be sure to shower after sex and see if that makes any difference.  I'll let you know.

Oh, and I'm using Melaleuca oil....soothes and seems to help healing better than aloe (don't use them together...they don't mix!).  But it has a very strong, "musky" smell....I don't care for it but hey, whatever works, right?

The best to all of you.....and don't forget to PRAY about this!!!!  God's better help than any Dr. could even think of being!

shiki

Oct 11, 2007

I started reading this hoping someone will have a solution, but it seems like most of the posts are of other people who have this.

It started a year and a half ago for me, when I was 21, after a major (and first) yeast infection.

Every time my bf and I try to have sex, I get fissures, and also what one of my doctors called an "ulcer" that keeps coming back in the exact same spot. It is a DEEP cut, not like a paper cut, like a gash about 1/4 of an inch long, between my labia minora and majora. I also get fissures in the skin under the vaginal opening, and around my clit. Even if we have sex for 5 minutes, these cuts will stay for 2-3 days, and the entire area will swell A LOT and become red for at least a day. I also get fissures around my anus sometimes when I poop. It seems like the skin in that entire area lost it's elasticity, and has become dry and flaky.

Every few days I notice I have this white stuff like wet powder or little white flakes surround my clit under the "foreskin" and the skin around my labia majora. My vulva always looks red and sunken in, as if it was eroded away. I still get yeast infections every month or so (got one right now actually).

I have seen 5 different gynecologist, and also a woman who is supposed to be a specialist dermatologist/gynecologist. 3 of the gyns I saw recommended her. She gave me a bunch of different creams, all were mentioned here, and none helped. She even gave me an injection of cortisone (I think. Maybe estrogen) under that ulcer that keeps coming back, and told me it will take a month and should heal, but it didn't. Nothing helps. She said I have Vulvodynia and this ulcer she's never seen before, and fissures, but nothing she said or gave me has helped. She even put me on antidepressants (amitriptyline) to help with the vulvodynia pain, which didn't help either. I have been checked for Herpes and had a normal pap smear (so I am guessing it's not HPV).

This is really driving me crazy and making me depressed. I can never have sex with my bf, use tampons, and 1/3 of the time I go pee or poop it hurts, and it itches all the time. No one seems to know what is wrong, or what the cure is, and it seems like it will never go away. Please if anyone has any idea what's going on, post it here. I am really getting desperate. I haven't read all the articles yet but it seems like most of them are about other people having the same problems. It's good to know there are others out there who have this, but it is sad to know no one has any idea what's going on, and there hasn't been much research. Of course, that's what happens when it's a women’s' problem. I bet if it was common in guys there would have been a cure a long time ago.

Thank you for any help or information

alliwantishappysex

Oct 12, 2007

To: ALL

When i get the fissures (constantly, to no end) I'm usually discharging alot (discharging 24/7)very heavy white discharge. Is it a yeast infection? Because the discharge seems to promote the cracking and the redness. Does anyone else have very heavy discharge constantly?

overthis!

Oct 14, 2007

To: alliwantishappysex

I do all the time! But, I went to the doc and he tested it and it is NOT yeast! I get the cutting and redness real bad before my periods and after? YOu? I would go to the doc and see if it is yeast! I wish mine was it would be a easy solution! It sucks I had one week where it was normal color not BRIGHT RED and we had sex with no problem then it want back to being inflamed and paper cut and red! I am so over this! I am going to a specialist tuesday 4 hours from my home, my familiy doc sent me there, my gyno threw his hands up and said he has no idea! I have been dealing with this for almost a year! I am 26 and cant even have sex without feeling like someone lit a tourch on my crouch! I have been through EVERY TEST!!!!!! I am happily married and I am OVER IT!!!! OVER THE PAIN OVER DOCS having no idea and just giving up! It is something we are missing! And I hope the specialist can figure it out! Look at ALL the women seeking help on this page, it is so sad that we are in so much pain and noone can figure it out! If I get a answer Tuesday I will be the first to tell you!!!!!

medorita

Oct 17, 2007

I have had this same problem that everyone is describing for over four years! I finally had an emotional and physical breakdown six months ago and really focused on getting control of my body back. I got a new doctor at the women's hospital and she's been amazing! She treated me for a yeast infection (even if you've been tested negative, you could still have yeast) with a routine of one diflucan pill every three days for one week and then another pill a week later. As well, during the first week, I followed a "candida diet" to help kill the yeast that was quite at home in my vag. This mostly helped. When a cut/ fissure came back, my doctor swabed it (ouch) and told me that it tested for a skin infection. I took a one week antibiotic four times a day... and then another week of diflucan treatment. My vagina finally feels, looks and smells healthy. I still have a few very tiny cuts which seem to be going away over time but all of the other gross symptoms are gone! I think the skin infection was preventing the yeast infection from going away so it's important to have a doctor that has determination to get you healthy.

I don't care what any doctor says, if you have vaginal fissures and white discharge (even in the sides), you likely have a yeast infection- treat yourself! get a prescription for diflucan!
btw, shiki, yeast overgrowth can cause depression- it doesn't hurt to try.

My husband and I just had a 'quickie' for the first time in years! i think that we all need to print up this blog and bring it to our doctors! these symptoms are so consistant and truly interfere with our lives...

medorita

Oct 17, 2007

btw, i don't recomend any yeast treatment other than a pill- the chemicals in the creams often give chemical burns and you end up worse than you started!

drewkobi

Oct 21, 2007

To: everyone

have something similar but I think that itis from 2 vaginal births and an extreme episiotomy that went all the way into my butt. Now I am 37 and have gained some weight (30 lbs) and I feel the site of the episiotomy stretching with little bulges. It burns and itches terribly like you all have mentioned. I thought it was hemroids too but none of the over the counter hemmeroid stuff has helped. I take like 4 baths a day! The vagisil cream numbs it enough for me to function at work. But in doing other research I found an article which is hard to read but mentioned some terms that seem to fit most of you, and maybe me. If you can't zoom in on your screen try printing it out. You have to get past the tone of the article which says it could be psychological! I Googled some of the terms in it...
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1996.tb09694.x
perineoplasty
vulvar vestibulitis
vaginismus
introital irritation
allergic contact dermititus
vestibuloplasty
dyspareunia
heres a guy who does crotch surgery!
http://www.lasertreatments.com/CA/labiaplasty_california.html
I am almost ready to plnk down the $6500 to have him chop off the parts that are giving me pain and sew me a pretty new coochie!

nyel10

Oct 21, 2007

To: All Ladies

To follow up from my comment I posted on 23/09/07. I went to the doctors and got prescribed the anti-biotic metronidazole but in gel form (this is also used in the treatment for Roscea). I applied the gel twice a day for 5 days as directed and all the itching and burning went away and I was an extremely happy girl. The day I stopped using it, the symptoms came back. I left it another week and tired the anti-biotic gel again and once I stopped using it, back came the symptoms. These anti-biotics are the only ones you cannot drink alcohol on as it makes you very sick and they are not recommended for prolonged use. I guess its back to the doctors then. I have been in tears today with the frustration of it all. What the hell is causing it? We all have so many different remedies that help us for a while but not in the long term. Maybe the stress it causes me doesn't help the situation. Im just using E45 at the moment but it doesn't stop the itching :o(
ps jp813 - Thank you for thinking of me.....hope you're feeling better as I do all of you.
Keep the messages coming, Im sure we can find a solution somewhere!!!
x

drewkobi

Oct 21, 2007

To: anyone done perineoplasy?

Libby Edwards, Southeast Vulvar Clinic, 4335 Colwick Road, Suite D, Charlotte, NC 2821, or email: ***@****
.KEYWORDS: candidiasis, eczema, lichen sclerosus, lichen simplex chronicus, posterior fourchette fissures, streptococcus B vaginitis, vulvar fissures.
Abstract
ABSTRACT:

Vulvar fissures occur in two main patterns: at the posterior fourchette, and within skin folds and creases. The cause of posterior fourchette splitting is not known, and the treatment is a perineoplasty. Skin-fold fissures occur in response to several inflammatory dermatoses or infections, and therapy consists of elimination of any underlying infection and the (sometimes prolonged) use of a topical corticosteroid ointment.

drewkobi

Oct 21, 2007

To: opps - email missing

***@****
docotr at Vuvar clinic in NC

drewkobi

Oct 21, 2007

To: no emails?!

if you want to email the doctor at the vulvar clinic in NC add the AOL and the dot com to her name
ledwardsmd

Barbie_1979

Oct 21, 2007

To: Anyone who has paper cuts on their vagina

Just want to check in with everyone as to how my Tx program is going...my history briefly, first had the cuts/swelling/redness/painful sex for 16 months starting August 2005. Spontaneously went into a "remission" from January '07 - July '07. After it came back, I went to a gyn who started me on Triamcin .1% and Hydrol 2.5%, both of which are corticosteroids. I feel great! I continue to put Hydrol on 2X per day, as these is only a treatment not a cure of whatever mysterious problem I have.

skf123

Oct 24, 2007

Disgusted1979

Oct 25, 2007

I have just completed reading the posts, and I am shocked that there are so many people suffering with this. My doctor flat out told me that one you start with the recurrent BV, there is nothing that can be done. I have been tested for both yeast and BV, I usually come up positive for BV. I have used Clindesse, Diflucan, Metronidazole, over the counter yeast treatment, Flagyl, and others. My symtoms (symptoms) include: yellow or white watery discharge(moderate to heavy), itching, burning, tears, swelling, and very painful, burning during sex. My symptoms clear up during my period, and then come back within a few days after my period stops. I am currently on probiotics, and have been trying to cut out sugar. I do not drink soda often, or eat a lot of sweets. Its weird, because even when I test positive for BV, I never have that "fishy" smell that is supposed to be the distinct indicator of BV. Anyone else?

skf123

Oct 25, 2007

To: everyone

Hi Ladies, I have been reading your forum over and over again for two days. I wrote a new post yesterday but wasn't logged in so it was lost. But I read every post again last night for several hours and took notes to compare symptoms and suggestions from each of you. I too have had these cuts and painful sex recently. I am 44 years young and these first appeared in my life when I was about 34 and had a year long merry-go-round with yeast infections and herpes outbreaks. This forum has helped me remember how I dealt with this in the past and acknowledge that I may need to step-up to the plate and heal myself again.

Here is what I see from all the postings: (I am using caps just so it's easy to see the similarities)
*Hurray for Anouk for asking your ob/gyn student friend to research, she may make a name for herself is she follows through and writes a best-seller on the subject!
*The two links given by lil2blunt and conlapaz seem to really sum it all up when taken together.
i.e. HORMONES, YEAST and AUTO-IMMUNE SYSTEM.
*For the most part about 98% or us said this has something to do with YEAST in your life.
*Many of you question the involvement of Herpes, HPV, or many other diseases which can be linked to a low AUTO-IMMUNE SYSTEM.
*Many of you saw a link between your monthly cycle, birth control, peri-menopause, estrogen, HORMONES and this problem.
*Many of you questioned the use of chemical products, i.e. toilet paper, k-y jelly, summer's eve, soaps, laundry detergent, anti-biotic creams etc. Many people now believe these non-natural products we are so innundated with in modern society can cause harm to our AUTO-IMMUNE SYSTEM and in the case of anti-biotics in animal feeds and medicines can alter our HORMONE balance.
*Sadly one of the most common threads for so many postings is women feeling that thier doc's don't respect them, listen to them, have a clue about thier health or give a ****!

Here's what I can contribute:
After a year of dealing with this at 34, small painful cuts, recurrant yeast infections, the Monostat overuse until my skin was white and raw, recurrant herpes outbreaks, I also had symptoms of FATIGUE, sometimes having to take a nap for several hours each afternoon, and stress worrying about my relationships on one level or another. Fear of spreading all this to a partner and/or ruining my sex life because of pain. And doctors who didn't know what to do.

I sought some answers in different directions:
YEAST/HERPES/AUTOIMMUNE SYSTEM:
What I found was a book called "Healing with Whole Foods" by Paul Pitchford - available on Amazon. He was the first person to make the connection of ALL my symptoms including the Fatigue and what he discusses IS candida-overgrowth which he beautifully relates to the IMMUNE SYSTEM mostly because our bodies are not taking in the nutrients we need from our food anymore when our system is clogged up with too much "Dampness". In his book it states: "Candida Overgrowth: Immune Inhibitor, Candidiasis, the over growth of Candida yeast-like fungi in the body, it appears that candida exists in high levels in people with weak immune systems...the yeast does not always confine itself to the digestive tract, it can spread from the anus into the sexual organs especially in women...is related to other immune deficiancies and other viral related degenerative diseases. Symptoms of high level candida overgrowth may include: chronic tiredness, mental sluggishness, chronic vaginitis or prostatis, anal itching, bloating and other digestive problems, cravings for sweets and yeasted foods, recurrant fungal infections and alergies (allergies) to many environmental substances."
For real: I read this book cover to cover and did his candida diet for ONE MONTH only. I was cured and these symptoms have only reappeared in me years later when I have not been taking good care of myself. What he teaches is more than what not to eat, it's also what you should eat to counteract this and why you may have it.
HORMONES/WOMEN'S HEALTH:
Twenty years ago my mother turned me onto "Dr. Christiane Northrup's book Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" it is an owners manual for a female body and she discusses every disease a woman could have, what the emotional factors are, what western medicine says to cure it, and what natural cures are available so you can be educated and make your own choices.
Most recently, I saw her on OPRAH and bought her newest book: "The Wisdom of Menopause". In this she explains everything you need to know about hormones, how they are made in our bodies, what glands and organs they come from, why they change, when they change and how she recommends we deal with it. There are resources for hormone saliva tests you can order yourself and she is a strong proponent of Natural Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream (which she gives resources for buying over the counter) if you are peri-menopausal or still having your periods at any stage of your life, she says using this two weeks before your period and after ovulation can bring healthy balance to hormones before you are ready for Estrogen replacement. She started the clinic called Women to Women and they still have a website which deals with hormones and offers a test of symptoms you can take on line. You can Google it. I put some of this cream on my cuts the last two days and I swear they are all but gone. However, I still feel like I may have too much yeast and a little itchy so I am going to address them together so it doesn't become another loop-de-loop.
HERPES:
I have had it for twenty years. I recommend a blood test as the only true way to know if you have the anti-bodies present for it. Try Acyclovir instead of Valtrex. It's generic and less costly and in my experience a little milder on the system for some reason. These cuts are not herpes per se: but I do see a connection in the yeast/autoimmune/hormone-period loop. I have definately had one with out the other and vis-versa. If you don't have insurance Planned Parenthood will do the blood test for you if you insist on it and free yeast cultures and free diflucan and give free acyclovir. But didn't get much from them as far as support or advise!
DOCTORS:
A few days ago, fed-up, I googled something like "Homeopathic Doctors in "my county" and a woman's name came up. She is an M.D. an internist and practices homeopathy and so I called up. I got an appointment - yesterday. She is private pay, but spent....are you ready for this... 3 hours listening to all my problems, complaints, emotions, symptoms etc. She then took a pap smear, examined me, asked for my labs from my other doctor i.e. thyroid tests to reevaluate them, she gave me a hormone test saliva kit to submit myself to a lab ($180) and she will recieve the results and consult. What I am saying is: There are wonderful doctors out there, search for them, we deserve to be heard.
MY FINDINGS:
With two or three books you can go out into the world armed, educated and enlightened about so many of these issues, you may feel astounded that people are trying to provide answers, I was!!!
It's all connected, because our bodies, minds and emotions are all connected.
Be well, I hope this helps someone, and I believe we can heal ourselves with the right help!...skf

overthis!

Oct 26, 2007

To: ALL

Ok I am back went to doc (the 4th one) and he said contact dermitits...gave me another cream.... HYDROCORTISONE 1% - Idoquinol 1% been on it for 1 yeak has help sooo much. but I had sex and it burned like hell after! still same old story! I am hoping that after being on this it will make me normal! Mu husband said the colr looks normal (before we had sex) but after sex its RED and burns like hell! I will let everyone know how it works in a week. If this isnt the cure I am for sure going to break down almost a year and I am so over this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can say that this is the 2nd doc to tell me it is contact dermititis! I sware if I could talke all the money I spent on test and labs and docs and my time and pain I would be so happy!!!!!

overthis!

Oct 26, 2007

To: ALL

Ok I am back went to doc (the 4th one) and he said contact dermitits...gave me another cream.... HYDROCORTISONE 1% - Idoquinol 1% been on it for 1 yeak has help sooo much. but I had sex and it burned like hell after! still same old story! I am hoping that after being on this it will make me normal! Mu husband said the colr looks normal (before we had sex) but after sex its RED and burns like hell! I will let everyone know how it works in a week. If this isnt the cure I am for sure going to break down almost a year and I am so over this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can say that this is the 2nd doc to tell me it is contact dermititis! I sware if I could talke all the money I spent on test and labs and docs and my time and pain I would be so happy!!!!!

skf123

Oct 27, 2007

To: overthis! and everyone

Please check out this link about contact dermititis - it's even meant for kids so for me that shows that it isn't specific to the vagina.
http://www.kidsgrowth.com/resources/articledetail.cfm?id=1836
If this post won't show the link go to kidsgrowth(dotcom) and search contact dermititis.
It does say hydrocoritsone can be applied to it, but consider this.............
From my own experience and research and doctor visits this is several different things at once and we are wishing it was all one thing easily taken care of by one cream and gone in a week forever!

If you are seriously ready to try something different, try this:
Please at least look at the two books I quoted above, in the bookstore, library or online and if you are at all curious give them a shot, what can it hurt? These are long-term best-selling authors and in the case of "Healing with Whole Foods" Amazon shows this book being quoted in other books over 100 times. And even Oprah believes in Chritiane Northrup M.D. so it's mainstream, not radical thinking.

For the possible yeast overgrowth internal:
Take Jarrow Probiotics 2x day, it should regulate this in two weeks, be patient.
Cut out dairy, bread, pasta, beer, fruit, chocolate, nuts, sugar (at minimum) for two weeks.
Try eating broiled chix (not KFC) and fish, stirfry veggies, lots of garlic (anti-fungal),rice crackers, hummus, avocados (good fat), raw veggies, celery/lettuce (natural yeast relievers) lemon in water,
asparagus, and if you must drink coffee - one a day - try it with honey and soy milk. You can eat bananas.

For immune system repair, hormone balance and life maintenance:
Copy list of vitamin supplements from "Wisdom of Menopause" regardless of your age and get to a good vitamin store and learn about them and take them. (Lower doses are fine.)
At the very least take a high potency B Complex daily (for stress, fatique and to process hormones) and Omega 3 fish oils and Vitamin C, A, E, D (as anti-oxidants and immune builders.)

For yeast/red inside vagina:
Open one of the probiotics and dilute in a little warm water, put some inside with your finger or syringe. (same principle as using yogart, but more to the point and less messy.) 1x day. Don't ****** with it, just get some of the good stuff in there.
In addition: Hydrogen Perixode 3% can be used as a retention ****** 1x week only. 1/3 HP diluted in 2/3 pure water, retain for 5 minutes. (But only ****** if you really feel the need to, let the good bacteria start to flourish in there.)

Fungal conditions:
(These can cause the bumps as well as keep the cuts from healing.)
HP can also be used to clean the male genitals before and after sex as well as your own to make sure you are not spreading bacteria back and forth. (obviously, if you have any doubts about his where-abouts, use a condom)
For soothing and strong anti-fungal properities and to coat so it doesn't hurt when you pee. Use Nutiva brand 100% Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. If you can't find it in a store they have a web-site. You can cook with it too, but DO NOT eat it if you have high-cholesterol. Even though it doesn't contain it - it doesn't go well with this condition. Otherwise it tastes great and you can use it as a sex lube, face cream, hair cream, too. (This is not the same thing as coppertone etc.)
Wash your vagina with warm water only for a while, let it rest from all the chemicals. But wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap and change your towels often right now. "Planet" detergent is made from coconut for your wash and good for the earth.

I have been doing these things since I went to my new doctor for 4 days and am feeling much better and cuts are really healing this time. Redness is almost gone, itching has decreased to almost none. BE PATIENT. I have been taking the vitamins for one week now and my energy level is so much brighter than I have felt in months, maybe years. WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOOSE?

I want to say I was wrong about the Progesterone Cream I mentioned in my last post. I said I put it on the cuts and they were getting better. I was being overly enthusiastic about it and even though my new doctor said to hold off on trying it for a while, I thought I knew better. It didn't really do anything but made me feel a little soothed and a little aroused! Which isn't all bad, but wasn't the "instant cure" I was hoping for. She did prescribe all the other things in this post. Except the HP which I read in "Healing with Whole Foods" and made pretty good sense to me.

I will let you know how it's going. Thanks for listening.

tardis

Oct 31, 2007

To: all ladies

i lost my whole huge post sorry -- RELIEF AT LAST
LIDOCAINEointment 5%
it is the same stuff they use for stiches. it burns for the first 10 sec than glorious nothing - it is messy but u can go pee no injury and mine were so bad it created a staph infection. instant relief! My doctor is a genius!
RUN to your doc and get some its great! i can sit down and sleep and drink water it is soooo wonderful i want to scream it from the rooftops!
i still dont know what causes it but i now have relief!!!! hope this helps and good luck ladies! :)

spacedcowgirl

Nov 02, 2007

To: all

I too get these fissures, but only above my clitoris. I also have overall itching of my vulva, mainly the outer part where the hair is, and anus, which gets bad sometimes and the scratching increases the skin irritation. I assumed these were recurrent yeast infections (it tends to get worse before my period) but yeast infection meds never seemed to help or if they did it wasn't for long. I had tried over-the-counter steroid creams, triple antibiotic ointment, diaper rash ointment, etc. and never gotten much relief.

Here's the kicker... at one time I also had a wound in the fold where my earlobe attaches to my head. It itched and scaled and wouldn't heal for months at a time until I used a prescription antifungal/steroid cream (again, I had previously tried a combination of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and athlete's foot cream, and this didn't work... only the prescription stuff) at which point it healed completely and hasn't come back. I also have had at various times a scaly, dry patch on my eyelid that felt "split" and burned on contact with soap/water and wouldn't seem to go away no matter how much moisturizer I put on it. That one eventually went away on its own.

I saw a new nurse practitioner last time I went for an annual exam and was complaining of the ongoing itching that I described above, which I thought at the time was a chronic yeast infection. She took a look and asked me "have you ever gotten a scaly patch somewhere that won't heal, maybe behind your ear?" I almost fell off the table! It never occurred to me the two things could be related and I never really did know what the ear thing had been, only that the prescription ointment cured it. She said that especially considering I had had it behind my ear, she thought my vulvar itching was seborrheic dermatitis.

So anyway, she prescribed me triamcinolone acetonide 0.5% to be applied twice a day for a while, then twice a week. When I was on the ointment it was the first time in months and maybe years that I hadn't had the generalized vulvar itching (no fissures either, although those are not as bad a problem for me as for some of you so that could have been random) OR anal itching when I used toilet paper. I felt "back to normal" for the first time in forever. She also said I could use Aquaphor in between applications of the triamcinolone if needed. Now that I have run out of the ointment, the itching is returning so I need to go back and see what to do now. My understanding is that the strength of the prescription steroid creams like the triamcinolone is what makes them work where something like Cortaid might not. Unfortunately I think they can thin your skin over time, and I think seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition. I may also try something like a dandruff shampoo to cleanse that area if I can find something gentle enough, and see if that helps.

If you use condoms I would think you would want to avoid sex on days that you are using the triamcinolone if it's the same stuff I had. It's pretty much all petrolatum and that's not good for condoms.

I'm sure this is not the problem for everyone here but I thought it might be something else to ask your doctor about.

tardis

Nov 04, 2007

To: spacedcowgirl

I think it is great to argue a somewhat minor skin irration on a majno board like this, I am in ur shoes and was wayyyyy nervous. i am allergic to aluminum, nickel and somethign else as well as shelfish. This has actually podtponed my wedding-- not the fissures , but the reactions. call me old fashion. see a dr about nickel/aluminunm alllergy --- probabally not the issue-- but it will bring uo other issues like 14k issues---(i was told as a kid its ok---its not) even 24k isnt---surprise--surprise--no one believes it , till it happens to them --oh welll. simply whispers makes jewelry for the allergic as well as a few others. be weary of new molds as well. and much like my past post LIDOCAINE if it hurts to pee or sit or do.........anything my dfr is a genuis. if u r in the MA region ask for DR, Klock at Norwell Famil Medicine. (i have gone there since very small office (on washington)------- they r pretty damn good!!) But yes.... my experience was terrible-- LIDOCAINE IS GREAT!!!! be good hope every1 is well! :'}

makethisgoaway

Nov 04, 2007

I am soooooooo scare. I feel a bit better after having been on here, but I am just terrified I have herpes. I had unprotected sex with a good friend about a month ago, but not for long. Anyway, about a week ago I noticed tiny paper cut like things but they went away in less than a day. I had a couple more since then, all heal very quickly. I went to my gyno and she said she really does not think it is hepres, but is doing a test anyway. I just want my results cuz this is taking over my life. The cuts are so small and I prolly would not have even noticed them if I were not so paranoid about my last encounter. Has there been anyone with just these little cuts that actually tested positive for herpes?
I know some people are saying its yeast. I never had a yeast infection before, but I did just come off antibiotics and am on the pill. I really don't itch that much, but there is some. Oh my gosh I am so sick of feeling like this. I wish beyond everything that I could take that stupid night back. I was so drunk and I honestly feel completely taken advantage of. I never in a million years would have done what I did if I were sober.

50something1857

Nov 06, 2007

To: All

Has anyone had a partner with jock itch. My ex-husband has a severe case of jock itch that he couldn't get rid of, after being married for about three years I started having very painful intercourse and now vaginal fissures. I am also experiencing abdominal discomfort but no discharge, Just wanted to ask about the jock itch.

xox77

Nov 08, 2007

To: All

Amazing to find I'm not alone!

My history:
yeast infections - after stress and anti-biotic use
diagnosed with herpes but rarely get blisters, (I am wondering if I actually have herpes after reading these postings)
sensitivity to condoms - results in redness, irritation, swelling
have had imbalances with Strep B in the last year
negetive for STD's including HPV
Generally have sensitive skin.
Lots of stress lately
I have peri-oral and peri-orbital dermatitis (basically sensitive skin)
I had chicken pox when I was little
Use tampax
Took birth control for about 12 years ( haven't for about five years now)
No pets currently.

(HISTORICALLY)
Mysterious itching, swelling, redness and sensitivity happened sometime ago....
I remember getting fissures in the folds of my labia occasionally ever since I was young (very mild compared to now)
I also, did have the spliting behind my ears when very young - it was painful and took a long time to heal.
(IN THE LAST YEAR)
I get splitting at the corners of my mouth.....
but it is the little cuts on the perinium and around my anus and up my, excuse me, crack
with intense itching around my *** that are making me crazy!!
I have found a weird bump under my skin that appeared a few times and disappeared
My clitoris swells up and is very senstive for days sometimes, I have flaking skin very occasionally around here only

These symptoms that have appeared in the last year happen as a result of sex and sometimes just appear or happen from wiping too roughly after using the restroom or random odd movement.

I am in a monogamous realtionship.
My guy is also has very senstive skin and system in general.
I suspect that we may be passing some - imbalance/bacteria/fungus back and forth....
He gets odd redness and burning sometimes (he test had HPV in the past... clear for all stds)

MY HYPOTHOSIS
PH imbalance ?
fungus/ yeast ?
concerned about Lichen sclerosis ?

WHAT WORKS FOR ME (eases symptoms and helps healing - not long term cures)
Nelson's Acne gel (You think I'm crazy - but read the ingredients - tea tree and homeopathics including arnica and calendula. Pure tea tree is too strong!)
Neosporin with Pain Relief
Yeast Plus Rescue by Well In Hand

I feel better drinking more water and since quitting smoking but I'm suffering way too much.
My sex life is nothing like it used to be.

NEXT PLAN OF ACTION (based on reading this forum)
see gynocologist - retest all
actually use the Premarin I was subscribed
Starting taking B vitamins
drink more water
Research vitamins with total skin support
Reduce sugar

QUESTIONS???
Does anyone else have a partner with symptoms of any sort?
Does anyone really feel like estrogen cream has helped them?

spacedcowgirl

Nov 09, 2007

To: xox77

I would consider asking your dr. about the seborrheic dermatitis. The symptoms you list sound very familiar to me and similar to those I had, and at least that is a minor condition that you can get some temporary relief from (although it sort of sucks because since you have experience with dermatitis, you know even better than I do that it is hard to "cure," you just try to avoid the stuff that aggravates it and treat the symptoms. My whole family seems to have weird genetic skin issues). Anyway, as I mentioned the triamcinolone acetonide ointment gave me relief from the awful vulvar and anal itching for the first time in many months. I felt totally normal and comfortable while I was on it with no itching or splitting, though the itching is returning a bit now... but nothing like what it used to be. I just wish there were something I could use long-term because the steroid ointment can thin your skin. But it really did work where OTC Neosporin and Cortaid didn't for me.

I will say the Aquaphor is helping too. I put some on this morning and have no itching right now. Both it and the steroid ointment are quite greasy so it's a bit of a pain... and I personally would never have sex with a condom on the days I put them on because they are both mineral oil-based... but to me it's worth it to get relief from the itching, splitting, pain, etc. I'm going to see if Aquaphor 2x a week (the frequency my NP had me taper down to for the steroid stuff) will do the trick and if not, I'll have to ask her for a refill on the steroid ointment.

Maybe your GYN would have ideas about what kind of cleansing products and such might help too. I think harsh detergents aggravate the condition. I have sort of "self-prescribed" DermaDoctor Born to be Mild face wash (same ingredient as dandruff shampoo but the detergents in it are milder--I believe dandruff is also seborrheic dermatitis) for washing my genital area. I don't know if the active ingredient is recommended for this use so this is definitely not a "doctor approved" idea, just something I'm doing on my own. I'm not sure if it's helping yet or not. In any case, it would function to kill any yeast associated with the seborrheic dermatitis but would not help the buildup of skin cells that I think is causing much of my skin irritation (the equivalent of the flaky "crust" that I had behind my ear before that healed). But a mild fragrance-free cleanser is never a bad idea anyway.

For me personally I spent a lot of time treating what I thought were yeast infections. I have done tons of courses of Monistat and the itching would either never go away or would come back very quickly. So in my case, if yeast is present, I'm not sure it's that big a factor.

Here is a crazy idea... has anyone here who is familiar with the Oil Cleansing Method ever tried it on this area? If oil dissolves oil then I can see it being very beneficial to seborrheic dermatitis sufferers. And it is the really greasy stuff like Aquaphor that seems to make a dent in my itching. I plan to try this next with either a commercial cleansing oil, or make my own and find out what soapmaking ingredients to add to it to make it more water-soluble. I wouldn't go with straight oil like a lot of folks do for their face, again because you can never get it totally rinsed and I wouldn't want the residue to damage a condom. So I do need a cleansing oil that will rinse cleanly if I end up trying this. I'll report back once I have.

So... I guess I answered exactly none of your actual questions... so I'm sorry about that (my husband doesn't have any symptoms and I've never tried estrogen cream). But your symptoms sound so much like mine that I just had to speak up.

spacedcowgirl

Nov 09, 2007

To: tardis

That is interesting about the metal allergy. That is probably a nightmare for folks with piercings. My good friend has a nickel allergy and if she so much as tries on a bracelet with a nickel alloy in it, a red welt comes up on her skin wherever the bracelet touched her. But it does get her out of jewelry parties, at least until they get smart and start carrying nickel-free stuff. ;-)

annoying101

Nov 11, 2007

To: all

you're all so nice and helpful!! I found a "cut" (just one, small, not even a cm long) yesterday morning and I've never had one before. I haven't had sex in two years (personal choice haha) and I have no pain, swelling, itching, redness...the only reason I noticed it was because when I wipped, I definitely felt like I irritated something. I don't know if it has anything to do with it, but I do have PCOS (someone has said they had it too, maybe related because of the hormone imbalances?), Kidney Stones, and I have been on a diet for several months now AND find myself drinking more diet pop than I ever have before (anyone find that this was related to the cuts?), working out a lot more, and stressed out because of school. Never had a yeast infection so I have nothing to compare it to. I probably sound silly because a lot of you are just running into so many problems (espcially with doctors!) and in my case, I'm probably just being paranoid because I freak out about EVERYTHING! Oh, and negative on the STDs. Any thoughts? Am I being paranoid?

Hatethismystery

Nov 13, 2007

To: All

Surprise! I have the same issues with the reddness on the vulva along with papercuts. I was biopsied today. I have been at this for four months and hopefully i will get answers. My dr tested my skin to see if the i have Lichen Planus, and also mentioned that it is caused by Hepatitis C. Now, that really scares me and I haven't been tested for that in a year? Nor have I changed partners. I am nervous. Anyhow, does anyone know about this? Seems like we all have the same problems and there isn't a clear answer. This is sad and I am beginning to lose hope.

Monica72

Nov 14, 2007

To: all

I tried posting yesterday, wrote a big one with all my information and it didn't post, gonna try a little one see if it posts and then write my information.

Monica72

Nov 14, 2007

To: all

Ok, it worked! I am 35, married to a very patient, understanding 38 year old man. We are proud parents of 3 wonderful children ages 14, 9 and 5. People ask why they are spead out so far, I say it is because I wanted to prolong the empty nest as long as possible, I think the real reason is because we don't have sex often enough for them to be any closer in age. When I was 20 I started having uncomfortable sex. It would hurt after, then it went to a burning after where I would go to the bathroom and sit with a wet cold washcloth on my bottom and silently cry. I started going to Drs trying to find an answer and was given cream after cream with none of them helping. I went to one dr that just prescribed a bunch of meds and wouldn't even look at the problem (I don't know how you can prescribe meds from looking at me fully clothed across the room). When I went to fill the prescription the pharmacist was shocked and said, that is going to kill anything you have in your system. It didn't work, so I went to a different Dr. told him what the last prescribed, said it didn't work and he wouldn't even look at me, sent me to my gyno again. He said that I had a tear in my cervix from my first child birth and it had turned some of my cervix inside out like rolling up the cuff on your shirt and so the cells that should be on the inside were on the outside and causing a runny cervix that ran a mucuss that irritated my bottom much like a runny nose irritates your skin under your nose during a cold. He gave me a cream, that didn't work. I went back and he preformed cryrotherapy (for those that don't know, the dr. freezes your cervix for 10 minutes much like freezing off a wart, he said, and it sloughs off the bad cells, crampy, uncomfortable and a watery, runny discharge for a month where you can not use a tampon, just a pad) after all that, it did not work. About a year later I went back and said, I am tired of this. It has been 13 years where it feels like I have a yeast infection every day of my life. I can't go for walks because it rubs and hurts, I can not ride my horse and so he sits in a pasture unused, I can not have sex with my husband and we are at the age where we actually want to. I have had a tubal, we have 3 kids and arn't wanting to add a fourth, I do not need this runny cervix that you say is causing all these problems, take it out. He refused, I cried, told him it was ruining my life and because I also had a slight prolapsed uterus, he finally agreed, but did say, I don't want to do this because it is going to be very painful for you and if it doesn't work I don't want you coming back and saying it didn't work and I had preformed it. I had an abdominal hysterectomy, it hurt like hell, but if it was going to work, it was worth it. I did not complain a bit after, I thanked him. Well surprise surprise, it did not work. I still have these tears and the thing is, they are getting worse. They were only a few times a month before and now they are a daily thing. They are spreading to more area where there was just one re occuring one by my clit, now they are from the top of my clit right to and around my anus. I went to another Dr. and was given another cream and told it was a hormonal problem and to put this cream on times a day and use it every day. I hate spreadying cream on, it feels gross, but OK, I'll do it. Well it burned like hell. I was in so much pain I had to walk around with a skirt and no underwear and my legs apart, I gave it a good try, but it didn't get better, felt worse. So it has been 15 years since it started, 2 years since my hysterectomy and countless dollars spent on cream and meds and it is just getting worse. My sex life is non existent and the one time a month that I do go to bed with my husband (I sleep on the couch and only go to bed on the nights where I feel good enough to have sex, no sense in having to turn him down 29 days out of the month, I feel sorry for him, he doesn't even ask any more, just if I go to bed, he knows it is because we are going to have sex.). It is gotten to the point thought that even when we do have sex, he usually doesn't climax because he is worried that he is hurting me, or it is going to hurt later, so after 2 or 3 minutes, he just stops. I find that it isn't as bad if I keep shaved and if he shaves his privates and rinses with water really well before we have sex. He can't touch me down there because it stings just having his fingers on my privates. If I start to think about sex, and start to get wet, it stings and I quit thinking about it. I also find that as soon as we start to have sex and there is any discomfort, I get dry, quick. It is like a switch from my brain to my wetness button. It hurts, turn off the good feelings and dry up. The one Dr said that it was hormonal though. So I am wondering if I was on the pill, would it regulate my hormones a bit, would that help, is anyone experiencing this on the pill? I do also have sensitive skin all over my body and prone to ezcema (eczema). Could it just be an alergic (allergic) reaction? My sister in law said that she is allergic to her husbands body hair now. She has skin sensitivity to losts of stuff. But I didn't ask in what way she is allergic to his body hair. I am gonna have to ask her. I am so glad that I found this. I thought I was the only one.

JBee70

Nov 14, 2007

I have had this problem since July of this year and never thought it was this common!!!
I get the paper-cuts (fissures) in a natural skin fold next to my clit. It occurrs once a month it seems... and heals within 2 or 3 days, sometimes faster. I've noticed that I get it in the middle of my cycle. I went to the dr last month and was tested for yeast infection, bacterial infection, herpes, and they even did a culture. Negative to all.
Now today I had a "flare up" as I have begun to call it.. and I now have 2 paper cuts on either side of my clit, both in natural skin folds. It is maddening!!!!!
It seems to begin with some redness in the vulva area, and a slight itchy sensation when I am in the shower.. thats how I know the paper cut(s) are about to show up.
I have read that this type of thing could be hormonal, or even due to vaginal PH being off, as well as other fungi that cause itching and other things.
I DID have elevated white blood cells (WBC) when the dr looks at the slide last month as I waited in the exam room. That is usually a sign of infection.. So she prescribed antibiotics. But the paper cuts returned later that month!
They need to find out what this is. In this day and age, women should not have to suffer and Drs should not be clueless. Apparently, there is a cause for this. There is a cause for everything! They just are not looking in the right places or doing the right tests.. I am sure that insurance is the reason for that.
My Dr recommended a biopsy when my tests that she ran were negative. I absolutely refuse to have that done until she rules out everything! My hormones have not been looked at yet, and there are other cultures and slides that can look for other infections/yeasts/bacteria.
I will keep you all updated.. And thank you to you all for sharing this embarrassing and frustrating issue!!! I don't want to deal with this forever!! Something must be triggering this problem for us- we haven't had it forever!! What has changed?? I even looked at detergents and tiolet paper, but it isn't an allergy to those. Here are my stats:

age-37
Lesbian (no birth control! LOL)
Have not been sexually active since before this began happening
STD negative

JBee70

Nov 14, 2007

Update- I saw a different dr. at the same practice as the one who wanted to biopsy right away) today who agreed that a biopsy was not needed yet. WHEW! I want to rule out other things! She prescribed Clobetasol cream that I will apply twice a day and stop when this heals. I hope this takes care of it- she said they give this medication to people who have Lichen Sclerosis so it is known to be very effective. The Dr. said that since I was tested negative for yeast, bacteria, herpes, etc.. that this is most likely a SKIN condition. The Clobetasol is prescribed alot by Drs for recurring vulvar skin issues because it is strong and only needs to be used for a short period of time.
If it doesnt respond, i will go back and we will then biopsy. I will keep you updated...

findacureplease

Nov 16, 2007

To: skf123

I am back! I just found out that I am pregnant,so I had to stop taking the hydrocor 1% and iodqi.....and it came back full force! I am so over this! I was told that it would be real hard of rme to get pregnant without fertility pills (i already have a 3 year old) because I have PCOS, but i changedmhy diet and my pcos is gone and i got preganant! so my idea on this is that like SKF123 had said change my diet! I have celiac desease so i have to eliminate most things all ready! I started to use a paste with acidolphisis. I am pregnant so I so not have much of a choice for things to use anyone have any idea or has anyone made any advance on what we have? Because my doc said I HAVE NO IDEA!

findacureplease

Nov 16, 2007

I guuess you can say I am at my breaking point I am so swollen and red and in pain and noone knows anything! The onlyhthing that worked I think might have masked it. I am so over this it is consuming my life! I am pregnant and I want to be happy but i am in so much pain and getting depressed~! Why CANT THEY JUST FIX IT!

Monica72

Nov 17, 2007

To: all

For the past 4 days now (so very new) I have been taking oil of oregano and a vitamin B stress comlex pill, omega 3 and cod liver oil, plus I rinse well with plain water after my bath (we haven't finished our new bathroom yet, and the house we bought only has a tub, I hate having to sit in the soapy water and have it irritate the problem further), then I use my hair dryer on the cool setting to dry all the the creases rather than try and dry them with a towel and rub off any new skin trying to grow and heal. I am also trying to drink a lot of water with lemon in it (as I heard that lemon in water helps your body absorbe the water better, not sure, but tastes better anyway :). I am actually feeling not too bad. Good enough actually to initiate sex with my husband. I was still a little tender after, but I wasn't sitting in the bathroom with a cold, wet washcloth on my bottom crying. I also went to a home business trade show today and met a very interesting lady that sells a product line that is supposed to have healthy aging benefits that include : Body Composition and weight loss; Energy; Vitamins and Minerals; Pain Relief; Digestion; Circulation and Vascular Health; Hormone Balance; Skin/Hair Health; Aphrodisiacs; and Memory. I guess it is a company headed by a fabulous Dr. White. I was telling the lady about my problem and she said she had never heard of it, I told her about this site and how there were so many of us out there and she was shocked. She took down my name and problem and said she is going to pass it on to Dr. White and that she is confident that if Dr. White has not had any experience with this issue, she would do everything she could to find a cure. I might just be grasping at hope. I was always so shy to talk about this issue before, you don't want to go around talking about your private parts or your sex life or in our case our lack of one. But I have come to the conclusion after reading this site that if we don't spread the word and get it out there, we are just going to remain the suffering in silence. I did not know there were others out there and a lot of the ones I read on here thought they were the only one as well. It is ridiculous in todays day and age where women are still going through something like this with no one knowing anything about it.

k65

Nov 19, 2007

To: all

I happened upon this forum one day and wouldn't you know, a few days afterwards I found splits in the folds by the labia of my own body. This forum has been helpful as I know what not to use. I tried Neosporin ointment, vaginal creams and it all made things worse. So one day I used a mecurochrome (sp) and it healed up. I did use it for a couple of days actually, the first time. But it did go away. It came back after a few more days and it's not a cure all. But it helps. I also have red and itching on the skin inside near the hair line. I had a cut in the area going down into the vagina and it made sex impossible. I had a feeling it was due to constipation. I have a couple of hemmeroids (originally came from birth of my first child and show up once in a while). I finally got rid of the constipation and that issue is over with. But the other cuts are still there.

I am almost 65, on a very small amount of estrogen and I am in great health. What ever any of you have ever listed that you do or take in your daily lives is not what I do or have. I originally thought maybe it was from horseback riding, but hadn't been on a horse for a month when this showed up again.

Hopefully when I get back to my hometown (away for the winter) I will get to my gyno and see if she can come up with something.

tts22

Nov 19, 2007

To: xox77

Just like everyone else, I'm so glad to have finally found this page. I had been searching online and finding nothing until this. Too bad none of us have found a way to get rid of it yet.
In response to xox77's question, my boyfriend also has sensitive skin and was having some pain and dry skin at the same time that I first noticed that I had a tear. I thought that maybe we were sharing something but his symptoms have since disappeared entrirely and mine haven't. It seemed to be going away but now I have a new cut in a different place. I suspect that I had tears before because I'd been experiencing pain during and after intercourse (and sometimes a little bleeding) for some time, but I didn't notice the cuts until I looked with a mirror. We've been together for 3 years and neither of us have been with anyone else. We haven't been able to have sex much since I noticed the problem about a month ago so I think I will go to the doctor if the pain doesn't magically go away soon. I'm kind of still hoping that it will, even though I know that's not likely. When I do go though I'll let everyone know if I find out anything useful.

rlstatedotcom

Nov 19, 2007

To: all

Ok, I've got to be the only male in here, but as a former pre-med with a wife who's experienced many of the things each of you has, I think this forum is invaluable.

My wife has complained of this little cuts, too, and we've had a persistent yeast infection issue since about 1985.

I also did research at Baylor Medical School and the James H. Quillen College of Medicine in both infertility and infectious diseases so I never took these things lightly.

All I can suggest is to keep communicating.  Maybe there's another way to do this that'll help better (like filling in a questionaire and looking for correlations).

I'll keep reading to see if I find a common thread.  Of course, I didn't get into medical school though I've nearly as much coursework as many MD's.  Oh, well, an MBA later and now I sell real estate (not from a lack of a love of medicine ... well, that's another story).

spacedcowgirl

Nov 20, 2007

I hate to sound like a broken record, but I feel so sad for all of you, esp. Monica72, so I just need to repeat--at least ASK your doc or gyn about seborrheic dermatitis/other skin conditions and the possibility of getting triamcinolone acetonide or a similar stronger steroid cream (JBee, the stuff your doc prescribed sounds very similar to what I was given so I hope it works as well as it did for me! Good luck!). I found that Cortaid did not work but this stuff did. I am like you guys and I tried a billion other remedies (thinking it was yeast, bacteria, allergy to condoms, etc. etc.) and NOTHING even made a dent until my NP hit on the seborrheic dermatitis diagnosis.

In the meantime, or if you can't get a prescription, consider getting some Aquaphor and trying that (I apply a couple times a week, all over my vulva and around my anus now that I have finished the prescription cream). Both this and the scrip are greasy and, yes, a pain, but it sure beats the kind of agony you guys are talking about.

In general I also think it is important not to have sex when you don't want to and when it doesn't feel good to you (it will be hard for the cuts to heal if you are constantly re-irritating them), and to dump some of these insensitive docs who refuse to investigate what's wrong with you. I have had much better luck with female nurse practitioners but I know that's a crapshoot too. I agree with many here, it is a travesty that such a "simple" problem is still unsolved and causing so much pain for many women.

Monica72

Nov 22, 2007

To: all

I went to my Dr. today (for something un related). We got a huge snow fall on Monday and I spent 3 hours shovelling snow in the driveway (I live on an acreage, long driveway!). That night I noticed that right along my hysterectomy incision scar was a huge soft bump. I wasn't sure what it was, it hurt like heck. Turns out it might be a knot from one of the disolving stitches that I had from my hysterectomy almost 2 years ago, that didn't disolve and my body might be rejecting it. Not sure for sure, just going to wait it out. So I asked him about this problem and he thinks that it is hormonal and that being I had a hysterectomy (even though I still have my ovaries) that I might be lacking in estrogen and gave me a sample pack of Vagifem. For those that don't know, it is an estrogen tablet that you insert vaginally, rather than use a cream. He said it should build up the walls of my vagina and help with the dryness. I tried telling him that I have had this problem with painful intercourse (although not the tears until after the hysterectomy) for about 15 years. He said try it for 2 weeks and then come back in. I also had a problem with hyperthyroidism this spring (I think it was just painful acute thyroiditis, he figured it was hoshymotoes , not sure how to spell that). So he sent me for bloodwork to check my thyroid and do urine sample. He was questioning it being clamydia (chlamydia), but I highly doubt it being I have been in a monogomos relationship with my husband for years and years and I trust him fully to not cheat. So I am going to stop all the vitamins and just do the Vagifem for the next 2 weeks. I have been phoning and asking everyone I know about if they ever experience anything like this. My cousin had an episode 10 years ago when she first got pregnant. She even began questioning if she was allergic to her husbands semen. She ended up finding a fabulous Dr. and it turned out she had a bad strain of yeast infection. He gave her cream and it cleared up, but she got it back. She ended up changing her body soap to an olive oil soap from a health store. She said it works wonders. She can't soak in a tub though without getting a yeast infection and getting the tears. She went to buy soap one day and they were out, so she bought a bee soap that was supposed to be non allergic, she got a yeast infection in 2 days. She is sending me some of the soap she uses, so I am going to try that. Hopefully something works.

Blahblah1234

Nov 23, 2007

To: ALL!

Ok I have recently noticed the same thing as most of you. I too had a cyst like thing in my labia majora a while back. It has disappeared now tho. I get the cuts in around my vagina and it sucks! I thought that I was just wiping too hard or something lol. I have an important question...
ARE ANY OF YOU SENSITIVE TO PADS?????
I had an allergic reaction to always brand pads like a year ago. It caused some chaffing (spelling?) and caused me to be raw and finally my skin dried and peeled. I went to the Dr and she said that I was sensitive down there and not to use always pads bc this was common for this brand. Well , i have been using another brand w/ no problems for about a year...until this period I just had! I wore pads for ONLY one day and I had that same prob again.
Anywho, I was just wondering if we all had sensitive skin.
I'm planning on going to the Dr soon. I just don't know if I need to have one of these sores in order for her to diagnose me w/ something. I don't get them very often, but I am still VERY concerned. Also, I have never been diagnosed w/ a yeast infection but that doesn't mean I haven't had one. Do you have to have a cottage cheese discharge w/ a yeast infection? ..bc I don't..or a smell.
I hope we figure out what is goin on girls! I'm soooo very happy I found this site. Get back to me about the pads!!!!!!

makethisgoaway

Nov 24, 2007

To: the scared ladies

it is not herpes!

JBee70

Nov 24, 2007

To: all

Hi everyone,
A quick update...
I applied the Clobetasol cream on 11/14 for a total of twice a day for 3 days. The irritation and "paper cuts" healed and I am so relieved to be back to normal!! I am on day 11 of my cycle-so far so good! My Dr. prescribed a 45 gram tube of medication, so if need be, I have plenty to use! But I hope I won't need it!!
I will update here again soon.
Good luck everyone!

TamieM

Nov 25, 2007

To: All

I am a 34 year old with all the same problems of all of you. Amazingly I couldn't find anything about this except this forum. Not enough answers on here unfortunately.

Here are my stats
I have taken the depo provera shot for 15 years. I don't have a period at all and haven't for as long as I can remember. Was never regular even before that and didnt ovulate and had to take clomid to get pregnant with my son who is15. Started taking the shot when it was brand new. Haven't really had any problems with it.

No cats here, 2 dogs.

Have used all kinds of over the counter creams. I find the diaper rash creams work wonders because they coat the area so well. No burn when you go to the bathroom if you are coated enough.

I have IBS that is not under control even with medication. Eating gives me chronic stomach cramps and bathroom trips which are horrible with all of the splits in my poor skin.

I am calling my OBGYN tomorrow and am going armed with all of this information.I will update all after I get an appointment.

I have a horrible "cut" since it is worse than my normal splits that I get in my hood area above my clitoris. This one happened after wonderful sex my hubby and I had last night. My sex drive is non existent and that's the weirdest thing. I was always more interested than most I know. I think the cuts have something to do with it. They are very painful but I am one to try not to complain. My hubby is great about checking them and putting medicine on for me. It's easier if someone else can slather it down good. I have long nails and it's hard for me, I hate the creams under my nails. LOL

This one that developed last night is so bad that my hubby was shocked also. Everytime I got to the bathroom it's a wipe with blood on it so I know it's bad. This one is on the vaginal opening and feels like after I had my son when I tore and had stitches down there.

I have considered the weather change, my corners of my mouth split often. I have been neosporing them to death to no relief. Going to try the Carmex next.

Hate to keep rambling but I have a lot of thoughts going through my head.
I am anxious to have my hormones checked. I am on an antidepressant and suffer from mood swings as well. I have good/bad days. I have taken Elavil for my IBS but it was horrible. I can't imagine trying to take it for this.

I hope anyone that discovers anything concrete about this will continue to post, it's important. Doctors don't want/care to spend enough time to diagnose anything anymore. It's up to us to bring to their attention what we think we have. What a wonderful healthcare system we have huh?
Oh, on a funny note. I shave and really don't like any hair in my vaginal area but my doctor told me my splits in my hood area were from shaving and I should let the hair grow because there is a reason for the hair being there. All I could think of was that his wife must have a huge 70's bush. LOLOLOLOL
Shaving does make it better, the hair is a huge irritant to an open wound.
Good luck with all and I'll be back to report what I find.
Tamie

Arielleny

Nov 25, 2007

To: All

I never had a problem with tearing until my husband started shaving his entire genital area. I found that I would become very irritated and get tears during the times that he didn't shave. The stubles were not felt during sex but after, it was burning and painful. The only thing that helped was desatin cream. I don't get the tears or pain if he has shaven himself smooth, but he doesn't do that all the time. Maybe some of you are experiencing this too, if your lover is shaving but not doing it on a regular basis. Hope this helps.

Monica72

Nov 25, 2007

To: TamieM

I also find that shaving helps. If I go 3 days without shaving, I find that the cuts get worse. Although I am having great luck so far with with the Vagifem estrogen tablets. Like I said in my first post, we went down to having sex once a month on average. I am just new to the Vagifem, never knew I might have an estrogen problem as I still have my ovaries and I am 35. I started taking it on Thursday and it is Sunday today, but this past weekend we had sex 3 times so far and I am feeling great. After the first romantic encounter I didn't hurt, I went to the bathroom to pee and stoppd my flow after like 3 drops, because it always stings and I always tense up and try to get through the burning. But it didn't sting! I started peeing again, and it didn't hurt, I was like Yahoo! I wiped, nothing. Ended up initiating sex the next morning and still I felt good! We even did different positions and it didn't hurt. Usually it has to be a position where there isn't too much friction, but this time, no pain. I also had a huge sex drive and have gone down to none at all. I found I was also so dry during sex. Didn't matter how turned on I was, or how wet I started out, I would just get dry, not this past weekend. I do also have very sensitive skin. Hope you find some help.

Phaedra32

Nov 28, 2007

I hate to say this, but I have been fighting this battle for four years!!! It started after I had my son, I was 29. dry, no sex drive, cuts. Three years and two boispeys, sterriod creams, I was so red and irritated that the docs could not even see the cuts. I changed docs., she gave me some creams to clear it up, and that was when she saw the hair-line cuts. She tested my hormones levels, it came back low estergen. I have been using a compound estergen rub on my tummy and a compound estriol vag. cream in side and on the outside. every thing is good if i use it everyday, but if i forget just on day, the cuts are back. I have been doing this for almost a year. I have come a long way, but now my work is changing insurance companies. What this means for me is that the only doc. that has even come close to helping me is no longer in the network and the creams that I have been using are not covered. I went to see a new doc. today, she said that I am on to much hormones and wants me to quit them and go back to using the premarin vag. cream that I used over three years ago (It did not work then, it made it burn more). and wants to test me for herpes. I feel like I am stating all over again. Any HELP!!!

Monica72

Nov 29, 2007

To: Phaedra32

I feel so sorry for you. It was only a week ago today that I found a Dr. that seems to know what he is talking about. He too said that he figures my estergen is low (I am 35). I had a torn cervix that cause a lot of problems for years, ended up having a hysterectomy and I figured it didn't work because I still had problems. Turns out my ovaries might have just stopped working after the hysterectomy, or at least not working hard enough. He put me on a vaginal tablet (it is really tiny, like the size of birth control pills). It is called Vagifem. It is new here (I am from Canada), so I am not sure how long it has been in the States as we tend to get things later on. When you go on it, it is one tablet a day for 2 weeks and then 2 tablets a week from then on. He just gave me a sample pack and told me to take 2 a week for 2 weeks and then come and see him. I have to go back on Thursday, but except for a little hardly noticable itching every now and again, I feel great! I have not felt this good in forever. I, like you, was dry, no sex drive at all, if you read my first post, I was sleeping on the couch. This past week has been fabulous and besides my husband and I being too tired for sex during the week, and having 3 kids, we still managed to have sex 4 times this past weekend. That is the equivalent of 4 months of sex before as more than once a month was unthinkable due to the pain. I just wish that some Dr.s would listen to what we are telling them, it isn't always a case of what is written in the book. I do hope you find something that works for you.

Monica72

Nov 29, 2007

To: Phaedra32

Oh, one more thing. The creams that I had been given in the past always ended up making it burn more than before I had put them on. I told my Dr. this the other day and he said that was because they were not the right combination for me. I didn't question what he meant, I was just happy it wasn't me that was crazy as the other Dr. told me to keep using them. So I feel that if it is burning, maybe it is too strong, or the wrong ph, something must be wrong with it.

Phaedra32

Nov 29, 2007

To: Monica72

I just read your first post. I felt that it was me writing it. What would we do with out our understanding husbands!!! I have all of my girl parts, I was on the pill for 10 years, I got off the pill because my husband is stile. That is when the dryness started, but it was very mild, I used k-y inserts every couple of days if needed. Than I got pregnant with the help from doner sperm. Everything was fine when I was prego. I had vag. birth  no tears or cuts.
I breast feed for two months then went back to work. I started to have a lot of burning  and stinging down there and in my butt. I thought I had hemorrhoids from giving birth. But it just would not go away. So after a year, I went to the OB and got back on the pill thinking that maybe that would help, It did for my pms, but not for the cuts. They do seem to be worse around my periods so I got on Jolessa, were I only have a period every three months and that is where my first post starts.

I do not like using the any of the creams ether, I am with you , they make me feel  gross,  but the Estriol vag. cream is the only thing that has worked for me, the problem is, I have to use it every night. I have been reading about this estradil ring that you put up inside that gives you a dose everyday and the ring last for 3 months. As for the estergen cream that I use on my tummy, there is the estradiol patch,  best of all, my new insurance will cover them. Now I just need to find a new doc. that will listen to me!!!  Thats the hard part... I know what is causing them. Even on the pill my  estergen level was low. But getting the right hormone level takes a lot of time and trial.

JBee70

Nov 30, 2007

To: all

I posted on 11/14 about this issue..
The update as of today 11/30 is that I have not had a recurrence of the fissures (paper-cuts) since using the Clobetasol ointment for 3 days. HOWEVER- during penetration with an "average sized" toy earlier this week, my perineum (the skin at the entrance of my vagina in the bottom) tore slightly and bled a little. It is still healing. I am dumbfounded because this happened a couple of months ago and I thought it was a fluke.
I am 37 years old and have NEVER had this problem before! I read online and it says you can do massage down there with a pure essential oil (no perfume) like almond or olive oil to try to get the skin used to stretching. Pregnant women are told to do this.
So when this heals, I'll try it. I can't help but wonder if this problem is somehow related to the paper cuts I've been getting since July.
???? SO frustrating!
Good luck, everyone.. please keep posting.

Monica72

Dec 01, 2007

To: JBee70

Just wondering if you have a hormonal problem or not? My Dr that is giving me the Vagifem (estrogen) tablets said that it will help to thicken and strengthen the skin down there. I am not really sure if you would need to get your skin used to stretching to accomodate an average sized toy unless it was your first time perhaps. I am thinking that it is most likely related to the paper cuts that you have been having. I also had a tear in the same spot (perineum) a few days before starting the Vagifem (and it was not because of sex as we didn't have any sex for almost a month before) and have not had it since and have been enjoying a decent sex life for the past 10 days (since starting on the Vagifem) I would love to have sex more than we are, but with 3 kids and work, it is hard to fit it in due to lack of energy or someone crawling into bed with us or our 14 year old still awake. Besides using the Vagifem I have been bathing every day and after I get out of the tub (still no shower in my house) I am using my hair dryer on the cool setting to dry my skin folds on my labia and have switched to 100% white cotton panties. Hope you find answers.

medorita

Dec 09, 2007

Hi Everybody,

I have to agree with a previous post and recommend that everyone ask their doctors about SEBORRHEA. It's a form of dermatitis that causes THESE SYMPTOMS. Especially if you've ever had the peeling skin behind the ears or on the eyelids... they're linked...

Also, Seborrhea untreated can create a fertile ground for a YEAST INFECTION. (hence the yeast symptoms). I recommend treating the yeast symptoms aggressively at the same time as treating the seborrhea which is as simple as a special dandroff shampoo (on your head only).

Look into it and take control of your treatment... It is important!!!

Best of Luck!

whyme0309

Dec 14, 2007

I am only 19 and i am having these problems...please respond :)

i have pain at the beginning of sex... like at penetration.... which sucks bc I HAVE NEVER been like this before....UNTIL... i started taking birth control... i was on the Nuvaring and and then i got off it bc of the symptoms i was having...and i got on Ortho Trycyclin...and i was still having pain and STILL having cuts.... it is as if ALL my skin down there just does not stretch.. if it stretches too far it tears.... so it causes pain when i use the bathroom... and i bleed sometimes from the cuts near my anus...

ok most frustrating thing...
i went to the gyno this morning to talk to her about it and she would not listen to all the details of what i was feeling. it was as if she had her mind set that it was herpes and that was that. i had read this forum before i went to her today and i wanted to explain to her what i had read but she would not really hear me out.... she is having me tested for STDs and Herpes... i came home and cried my eyes out. I really hated that she would not listen to everything i had been feeling. She INSISTED that it had NOTHING to do with my BIRTH CONTROL....umm ok then why did i ONLY start having these symptoms when i got on BC??????? she still didnt listen and said they werent related.... i feel so sad and upset because i was never like this. ... until i got on BC and now i feel like i have completely messed up my system down there...

can someone please hear me out??? and let me know if my BC did have something to do with this. i just want to be normal again.... :(

seujl

Dec 17, 2007

To: all

I posted this on the other forum, but haven't gotten any responses. So I guess I'll post it on here. I apologize for the lengthiness... but I am going crazy. Literally going crazy. I spend day and night researching this, reading the same **** over and over again. I am on the verge of having a mental breakdown. I guess my biggest fear (oddly enough) is that I have herpes. I am going to get the blood test on Thursday... but I am terrified, regardless of the fact that most of these symptoms have not been herpes-related.

This is my other post from the other forum:
Jesus Christ this is ridiculous.

Let me begin by saying I've spent the past four nights reading and re-reading this and every other forum post about this subject I could find. I am (surprise!) a hypochondriac. Though, out of every type of illness there is, I've lost the most sleep over thinking I've got an STD. Right now, I'm experiencing the symptoms you all have described - a small cut/fissure or two that appear right below where my pubic hair stops. Of course, being as neurotic as I am, I'm always stretching my labia back to examine everything down there. Constantly. I've gotten these fissures twice now. I mean, it could very well just be dry skin, eczema, irritation from me constantly yanking back my skin to see if any new symptoms have occurred or any pre-existing ones have subsided, but I've convinced myself that I have herpes. Oh, and about three weeks ago I came down with a terrible flu (or what I THOUGHT had been a flu). I had a high fever, muscle aches, sore throat for around a week. Negative for strep ("Does that mean I have AIDS?" -me "..........." -my doctor). About four days ago, I got a "papercut." That's why I think (..know) it's herpes. Even though it could very well have just been a normal flu because I do get sick a lot in the winter. And...because the day before I got sick, I was up all night drinking at a concert in a very very small overcrowded room full, FULL of sweaty people bumping into me and proceeded to sleep on a friend's presumably flu bug-infested trashy Cincinnati living room apartment floor. So, a question. Has anyone else experienced flu-like symptoms with these cuts?

This is driving me crazy. I sit here going from medical forum to medical forum reading the same thing over and over again and it just opens the door to more and more possibilities of more diseases, lichen sclerosis, even CROHNS DISEASE. But really. The one I've decided on is herpes.

SO. Tonight I signed up to an internet dating site just to see what my options will be once I (decidedly) test positive for herpes. This was discouraging, to say the least. However, most internet dating sites are just that.

So uh. Despite the fact that this is not the least bit cohesive and I don't even know WHY I'm posting this (seeing as I'm already certain that I do in fact have herpes!) but honestly just writing this and knowing that someone might read it (and maybe even get a good laugh out of it!) makes me feel a bit more at ease.

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the symptoms were psychosomatic. But I mean, even if that were confirmed by a doctor....by a THOUSAND doctors.....I'd still think I had herpes. Even if the herpes blood tests came out negative a thousand times over I'd pass the results off as faulty or just resort to thinking that I had some new strain of the virus and lord knows my vagina might be in a textbook ten years from now.

THIS IS EPIC!

ALSO! Out of all of this, I've even come up with a simple plotline for a short film or story! Hypochondriac convinces herself she has herpes, without medical confirmation. Signs up to an STD dating site. Finds someone she likes. Becomes very close to him/her, only to find out that she in fact never had herpes in the first place. She's now in as much of a rut as she was in the first place. (Sounds like it could be a poorly done jdrama to me.)

Ah, anyway. I've also let all of my close friends know about my condition. In detail. I'm sure that they have all had enough of my vaginal issues, but when it's the only thing on my mind, it tends to come up in conversation.

This is ridiculous. I'm done.

At any rate, I wish all of you luck. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday (not that it'll change anything). I think I'm going to go write a hate letter to hypochondriasis. I apologize for being long-winded.

Mm, also. On a more rational note (I feel a bit embarassed after rereading what I just wrote), IF by some act of a god that has yet to materialize my cuts are not herpes, I'd guess that they're stress-related or due to some sort of hormonal imbalance. The two times these have occurred, I've been under a LOT of stress. Also, I looked up "vulva eczema" on google (I'm surprised this picture hasn't been posted yet) and found these pictures:

http://www.ak101.com/dermnet/dn2/allJPGThumb/eczema_vulva_6.jpg
http://www.ak101.com/dermnet/dn2/allJPG/eczema_vulva_5.jpg

This is exACTLY what my cuts look like when they first appear. Sometimes they're a bit redder, but the sort of white on the edges is always there. I've had skin issues before - contact dermatitis, etc. Could this be a cause as well?

HEEELP ME.

muddyrobby

Dec 17, 2007

To: Seujl

I just got back from the dr today. With cuts (similar to the links you recently posted) I was told they were probably Herpes followed by an exam thus informing me that I have a yeast infection I was not aware of. I also was told that I should have a pelvic ultra sound which they discovered a 4cm ovarian cyst. I am noticing the cuts obviously after sex (my boyfriend is rather well endowed) but we have been together for 4 yrs and these cuts are now only occuring for the last few months. Burns like fire when I pee and I find myself leaning so far forward so the urine doesn't touch the cuts that I am afraid where the urine is landing. My boyfriend and I are in a long distance relationship and see each other every 2 to 3 weeks. So I figured maybe the sex was just more "acrobatic" than usual but now I am not certain. I have been working out a lot recently and just from that received the cuts. I also know that if I spend too much time in the Jacuzzi or pool that the vaginal area gets dry and is very susceptible to getting cuts (this is all when I am not with my boyfriend so it cannot just be from sex) I am at my wits end and although I receive comfort knowing that I am not alone in this horrible experience. I am also majorly disheartend to discover that no one here nor any doctors seem to have a clue what is causing this nor how to treat it. I will drive myself crazy no doubt reading these forums. Good luck ladies and please if you do find a treatment post post post like crazy!!! I know I will. Wasn't sex supposed to be a natural part of life? I don't remember signing up for the pain train...
Heads up ladies and think positive...

seujl

Dec 18, 2007

To: muddyrobby

Did the herpes test come up negative? I honestly think that the more we all worry about this the worse it gets...but that can't be helped. It's ironic how stress causes so many physical ailments...especially when physical ailments are the very things you're worried about. Goodluck.

llb150

Dec 18, 2007

I have been reading all of your posts and I have to tell you that I had the same problem about 5 years ago. I do occasionally have the problem now, but the "outbreaks" are few and far between. I will post this message first to ensure that my message will go through and then I will post my story along with my "cure" in hopes that all of you will benefit from it.

llb150

Dec 18, 2007

Okay, here it is.
I had just gotten out of a nine year relationship and was beginning a new relationship with the most patient and understanding man on earth (who is now my husband) when I began having awful burning during intercourse and during urination afterward. Going through this during my honeymoon was the last straw and I went to an OB/GYN who tested me for everything under the sun. The only thing he could come up with was possibly yeast infections. I also had the tiny tears. When meds for yeast infections only made the problem worse, he determined that it would be a good idea to do a biopsy. From that he learned nothing but that at some point I had been exposed to HPV. I don't have it now and am somewhat skeptical that I ever did have it. But it any event, there was really nothing more that he could do. He sent me to a specialist in Gynecology/Oncology who diagnosed me with something called Vulvadynnia or Vulvadinnia (and you should all look this up!!!). The FIRST thing of importance that I learned from her was that I should not use soap of any kind to wash the genital area. She said water would be sufficient and that your body provides the proper cleansing system for that area. SECOND, she had me take a citrus calcium supplement that would decrease the size of the ammonium crystals in my urine and thus burn less. THIRD, she suggested that when I urinate I hold the skin out of the way to minimize the contact. FOURTH, drink lots of water. FIFTH, she had me try all kinds of creams...estrace, some cream for herpes (can't remember the name, but it started with an a), yeast creams...and nothing worked and all made my skin even more irritated since I have extremely sensitive skin. Monistat burns so badly, it feels like my skin is just melting right off as though I had just pured acid on it. Anyway, I was unhappy with all of these products. SO, and this is the absolute most important step for me...she prescribed Diflucan for yeast infections. Now, I was not sure that I was even having yeast infections all the time, but we knew that I had them sometimes, SO once the skin had been doing well for a while (from following all of the above steps) I would take a diflucan if the skin started to feel at all like it might be coming back. By doing this, I have been able to keep the situation under control for the last five years. I only took the citrus calcium supplement for a short time. Now I have to take a diflucan maybe 5 times a year.
I hope this helps all of you!!!

babe2g1

Dec 18, 2007

To: All

I have the same symptoms as everyone else here! I used to get these tears once in a while, usually after sex w/ my then boyfriend. my gyno said to have him be more careful and put a liquid bandage on the cut. he never said anything about herpes. he was very attentive and had many young (17-25yrs old) patients, so i think he would tell me if he thought i had the diseas. the first one in three months showed up three days ago and i went to my new gyno. he immediatly did a culture for herpes, for which i have to wait two weeks for theresults. i have gotten these before and they all went away within a day or two. i was didagnosed with chlamydia about two years ago and since then, have been sensitive to yeast infections, which suck! Does anyone else think this could be herpes? I am quite nervous and the wait has just started. Someone please let me know what they think.

babe2g1

Dec 18, 2007

To: all

By the way, does anyone know if frequent urination has anything to do with this condition? My gyno said that my urine test came back negative, but i still have to go a lot. help!

whyme0309

Dec 19, 2007

i am still waiting on my results from my herpes test. i am not as worried about it as i was before bc now my cuts seem to be healing up. i stopped shaving and was careful with body wash and other stuff like that getting in that area. I guess now i'm not so worried that its herpes....BUT...i am worried that even though my recent cuts are healing....they might come back and i really dont want that. also the white discharge and paste-y stuff seems to be gone too. lets see if the doctor can figure out what caused these cuts so they dont come back bc having them and worrying about them has really been one of the worst situations of my life.

i hope everyone the best.

whyme0309

Dec 20, 2007

i got my results back and i tested positive for chlamydia....but its weird that i would have it. i dont know if the cuts have anything to do with it. also.... my herpes test was neither positive or negative. weird huh??? i am so confused!!!! i have to go back and get tested in 4 months.... i hate this. has this happened to anyone else? i really hope its not herpes....

llb150

Dec 20, 2007

To: whyme0309, babe2g1

When this happened to me, I had every test possible including herpes and it was NOT herpes. Please see my post above. The gyn/onc specialist diagnosed it as vulvodynia. That is the proper spelling. PLEASE go to www.nva.org. NVA is the National Vulvodynia Association. Everyone who has posted here should visit the site. I had all of these symptoms...burning, tearing, etc. People who have this have to find what works for them through trial and error. But I explain above what worked for me. If you are prone to yeast infections, as I am, try the diflucan pill when you think you might be getting a yeast infection. This has solved my problem almost entirely. I can handle the few minor outbreaks I have each year. When this first started, it was constant and I thought I was never going to be happy again!

Flangela

Dec 20, 2007

First I was so happy that I wasn't the only one.  But reading two years worth of anguish from women in the same situation as me has gotten me so depressed.

(To be clear - my symptoms are constant fissures on the perineum.)

I've been to several gynos, the last 3 from the same clinic, and each of them have a different opinion.
+ First one said herpes, for sure, refused to actually test for anything and implied that I deserved it.  (Clearly a kook, I decided to get a non-crazy opinion!)
+ Second one did a pap and tested for everything - Still no herpes, but I did have Chlamydia. I was pleased that it was something relatively simple - but treating it did nothing to relieve my symptoms.
+ Third one said Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and we did more tests. Hey, still nothing!
+ Fourth said it was purely hormonal. She thinks that hormones are causing extra discharge, the discharge is keeping the skin moist and softening it, making it more prone to tearing.

At this stage, I like Fourth doctor's moxy. This does seem to occur more frequently the week before my period, and started happening to me right when I started using the Implanon birth control rod. So I'm inclined to think even if hormones aren't the issue, they're most likely contributing.

I plan to have my birth control implant out after christmas, see if that helps.

whyme0309

Dec 21, 2007

yea i stopped being on my birth control and my symptoms are gone. i haven't had any sex yet or anything to see if my skin will stretch naturally without tearing. i really hate having to wait another four months to find out if i have herpes but a lot of you have been negative so that makes me feel better. we'll see what happens....

whyme0309

Dec 31, 2007

ok i take that back. two little cuts this morning. i dont know why they came back :( this is the worst experience of my life.

Flangela

Jan 10, 2008

Further to my previous post - The doc prescribed me a dose of Fasigyn (Tinidazole) 4 X 500mg tablets  (And then said to take a tablet for thrush a few days after, and boy did I need that.).

Worked like a charm, and I'm still good two weeks later.  I've been dealing with this for two years with no relief and now a handful of pills fixes it.  I'm relieved and frustrated at the same time.  No clue as to whether it'll come back, but at least I'm prepared if it does.

Sincerely hope this helps.  Even though there's an actual organisation out there for "we don't know what's wrong with your vagina so tough break, lady" (please see www.nva.org - hah!) there is hope, and it's not the end of the world.  Chin up, ladies.

whyme0309

Jan 11, 2008

im sooo good now! they told me it was a really bad yeast infection. they gave me ampicillin, fluconazole, and metronidazole. and this other cream and so far SO GREAT! its a lot of pills but they work!

vinyasa

Jan 11, 2008

Hi Everyone!

Yes, I too suffer from the cuts. It has been about three years now since they have made their debut..... usually a small singular cut. Like clock work it arrives a few days before my period. This seems to be common with all of you, right? My GYN has told me time and time again that it is yeast. With that I began a strict regiment of acidophillus and unsweetened cranberry juice. The problem has gotten better but still happens. In the beginning I was insanely paranoid that it was herpes but have been tested twice, both tests were negative. My GYN thinks that I am a hypochondriac carrying on like a raving lunatic in the vain of Adrian Monk. Has anyone consulted a naturopath? By the way, I am sorry to hear that all of you are experiencing the same condition but relieved that I am not the only one. Thanks to you all for being so open and honest.

vinyasa

Jan 11, 2008

Stats would probably be helpful....

1. Have hypothyroidism and am medicated for it.
2. Obviously by my screen name I practice yoga daily and run 3 or 4 times a week.
3. Always being a paradox, I still smoke cigarettes which is the last of my vices.
4. Was told by the GYN not to use any soaps down there, just water.
5. Eat healthy and drink lots of water.
6. Have 3 dogs and 2 cats.
7. Have not had sex for three months. Prior to that it was close to two years.
8. Live in New England.
9. Am fair skinned and have very sensitive skin.

jules776

Jan 11, 2008

To: arrowsmom

I've been going through this for about 6 months as well...same old tests....a nurse told me that it may be sestimic yeast....but, my doctor won't test for it because apparently 6 labs in the U.S. do the work up....look it up on line...it makes sense.....i've had lots of yeast issues...I took 1 diflucan pill for 10 days, then one a week for 3 months....I hope this works...I've also tried estrogen cream, that worked for a little while, but the scratches came back....Let me know if you find anything out

splittingmad

Jan 12, 2008

To: All that suffer!

Well Ladies, this is even more troubling than I ever expected. I have suffered all of my adult life with these tears (for 22 years). I believe
by splittingmad

Hello Again,
I am back from a trip to the pharmacy. I told the pharmacist my issue and asked him if he had heard of this condition. I figured, he gets people from all over and all doctors in the area prescribing various things. He said he never heard of it bu then questioned me on a few things. He could see that I was very physically fit. He asked if I had any blood work done to see if my cholesterol was ok. He was concerned that it was low. As we were talking I mentioned how involved I had always been in sports. He then said that those of us that are more athletic tend to have lower estrogen levels and higher testosterone levels. Lower estrogen means thinner skin in those sensitive areas.

I will be getting blood work done to see if my levels are fine. I will then seek help to see if the low estrogen level can't be helped. I can't go on suffering like this.

I am now curious to know how many of you that have written here are as athletic as me. We have to exhaust everything we can consider to get this figured out....if it is the last thing I ever do!

SplittingMad

vinyasa

Jan 12, 2008

To: seuji and everyone else

Seujl:

I think that you are my soul mate as far as obsessing over our vaginas and herpes. I examine myself all of the time. My friends refer to my frenzied states as "the wrath of the paranoia". First off, from one hypochondriac to another, you DO NOT have AIDS. The herpes scenario is viable as I share it too eventhough I have been tested numerous times and it has been negative (Thank God.).

To All of the Ladies: It is almost time for my annual. I'd rather be subjected to several root canals performed by Bill Murray in "Little Shop of Horrors". This estrogen correlation/connection is interesting and I think needs to be explored more. Since my GYN thinks that I am crazy and that I probably have a fetish about going there with these symptoms that she can not diagnose as anything other than me being and I quote, "Just a yeasty person"..... Please forgive me for the hysteria but like many of you I am not treated seriously at the GYN. They say, "Big deal". "It's not life threatening". Well, it is impacting my life immensely in an unhealthy manner. It is threatening my mental well being. How does one intelligently ask for an Estrogen level test without them coming back at me saying that it is not necessary or flat out laughing? I have insurance but chances are it probably does not cover such a blood test as health insurance seldom does. I'll pay thousands to get some answers. Ball park, what are we talking here?

Thanks again for sharing all of your insights and similar stories. Finding you all has really eased my mind more than you know. Thank you, thank you!

katikus

Jan 13, 2008

To: all

Clearly, some research needs to be done in this area considering it affects so many. As for doctor's not taking you seriously because it isn't "life threatening" that is the most awful thing in the world. It's threatening my well-being and that should be a high concern...Since this issue has turned me into a paranoid hypochondriac. My doctor took one look at me, prescribed monistat and that you just need to make sure sex was better lubricated....didn't help
Strangely though, I used to have a similar problem by my mouth and found it correlated wiht the amount of apples I was eating (which are highly acidic) so i stopped eating as many and it went away...so I applied that to the vaginal area and try to avoid getting urine anywhere that isn't necessary and it really decreased the severity and frequency of the problem. I only get them by the vaginal opening, so I hold toilet paper there and lean forward while I urinate to make sure that no urine comes in contact with that skin. Also, anticipation of pain during sex can make you tense your muscles in that area, making the problem worse. someone recommended calmoseptine so I'm trying that now...
i wish everyone the best!

splittingmad

Jan 13, 2008

To: Katikus & Seujl

What is calmoseptine?

Our bodies are very resilient and this is maddening. It can ruin your entire mental state of being.

And the next time a doctor laughs at you....threaten him with turning him into the proper authorities. I swear these guys would only have to have one experience and they would have a cure in no time!

I will report back what happens with a blood work test. I think my normal practitioner should be able to give me this script as an annual check up. My gyn would be willing to do it to as he is willing to get me through this.

Splitting Mad

vinyasa

Jan 13, 2008

To: Splitting Mad and Katikus

Thanks for the encouragement. Ready to the GYN hell or even considering changing doctors.

Katikus: Not to be redundant, but what is calmoseptine? How is it working for you?

Splittling Mad: Best of luck with your blood tests.

splittingmad

Jan 13, 2008

To: vinyasa

I just looked up Calmoseptine....

Protects and helps heal
skin irritations from:

    * Incontinence of urine or feces
    * Feeding tube leakage
    * Minor burns, scrapes
    * Fecal or vaginal fistulas
    * Wound drainage
    * Diaper rash
    * Moisture, such as perspiration

Not sure what that is going to do for us....my cut seems to heal pretty quickly on its own. I am still waiting to here from the doctor to see if he can send me for regular blood work.

vinyasa

Jan 14, 2008

To: Splitting Mad

Thanks for the research. Might be something to check out. My current cut/fissure is healing quickly too. Could this be herpes? My imagination is like an out of control freight train at this point. Probably going to call a doctor to make an appointment for this week to get some answers before I go insane. Thanks again! Please let me know how things turn out for you.

splittingmad

Jan 14, 2008

To: vinyasa

I actually had my split swiped and tested....it was negative. I will certainly report back when I know more. My doctor emailed me back and said that he thought that my estrogen would be ok since I still get my period. He is willing to let me do the blood work though to check levels and cholesterol.

Hang in there!

vinyasa

Jan 14, 2008

To: Splitting Mad and the ladies

Hi, Everyone!

Just got back from the pharamacy. Purchased some topical cream called 'Gynecort' and just applied it. In the last 15 minutes or so it has helped the itching/discomfort tremendously. It is hypoallergenic. Made an appointment for tomorrow morning at the GYN to have the fissure checked out.... again. Of course a nervous wreck about it. I will keep you all posted if there is any constructive feedback. Hope this finds you all well.

Splitting Mad: Glad the results of the 'swipe' were negative. Congrats! Hope I can have the same news.

katikus

Jan 14, 2008

To: vinyasa

Calmoseptine is an OTC med that my doctor recommended last time I was there to see him. He said it is a mild muscle relaxant that keeps muscles from tensing ( ie due to perceived threat of pain) which I thought sounded good because things like this can lead towards dyspareunia and vaginismus (it's a vicious circle) but after I read your post about wha tyou researched about it...I found the same thing. Maybe my doctor mixed up the name. Sorry for the confusion.

Glad to hear that the Gynecort is working for you some though! What kind of med is it? treatment, or just relief of symptoms?

vinyasa

Jan 15, 2008

To: Kaitkus and all of the ladies

Hi, Everyone!

Today I went to the GYN. Different Dr. same group and liked her much, much more than the one I usually go to. My paranoia was getting bad again so going this morning was the adult thing to do as I have been a mess about all of this. She actually listened to me and did take me seriously. (Immediately switched doctors after this conversation.) I described all of "our"/"my" symptoms to her. She took a look at the fissure and said it was recurrent yeast. She prescribed some topical cream called Mycolog. She suggested that I go back for my annual in 2 months instead of one to see how this stuff works through 2 cycles. If it does not work out then the dermititis aspect will be further examined although she truly believes that it is yeast. She also said that I should take Acidophillus 3x a day as opposed to just at night. SIGH OF RELIEF: She went on to say that this, being yeast, BV or dermititis, is very common. It can make many women depressed and uneasy. (She should read this forum.)

To Kaitkus: The Gynecort has worked great. I just used it overnight and what a difference. Again it is hypoallergenic. It has truly helped the myriad of issues: itching, the uncomfortableness and has really sped up the fissure healing process. I got it in CVS.

Hope this finds you all well!

JBee70

Jan 18, 2008

To: all

HI there,
Update to let you all know that since the Dr prescribed me the Clobetasol ointment (I applied it twice daily for 2 weeks), I have not had another "flare up" of fissures or redness/itching. YAY! It's been 7 weeks now!
But alas, another recurring problem has now occurred and I wonder if it is all related!?
3 days before my period for the last 2 cycles, I get very red at the vaginal opening and it itches. Discharge (odorless) increases and is constant.
I went to the Dr AGAIN.. she saw elevated white cells. They precribed a Z-Pak to see if that would clear it up. No deal.
2 weeks later I went back again, they still saw elevated white cells. Nothing else (No BV, Yeast, Etc). Tested me for herpes. Negative. They prescribed Metro-gel.
Used it for the 5 days. Once my period was due again, the symptoms returned.
BACK to the Dr.. they said to use the Metrogel AGAIN while they sent a culture to the lab. Culture results were negative.
Did the 5 day gel again, got my period. As soon as it was gone, the itching and redness returned!!!
The Dr said to use the Metrogel every month before my period for 3 months to give my body a change to heal from whatever this may be..
But I asked another dr who seems to think I have vaginal atrophy (dryness and itching caused by low estrogen). However, he said that would be rare since I am only 37.
What the hell???
I wonder if ALL of the issues I've had this year with the fissures etc are all related to fluctuating hormones..
Will followup here once I see the dr again in late February. This is insane! I get the fissures under control and now I itch!??? Sheesh.

Good luck to you all!

splittingmad

Jan 20, 2008

To: All

Thanks Ladies for sharing so much!

No one knows what todays 37 or 43 year old is suppose to be like! We haven't existed until now! Our diets are much different than our parents and grandparents.....they can't even guess what will be next for us during menopause.....lol....this is such a joke. We do need to stick together though!

I made the doctor give me a prescription for the Premarin Cream. It was the only thing that helped me in the past. I had outdated cream from an old prescription and wanted to start taking it again since I am involved with someone again. I chose to know medicate myself when I wasn't involved with someone. The trouble with stopping is that it takes time to get the area rejuvenated again. And partners aren't always patient. My boyfriend has actually told me that he has had to alter his mind set to not think about sex and let me do the leading. I feel really bad now and am afraid I will lose him over this. He has experienced a small cut on his penis and has experienced a bit of what we all do. So he has been more patient than others, but I still feel awful about it. The premarin is suppose to reverse the atrophy. We haven't been that intimate since I started applying it daily, so I am anxious to see how it goes for us. Maybe one day I will actually get to enjoy it all. Otherwise I feel like a waste of a woman and perfect body.

splittingmad

Jan 20, 2008

To: Everyone

I am back from my encounter after using the medicine for two weeks with a positive report. All went very well. No splits or tears. I look forward to our next encounter. Hopefully, the medicine will continue to work and my fears will subside and I will finally be able to enjoy myself! I am very pleased and hope you all can find the same relief. Be patient. Let the medicine work!

splittingmad

Jan 23, 2008

To: All

I am back to report that I had a second positive encounter and hope that i have found my answer to stopping the splitting. The skin there is now much more elastic and pliable. No tearing occurred and I am thrilled. Now, I hope to be able to relax and enjoy the intimacy. I hope you all will try this Premerin that I mentioned.

Splitting Mad with a smile.

lawlady69

Jan 26, 2008

To: All

I am new to this site and I like everyone else here am so relieved to find that I am not alone in this.  I have had the exact same problems as the original posting for about 5 months now.  There does not seem to be a trigger for me and it does not seem to go away, or at least not yet.  Last night and this morning have been really bad.  I have not been to the doctor yet as like many others I don't have insurance and I have been scared to find out it was some type of std.  I didn't understand how it could be because I have been with the same partner for 6 years and I have been faithful and I know that he has as well.

For me it came on all of a sudden.  I have had yeast infections since a young age and never have they caused something like this.  Usually I take the Monostate cream for a few days and the YI is gone.  But this is different.  The YI never caused tearing it just itched, and it had a discharge which this problem does not have (at least not for me).

Last night it got so bad that I again took a mirror and looked to see if anything looked different.  It did.  There were the tears of course but beside the tears it looked white and the skin would just pull off.  I reminds me of when you get a bad burn and then you get that area wet and the skin pulls away.  Hopefully I am making sense.  Don't mean to be discusting but like all of you all I am so tired of thinking about this and dealing with it.  I will give my history here as well.

38 yrs old
have cats
use tampons (kotex brand)
astro glide (but tried KY warming)--I think this started right after using that.
not diabetic, but have family history of this
sit alot for work
have always worn cotton panties, and loose clothes
same partner for 6  years
no mold
smoker
use antidepresents

I have tried a lot of the home remedies on her except the honey and pickle juice and none get rid of it..some calm the itching and buring but none seem to completey get rid of it even for a little while... I am getting desperate..And I completly agree with a much earlier posting that I don't want to think about my crotch this much.
Thank you ladies and I too hope we find a real cure for this.

Suirauqa

Jan 27, 2008

To: All the Souls

I wish I had time to be more thorough with this response but I will do my best (and will sound opinionated doing it).

I've read almost all of these posts and I thank you all for sharing as I have been a wreck since Friday night. I went and got tested for herpes yesterday and now wait in the worst anticipation. This site has been a Goddess-send for helping to alleviate at least some of my anxiety. I currently have one fissure, upper fold, parallel to my clit (the itching, swelling etc.). I have experienced most everything you ladies are sharing so will not repeat but I'm hoping I can be of help. I feel for some of you so much because in some cases I have not suffered as badly.

In order to put this in bite-size chunks I will split my responses. I have sooo much to say. It's more of a mind storm to help us all find the thread.

1st: Maybe a common thread. I weight train (salt moisture), live in a moist climate, and lastly, live on a boat. Albeit it is very well ventilated and aired-out it can get very damp n' clammy in bed some nights. This, I imagine, exacerbates the situation when you throw in some high-friction sex-play. But I'd like to say this has happened to me before living on the boat. In my long (8.5yr) relationship. Where I experienced the fissures on my anus as well.

All that said, how often do we all get new undies. Year? 2 Years? 4 years? We wash them but if there are remnants of irritants in the threads wouldn't they just build up and contribute to the problem? Maybe we need to replace all our underwear on a yearly basis. I know mine are a little ancient and I plan on replacing them all as soon as possible.

My next posting is going to reference to my plethora of intolerances and allergies: Maybe there will be something in there to consider. I DO know that they have contributed to my problems.

Suirauqa

Jan 27, 2008

To: All the Souls

There are loads of awesome suggestions throughout so I may sound a bit repetitive. I can say more later but do have to be somewhere this morning. But there is something
I don't think I've seen mentioned and it could at least be some of your peeps causes. I'll try to expand my concerns logically.

Someone earlier mentioned glycerine. I figured out ages ago I was allergic to glycerine soaps. But there are also different kinds of glycerine and many in things we consume as well. In the last couple of years I have developed an allergy to coconut and it gets progressively worse. Most glycerines are derived from coconut. SLS is derived from coconuts and is a well known irritant as it is prevalent in everything from toothpaste, soap, shampoo, cleansers and BODY LOTIONS, CREAMS etc.. What you're putting on your vulva could be making the sores worse. I would stick to natural oils (jojoba, avocado) if it is an issue of dryness.

The SLS makes it so your body no longer knows how to moisturize itself. Hair falls out with the onset of cold weather, dry rough patches surface and our skin screams for more moisturizer. I am allergic now to eating coconut as well so I have to check all ingredient lists. But SLS is not the only coconut derived ingredient in all those products. I'm not positive I react to every single one (most though) but here is an incomplete list. I challenge you to take anything from your bathroom (soap, shampoo, lotion) and see how much is in it from this list.

My latest outbreak could be due to the fact that I had to use a shampoo with some of these ingredients. I've had to resort to using olive oil soap (with 3 ingredients) to wash my hair. Still no real safe conditioner for me. Please note I said COULD BE. I'm still waiting for my own test results.

List of coconut derived Ingredients:
1,2 Octanediol
2 Phenoxyethanol
Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate
Capryl Glycol
Caprylic Acid
Caprylic Glycol
Caprylic/Capric
Caprylyl Glycol
Ceteareth-20
Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl Glucoside
Ceteth-20 Phosphate
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Esters
Cocamide MEA
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cococaprylate/Caprate
Cocomide DEA
Coconut Oil
Disodium Cocamphodiprop
Emusifying Wax
Glyceryl Caprylate
Hexyl Laurate
Isopropyl Myristate
Laureth-3
Olefin Sulfonate
Organic Sodium Cocoate
PEG - 7 Glyceryl Cocoate
PEG -100
Phenoxyethanol
Polysorbate 20
Sodium Cocoate
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Sucrose Stearate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinat
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Stearate
Sorbitan Stearate
Stearyl Alcohol
Vegetable Cetearyl Glucos
Vegetable Glycerine

Suirauqa

Jan 27, 2008

To: All the Souls (pt3)

I also have a wheat/gluten intolerance and cheese (casein) intolerance. Ya. Things get joyfully better as I get older. I'm 31. And extremely healthy. As in almost no processed foods, mostly organic whole foods and of course trying to dodge my intolerances. I weight train, drink oh so rarely, don't do drugs. Sexually adventurous but fully respect me and my partner.

My first suggestion for every single one of you is to do a good thorough full body cleanse. Colon, intestines, metal, parasite, etc. etc. Last year I did an awesome cleanse for 3 months. It was mild, easy and thorough. Previous to doing it I suffered the worst pain trying to eliminate ever in my life. Blood every time. Little fissures all around my anus ( I looked up symptoms then for herpes although to me it wouldn't make sense. I was still in my awesome relationship). They looked nasty and canker like and were itchy. I would not let my boyfriend near me and I was soooo stressed out. I know there were digestive issues that were making matters worse. Once you're clean you can start from the beginning.

Find one that you think will work for you or one you can afford. You don't need to fast to get a decent cleanse and I don't suggest it, especially if you've never done one before. And I warn you now, things can get worse before they get better because of all the toxins that will be in motion in your body. But it's worth it. (I used dr. natura toxinout and colonix. You may want to find your own little 7 day one).

I've been trying to see if there is a relation between wheat/gluten and vulva rashes. I think there is a good possibility but I'm having a hard time finding evidence. I cheated on sticky buns last weekend and I'm hoping that I'm just paying for it now (and that it is not herpes, it makes me sick to think I could lose my sexual freedom).

By the way, the cortosone creams that they gave me for my eye rash (from the coconut) only made it worse. Cortosone is BAAAAD and should never be used except in extreme cases (in my opinion). I can't imagine using it on my genitals.

This is a run-on post but I'm just trying to put stuff out there that might help some of you in any aspect of your life. I will share my test results, good or bad. You can research most of this stuff on the internet. I would strongly suggest checking out the coconut thing though, especially if you are a skin/hair product junkie. Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, febreeze, skin moisturizers. It is everywhere. But it is also expensive to buy the alternative so all you can do is your best (I'm broke all the time).

Oh good luck. This is just so stressful for everyone and I'm sure THAT doesn't help either.

Suirauqa

Jan 27, 2008

To: One last note

The reason I thought of the glycerine is that I have a liquid stevia supplement in vegetable glycerine that I've been putting in my cereal for the last week. I use it very rarely otherwise. If I'm lucky enough to test negative I will have to test myself with that little product. Check all your stuff for glycerine as well. (don't forget to check your vitamin supplements)

vinyasa

Jan 28, 2008

To: All of the ladies and Suirauqa

Hi, again.....

To Suirauqa and all of the scared ladies:

IT IS NOT HERPES!!!

I finally got the gumption to get the herpes blood test done last week. Waited the right amount of time, ect. I was obsessing about my vagina. Not healthy. The anticipation almost made me insane. I can easily empatheize with everyone's concern, it is very scary. Frankly I was stalking Quest Diagnostics and my doctor's office. I knew one of the Quest Customer Service reps by his first name. He knew it was me from my hysteria. Glad to report that it was negative! Hurrah! When I got the results over the phone Areatha Franklin began to sing 'Oh, Happy Day" and I cried tears of relief. As for what it could be, I can not offer any suggestions. As of today I have another cut. However I am not experiencing the usual panic as I know that it is not herpes.

I am allergic to Gluten. Found out a friend is too and she experiences the cuts as well. Possibly a connection?

Hope this finds you all well!

jawcy

Feb 01, 2008

To: everyone

I am very excited to find this forum. I have been having a problem with anal fissures for three months now, normally in the perineum area. When they heal, they form a type of bump at the site, almost a skin tag. My gyno said that there was a 50/50 chance that it was completely normal from the odd positions that i use during sex, or the possibility of herpes. I am getting blood work done and crossing my fingers that it comes back negative.

CLN1

Feb 02, 2008

To: All

I am back after many months of trial and error with my 10 yr old daughters fissures.  I first had her tested for Celiac's disease as it runs in the family, but the results came back negative.

But I am convinced that the cause of her fissures is wheat.  Time and time again, if she eats wheat the fissures return within one to two days.  I have concluded that she either has a mild form of Celiac's disease that does not show up in blood testing or she is simply wheat intolerant (which I happen to be as well).

Finding the cause for fissures is a process of elimination, starting with food we eat or prescriptions we take.  I don't think that everyone's cause is the same.  Fissures are a way of the body telling us that something is not right, most likely what we are ingesting.

Hope that helps.

NPSP

Feb 03, 2008

To: All

I'm gald I'm not the only one. I'm 15 and about 2 weeks ago I developed these "paper cuts" on my perineum and they still haven't gone away. I've been applying triple anitbiotic everyday and still nothing. I've never had sex so it shouldn't have anything to do with that. Also, I haven't had a normal period since October. Instead, I will get brown spots.

I'm going to go see a doctor because these fissures are painful
and very uncomfortable.

Suirauqa

Feb 04, 2008

To: CLN1

I do have a wheat intolerance for sure and I know that everything (digestion, skin, energy) goes awry when I consume it. Most people would never think to relate wheat to any skin problems as it is so prolific in our diets (which is actually what makes more of the population allergic to it over time). Not only the obvious breads and pasta but also soy sauces, salad dressings, meat sausages, candies (wheat-based glucose) and all those breaded foods where the amount seems harmless.

I think the cuts, splits and itching may be from not just wheat but how poor my digestion is at the moment (due to all my other food intolerances). After a cleanse I don't have to worry about it for months. When I've been eating cleanly I have substantially less problems.

I will find out my results for the herpes swab tomorrow. I am more confident than ever that it is my sensitive skin. The female doctor I went and saw last week was better versed at these issues than the men I spoke to.

Suirauqa

Feb 05, 2008

To: All

I wish I could've been of help. I tested positive for herpes 1 which is essentially normal mouth herpes but I just happen to have it down next to my clit in one of the folds.

I have still suffered from all those other things that are not herpes related but the fissure that pushed me to seek out answers is viral and there is nothing allergy related about it.

Good luck on your quests.

*sad*

sacsua

Feb 12, 2008

To: sacsua

Girls
I have had the fissure on my vagina for over a year, topical creams here and there and nothing. I don't have any itching only when it first started...

But I do want to say for all you ladies who have had a yeast infection, use the natural remedy and buy the drops of candida yeast in a natural health store.. I want to tell the world because it really works.!!!. As far as the fissures, I will continue to find the cure for this . It has been fustrating for so long it must be something my body is trying to tell me.

keephope558

Feb 23, 2008

To: all

I have to believe it will be okay.....I have spent all day reading this entire forum. I too have experienced the following symptoms for the past year: tear on the perineum, feeling of dryness and discomfort, reoccurring yeast and bacterial infections, anal fissures, and a varying red rash from perineum to "crack" area. I have tested negative for all STDS. While I've never had any "classic" symptoms of Herpes type 2, I went ahead and had bloodwork done to eliminate that possibility. I await the results and am trying not to drive myself crazy.

In the meantime I am just going to keep hope and try to stay positive. I have made another gyn appt. to discuss symptoms as well as with a general practioner, who can refer me to a dermatologist or a proctologist.

About three weeks ago I was treated orally for a yeast infection and given nystatin and trimcinolone acetonide ointment which drastically relieved the perineum rash. However I feel like the symptoms are starting to come back slowly.

I hope I have helped someone by writing this as you ladies have certainly helped me. I had no idea that this problem was so common even in none sexually active women. I will keep writing thorughout the durataion of my problem. If you'll have any questions or comments feel free to give me a shout. I have no one to talk to about this and it is HARD.

shiki

Feb 25, 2008

To: all

It seems like this forum just keeps getting larger and larger. I have a question for the rest of you. This started for me about two years ago (I have an earlier post with more details), and after about 2 months I stopped using tampons, because the gyn kept giving me creams and I couldn't use tampons while using the creams so I just started using pads. Now, almost two years later, I started using tampons again. It is extremely uncomfortable. It doesn't hurt as bad as right after sex, but it is still sore and extremely uncomfortable. Before all this started I never even felt my tampons. Has anyone had this experience as well? Also, I found out a few months ago I have been exposed to one of the "high risk" hpv viruses, but my pap smear came back normal. I will be getting a colposcopy and biopsy done soon, hopefully with some results..This is so frustrating...I am always nervous to go to the bathroom (both 1 and 2) because 60-80% of the time it hurts. Not to mention no normal sex in over 2 years and no cure or even diagnosis in the horizon..:(

keephope558

Feb 26, 2008

To: all

how do you get tested for hpv???

Grace1971

Mar 02, 2008

To: All of you

Hi, I'm 36 yrs old and have started having the same problems mentioned above, though it's nice to know I'm not alone I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I have rawness and the 'cuts' near the base of my labia and around my rectum, wiping is awful and it burns when I pee. My husband and I have had sex only twice in the last two years both times ending with me in tears and bleeding. We've been married 17 yrs. and I've been tested for sexually transmitted diseases while going through other surgical procedures (gall bladder, and diverticula) this is something at first I blamed on pad allergy or aggrivation of my episiotomy scar, but now my 15 yr old daughter has them too. She only has problems before her period and during but I have only 15% of my urethra and so if I'm sneezing (due to allergies) I have to wear pad for leaking urine. I know moisture makes it worse and that wiping just makes me bleed. I found this site today and hope I can find something that helps, reading these all together it seems yeast, estrogen and glycerin were mentioned most. Herpes seemed to fall in the coincidence catergory. I currently have no insurance and can't afford to run to the doctor for 'it may be this or come back in....' so if you find cures please write more. And no I'm not athletic, and neither is my daughter, not massively unhealthy just to busy or lazy to exercise. Thanks to everyone for sharing info and "we can't all be hypochondriacs or crazy!"

vickeleigh

Mar 06, 2008

To: Anyone!

I have had a yeast infection, thought it went away but then all of a sudden it was really bad and I have slits all over my vulva area. I can't sit. I can't hardly walk and I can't seem to find relief! Dr. called in the diflucan. Took it yesterday afternoon and it is still just as bad. Been putting neosporin on it and it helps for a few minutes. But isn't getting any better. Can't go see the doctor cause we have no insurance and business has been very slow. I just don't know what to do. What can I put on this?

keephope558

Mar 06, 2008

To: vickeleigh

hey...i'm sorry you're feeling bad. I used a dab of triple antibiotic to speed up the healing process and tried to air out as much as possible. I also quit using soap which helped a lot. I've also heard from a lot of women with this problem that Vitamin A and D oitment (over the counter) helps too.

BetsyFab

Mar 06, 2008

To: Sorry for the big post, but...

I can completely understand where each and every one of you are coming from... as I suffer from the same affliction as well. It is a very difficult issue to deal with, especially when our doctors' don't have the appropriate amount of time to give to us. We spend our time waiting, and patiently at that. Unless you are a textbook patient, it seems like help is a lifetime away.

All of my life, I have had 'sensitive skin'. All detergents, fabric softeners, soaps, maxi-pads (I can't even use tampons!), shampoos, I use are free of dyes and perfumes. Everything I put on myself has to be screened for anything that might cause rashes. I rarely ever ******, and if I need to it is vinegar and water only. It seems like there's never a day where I don't have some type of issue with rashes and fissures.

I keep a steady supply of flushable feminine wipes (again, free and clear of fragrance/dyes); however I do have one trick that has helped ease some pain from tearing. When I get a brand new pack of wipes, I pour witch hazel into the container and let the wipes absorb it. If you've ever looked at a box of hemorrhoid wipes, the main ingredient is witch hazel. It soothes the skin and is a very mild astringent. It certainly is more economical to buy the store generic and add the witch hazel, than to buy the brand name hemorrhoid wipes and spend five times the amount!

*** The only thing that I can think of that none of you have mentioned is that I was just diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency. I am well below the normal range. As I have poured over MANY pages concerning symptoms of this deficiency, I have noticed a pattern of skin issues. Does anyone by chance, besides having these tears/fissures have cracked skin on the corners of your mouth? Sore tongue? Other symptoms are tiredness, weak, lethargic, nauseous, constipated, memory, digestive problems, and appetite loss. If so, please see and ask your doctor specifically for a B12 test. It's not part of a normal panel screening, so be specific. And if not, get a complete panel done anyways... you might find something that we have in common too!

I will follow up after a month of weekly B12 shots. Peace and Love to All!

BetsyFab

Mar 06, 2008

To: Forgot one thing...

I just had my gall bladder taken out this past weekend. It apparently wasn't pumping correctly. Just FYI.

mia27

Mar 07, 2008

To: All

I am so glad that this forum is here. I am a single 26 year old who is currently not sexually active but have been tested for Herpes Type I and II and it came out negative. I have found small paper cut-like tears on my vagina, only on the labia, for the the past 2 years. It usually starts with severe vaginal dryness a few days before and it might be due to toliet paper because if I use baby wipes I don't have any tears. There is no burning sensation or any pain related to it unless I use toliet paper. My menstal cycle usually follows shortly afterward regardless if has been 28 days from my last cycle. This month my period came 11 days early and about a week after the vaginal dryness flared up. I am not sure what to do anymore.

shiki

Mar 08, 2008

To: all

Well, I had a colposcopy and biopsy done two days ago. That was possibly one of the most painful things I have ever felt. She said she didn't see anything abnormal (hpv warts or other abnormal growths turn white during the colposcopy), except for a number ulcerations.

There is one big ulcer that keeps coming back during sex, and so she took a biopsy from the area of the ulcer, and another biopsy from the bottom of the vaginal opening, because there is a fissure there (also happens during sex). She gave me like 3 shots to numb the area (the shots hurt almost as bad as the colposcopy!!) and then she had to put silver nitrate on the cuts, which mixed with the vinegar from the colposcopy, and the results are not pleasant... I really hope they find something this time, after all that... I did notice though that she took the biopsy a few millimeters from the ulcer. I hope it's ok, she said she needs to take tissue from both the "normal" skin and from the ulcer, but it doesn't look like she took any from the ulcer. Either way I'm not doing that again!
I will let you know if they find anything

pechpxi

Mar 12, 2008

To: all

I need support, I have been having tears in my "hood area" on and off for months and in my dare I say "crack" area. I was tested yesterday for herpes because my regular doctor was at the hospital and the doctor I had to see does not know anything about me except that I am hpv positive. I think my husband has stepped out of our marriage for some extra fun but I am not positive. I every time we have sex, which is rare I get fissures and cracks all around my vaginal opening. Until I found this site every site I found all said herpes for sure. I am terrified that it is. I am beside myself. I have to wait until friday to get the results. Please say a prayer for me that it's not. thanks. Good luck to you all

shiki

Mar 13, 2008

To: all

The biopsy results are back.. It looks like HPV is causing all this. They said this was a big surprise since they never heard of HPV acting like this, causing ulcerations and fissures. They are sending the biopsy to a vulva specialist to confirm this then come up with a treatment.

shiki

Mar 13, 2008

I forgot to mention that they didn't see any signs of HPV during the colposcopy either (no white stains)

jazzyJ1985

Mar 21, 2008

To: All

Physicians are not quite sure what to make of this female problem and so much time is spent chasing the ace. From what I have read and experienced, there does appear to some link with exposure to HPV. There are various degrees of HPV and many women have it, and the virus goes dormant only leaving some abnormal cells in the wake. The best formula I have found to treat this problem is the following: You must use a compound pharmacy to mix the the two Rx ointments together. Valisone 7 parts and Eurax 3 parts. Dispense 4 oz. Apply BID for one month and then as needed. If you use just prior to your period, it seems to stop the fissure in their tracks.

trac777

Mar 29, 2008

To: Please Read

There is an autoimmune disorder called Behcet's Syndrome's. It's initial symptoms closely resemble the herpes virus, causing inflammation, vaginal sores, cuts, boils, fissures, or folliculitis. Other symptoms develop 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, they won't be able to tell you if you have it or not. You can also visit the American Behcet's Disease Association's website message board for further information.

tiredofthis2

Apr 02, 2008

To: all

I am 31 years old and I started having these tears about 6 months ago after a bad case of strep throat. I got an antibiotic shot and was on a large dosage of amoxicillan for 10 days. I thought that the tears around my rectum were from irritation from diarrea (diarrhea) due to the antibiotics, but they keep coming back, I have also had tears around my vagina. I was using KY to try to help with lubrication, but stopped because it seemed to make it worse.I have a raised 1/2 inch scar on my vulva because of the tears,They are not as frequent, but I am still getting them.

trac777

Apr 03, 2008

Behcet's is most commonly triggered to begin with by strep throat. Other triggers are food poisoning, infections, or even nothing that can be determined at all. It is really important that you see your doctor. I waited 15 years to find out there was something other than herpes that cause vaginal sores. I saw countless doctors who told me that it could not be anything else. They assumed I had something new even though I told them it wasn't, or they thought the swab just didn't pick it up. They say that is very common. Please take the herpes virus blood test. It will give you a clear answer whether that's that problem or not. If you do have BD you'll need to rest more often and give yourself a break a lot more. Steriods and things like that are available, but really the most important thing is to learn to avoid stress. Stress can turn a mild flare into a monster. People with BD have a reaction to genital contact, that mean they need to use condoms even with there sponse to control flares. Even if you don't have sex, you'll still have reactions from other things like common illnesses, injuries, and stress. Please visit our free American Behcet's Disease Message Board, there is so much you can learn there.

xXTiffXx

Apr 26, 2008

wow it is a big relief to find this forum but its also scary too. Im 19 years old and have only been having these cuts for about a week. It scares me to find this forum cause ive seen people saying that they've had it for years! i really dont want that to happen. I just saw my GYN a few days ago for abdomen pains and got diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrom (syndrome) which basically means im incillin resistant and my body doesnt know how to digest sugars. I also showed her the minor cuts and she found a yeast infection and perscribed Diflucan. She said thats what caused the cuts and they would clear up within 48 hours. well...after the diflucan they only got worse. now the cuts are all over my vagina and i can barely walk or sit or even pee. It burns so bad when i pee i cry. i really dont want to live with this for years. the cuts have turned more into what feels like welts. ive tried neosporin and a generic brand of it and they only help for a max of 30 minutes. showering helps little too. i wanted to go back to the doctor today but she will be gone until may 5th and i dont have insurance to go to the ER or urgent care

lim running out of solutions and this just in the past week has already drastically altered my life. im in danger of getting expelled from school for not going because of this, i dont even think about sex with my fiance because of the pain and i dont want this to ruin that. please if you have any updated information please post.

PS: maybe the polycystic ovarian syndrom (syndrome) has something to do with it? anyone have this?

trac777

Apr 26, 2008

To: xXTiffXx

I think all the stress you are under is what is making you sick. I don't think yeast caused your cuts. Have you had the herpes blood test and herpes cultures taken? I get the feeling that you have, or your doctor was not concerned this was the problem for you? I'm not sure about how polycystic ovarian syndrome would affect you. With this disorder you are suffering from ovarian cysts? I have suffered with ovarian cysts as well, they are a common symptom for women with Behcet's Syndrome, but are also common for many woman without my illness. I'm not sure if polycysitic ovarian syndrome could give you vaginal lesions, that would definitely be something you should look up. When I started having problems I found researching everything gave me strength and an edge to getting better. You said you are insulin resistant, is this due the ovarian disorder or diabetes? It's going to take sometime to work this out, the first thing is to find out if these cuts are listed anywhere as a symptom for polycysitic ovarian syndrome or not.

xXTiffXx

Apr 27, 2008

To: trac777

yes i did have the herpes culture a while ago and it came up negative and ive only been with one person since then and hes only been with me ever so she didnt do any more tests this time. I actually had my mom look at the cuts (shes a nurse) for some advice to make them heal fast. She said they dont look like cuts anymore but more like rubbing raw. like when you rub your legs raw from walking too much. I did look up my syndrom (syndrome) and cuts or rawness are not any of them. so thats out of the question, but yes the insulin resistant problem is caused by the disorder. so far i dont have diabetes but my doctor said im very high risk of getting it because my mom has it and now the syndrome is adding to the risk. also yes with the syndrome i can develope tiny cysts on my ovaries but i may not. eveyone is different with that symptom.

trac777

Apr 27, 2008

Do you ever get canker sores in your mouth? Have you had strep throat? The text book information available about Behcet's is widely flawed in American literature. The pictures you may have seen are of the very worst cases. Behcet's is characterized by sores similiar in appearance in all ways to the herpes simplex virus. Now if you were to ask doctors what they would be looking for in a herpes infection they would tell you it can cause irritated skin, lesions which are cuts, ulcers which are sores, or folliculitis. All of these things could possiblitiy be caused by a herpes, a Behcet's Syndrome episode, or another disorder called Reiter's Syndrome. Possiblity also by your Ovarian Syndrome. If not, I would be concerned that this is a symptom of something different. Often these illnesses come in pairs and so forth. In America Behcet's Syndrome has very much been misunderstood, basically ignored, and widely untreated. Doctors don't like it because there are no tests to prove if you have it and the outward symptoms are often extremely vague. There is another thing that also could cause the vaginal lesions, it is called Reiter's Syndome, mabye check that out as well. Just to see the symptoms. The thing is you really just have to take it one day at a time and just know you have to take good care of yourself. The most important thing you can do is work on keeping your immune system calm by doing whatever you can to rest and avoid stress.

trac777

Apr 27, 2008

Also, use cortisone cream to help heal the inflammation and cuts.

LoveLaugh

Apr 27, 2008

To: Everyone

Wow! I post on other forums on this site, and just out of the blue thought I'd search and see if anyone else has this problem. I wasn't expecting any results! I'm relieved to know that I'm not the only one (though we've all read that sentence a bajillion times by now).

I, too, feel like my skin around my vagina and anus just doesn't want to stretch, and is thinner and susceptible to small tears and cuts. I have genital HSV-1, so when this problem started several months ago, I thought it might be related. However, after my initial outbreak a year and a half ago, I haven't had any true signs of the HSV-1 again, and slowly I began to feel like these cuts were not related, partially because I was aware that I myself was causing them when I washed, or scratched because of itching. I'm pretty convinced they have nothing at all to do with my HSV-1, but I haven't actually asked my doctor about them yet (1. they are not so severe that I think about them constantly, 2. I live away from home much of the time and don't get to see my doctor regularly..). But here are some basics about me, since we're throwing those out there:

-21
-I have two sugar gliders
-Live in school dormitory
-used to be athletic... not so much anymore
-diet mainly consists of breakfast foods (donuts, cereals, milk, etc.)..
-I have awful nutrition, but I take vitamins and supplements.
-Excessive discharge since puberty, usually clear (wear thin panty-liners all the time)
-I drink lots of water
-Difficulty pooping (straining), and bleeding from anal cuts almost every time I go.
-almost complete absence of a sex drive (I have been attributing this to traumatic past sexual experiences, but now I'm wondering if my hormones aren't just imbalanced?)
-Been on othrotricyclen for seven years... problem has only existed about 6 months.

I wrote down some of the things you ladies say have helped, or to ask about, and I'll let my doctor know and find out what they think!

xXTiffXx

Apr 28, 2008

no trac i havent ever had strep and only a canker sore once. ill look up those things you mentioned to see if the symptoms are similar. well im a little bit better today. ive been taking many showers a day to keep the cuts clean (no soap!) im calling my doctors office today to see if theres an on call doctor while shes away. i did get a chance to look at myself with a mirror and it really does look bad =( the outside is all red and puffy and sore and on the inside its all grey and my skin is peeling off from being so damp all the time. I try to keep it as dry as possible but its hard when its so swollen. hopefully theres a doctor in and they can tell me whats wrong. well ill keep you all updated and tell you anything that i get perscribed thanks to everyone for the support

and LoveLaugh see your doctor maybe it is just you scratching and accidentally cutting yourself. but definently go soon before it gets worse.

SwanSong

Apr 28, 2008

I have Lichen Sclerosus or Sclerosis (LA), depends on where you live, and that is the name for the fissures and tears in the skin of the vulvar, labia, clitoral area, and anal area. It's also called Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus (LSA), Balantis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO), Csillag's disease, or White Spot Disease.

Symptoms may include:
- chronic itching/soreness of the vulval area
- splitting of the vulval skin, causing stinging and pain
- inflammation and sometimes swelling
- splitting/bleeding of the skin around the anal opening when passing bowel movements, causing pain and discomfort
- the skin becomes fragile and pale and white in appearance
- shrinking (atrophy) of the vulva area, change in shape and size of area, sometimes causing urination difficulties and sexual problems
- loss of vulval features, labia, clitoris
- difficulties and discomfort with sexual intercourse possibly leading to total sexual abstinence and enforced celibacy for long periods of time
- narrowing of the vaginal opening
- fusion of the labia, clitoral hood and urethra
- blisters and ulceration
- LS does *not* extend into the vagina

This disease is often misdiagnosed as a bacteria infection, yeast infection, and herpes. It can be positively identified by a skin biopsy.

It's best treated with the Clob (Clobetasol) as it affectionately called, which is a super-high potency topical corticosteroid. This cream (best if you use the cream) is combined with Estradiol or Testerone ointment, all three in small amounts.

Many people, yes men can get this too, who have this also have thyroid disease, usually hypothyroidism. I do and when my hypothyroidism is under control, my Lichen Sclerosis is under control with very little medication.

smaggie03

May 07, 2008

Hello. Just came across this webstie and am relieved and more frustrated at the same time. About 20 years I was "told" by a MD that I had herpes being so young I was in shock, scared and depressed. I have had yeast infections and vaginal infections all my life. For 20 years I have thought I had herpes and when I met my husband .l told him about it. I was going through one of my epsiodes. Always had safe sex. I went to a clinic and they tested me for herpes, a culture and blood test. They both came back negative! I have been getting the tears, itching,painful sex for many years. I am still confused I want to believe I never had herpes because of the negative test results but at the same time I was told I had herpes and never inquired of how the MD came to this conclusion. I am just now trying to believe that I was misdiagnosed 20 years ago because it is very depressing. Now I am still a bit depressed because before I thought I had a diagnosis for my symptoms. I feel now I am starting at square one!

trac777

May 20, 2008

Diet and vitamins are helpful for everyone, particularly people with health problems, but it will not solve any of your problems. You will be reading things like the above promise for a cure from people trying to sell their products a lot. You do want to have a good mult-vitamin, but be careful of investing a lot of money in none prescription medications hoping they can solve your problem. The bottom line with this is you need prescription medication to get this under control. The idea is to control it, or it will get worse and control you. I am taking Colchicrine, minocycline, and prednisolone. Possibly one prednisolone does pack or medrol shot per month with be enough to start or just the Colchicrine, that can be also be helpful. Minocycline is actually an antibotic (antibiotic), but it also has the same ingredient that is in Humera, but in a smaller dose. It can be used as part of an on going treat plan. It is a good thing to start with else and move up to stronger medications only if you need them. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask. I check back regularly.

xXTiffXx

May 23, 2008

sry for such a long time no post. But i went to another doctor and she said it looked like herpes! I broke down and just got so depressed at that moment but the only thing was she said it looked like herpes 1 which is the kind you get in your mouth. Everyone has that, i just happen to have it below the waist. So if your doctor says its herpes dont be so alarmed til you figure out what kind it is. Herpes 1 is NOT genital herpes, but can be treated with valtrax and acyclomere (SP?) it really helped me a lot and all the cuts went away within a week. if anyone has questions or anything you can email me at ***@**** :) gl everyone

xXTiffXx

May 23, 2008

PrincessOfDarkness1169 at hotmail dot come lol it wouldnt post it

shewhograzes

Jun 02, 2008

To: all of you

Well, I had a rash, intense itching, vaginal and anal tears. Took fluconozole 150. mg for three days. Bye bye rash and tears. I think it was fungal. Hit me after a round of antibiotics for a UTI. I also drank probiotics and took acidophilus capsules and used an herbal antifungal cream that I bought otc. Good luck

kate312

Jul 09, 2008

Hey everyone!
I found something that has worked PERMANENTLY for me, maybe it will be able to help some of you!

I've been having this same problem for a while... small cuts on my vagina that seem to heal sometimes but always end up coming back. They hurt a lot and I had been living with them for almost four years. I worried it was herpes, rough sex, etc.... all that stuff, but its not! or at least for me it wasn't...

My doctor said that I had a yeast infection that had spread to the skin. I had no symptoms of a yeast infection whatsoever, so I was surprised to hear this. She prescribed "Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate" cream. It is some kind of anti-fungal cream with a small amount of steroids in it. You are supposed to use it twice a day for two weeks. After the fourth or fifth day, my symptoms were COMPLETELY gone, and they have not come back at all for 6 months! This is a HUGE relief, as I'm sure all of you can understand, because this has been bothering me for quite some time now. So if your doctors and gynecologists haven't suggested it yet, write down the name of that cream and run it by them, it worked for me and I couldn't be more pleased! Best of all, you don't have to use it long term, you only have to use it for two weeks!

Good luck to all of you
Hope this helps!

Tired_OF_Hurting

Jul 21, 2008

To: All

So, I have also been dealing with this same problem for at least 4 years now. It is SO frustrating!! I have seen several doctors and the first few just looked at me and said "I don't know what that is, I've never seen anything like that in my entire life, I couldn't tell ya!" Then, because I was in a relationship with someone that had herpes, I got tested for that and it was negative. I've had docs tell me it was a yeast infection (which I got frequently from age 15 to age 21 when I got pregnant, which seemed to cure that issue!) but when they test for yeast it's always negative. I did a little research and self diagnosed myself with vestibulitis as it fit all my symptoms (I also sometimes get a throbbing aching pain on the left side of my vagina when I am getting aroused, which is the same side the cuts frequent) my PCP said she thought it was more likely Lichens Sclerosis, but the symptoms don't fit as well. I got a GYN referral and she gave me Estrogen cream which worked GREAT the first week and now it seems like it's worse than before!! I went back in today and all she said was she thought I had an inflamed hair follicle!! I don't think that would last 4 years!!

So after reading more here, i called her and told her I want to try the Clotrimazole & Betamethasone Dipropionate cream as several of you have said it worked for you. She gave me a different prescription for a stronger steroid cream than what I have, but it doesn't have the anti fungal in it like kate 312 mentioned, but we'll see how it goes. I am so frustrated with this! I don't even get a break anymore, when I feel like they'll be gone the next day, there's new ones when I wake up! I can't have sex, I'm getting ready to get married and am worried as to how this will affect my relationship although he has been VERY supportive and understanding so far.

Something needs to be done for all of us women suffering from this! It's like an epidemic and no doctors seem to know what it is!

Does anyone else have cuts that are localized to a specific spot? I get them on both sides of the opening of my vagina, but they are far more common on the left side for some reason.

History:

23 years old
Have one child, born vaginally, no severe tears during childbirth (18 months ago)
comes regardless of sex, even without it.
Have a Mirena IUD for 16.5 months now, was on Ortho Evra for 2 years before getting pregnant 3/06

Doc thinks it's due to low estrogen levels due to pregnancy and breastfeeding (stopped at 15 months, still lactating) but it started well before I got pregnant and didn't seem to be a prevalent during pregnancy..... Hmmmm Getting blood work done, we'll see.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and I just hope to find something to cure this as it's been far too long! Good luck to you all as well!

solisflos

Aug 01, 2008

To: All

26 yr school teacher, lesbian
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

I started getting cuts about 2 years ago.
I went to the Dr. and was treated for a yeast infections. the symptoms stopped for a bit but every time I had sex it would return; in varying degrees. I broke up with my g/f about 4 months ago and had no cuts. I started seeing someone recently and the cuts came back immediately. I don't think is is herpes. I have all 3 rounds of the HPV shot so I'm semi-ruling that out. This is really annoying and no ointment seems to work. I have recently been tested for celiac but it came back negative. I don't know what to do.

LolaChan

Aug 02, 2008

To: All

I have had similar symptoms of the cuts on my vagina and on the small area of skin that seperates the vagina from the anus but no other major symptoms other than the cuts and some minor itching.

Not knowing what to do and disliking the pain of the cuts, I went to my local physician here in Japan and he said after an examination of my vagina that I had Vaginal Thrush. He explained to me that a lot physicans over look the possibility of it being something as simple as vaginal thrush and jump to much more complicated conclusions such as STI or body diseases/immune disfunctions. So I feel pretty lucky that he wasn't one of those doctors who made me take a bunch of expensive test that would give me no answers or relief.

I'm happy to report that Vaginal Thrush is easily cured with a cream or a pill, you can choose which treatment you want. I opted for the cream because its cheaper and you can apply it to the affected area directly and get immediate relief from the pain and itching.

It is the longer treatment of the two options-about 7 days, BUT after 2 days the cuts clear up and everything goes away. The other 5 days are to make sure that the thrush is gone and the balance in your vagina is restored.

I hope this helps out.

solisflos

Aug 21, 2008

To: All

ok I tried an odd combination of Preparation H cooling gel and neosporen. The cooling gel stopped the inflammation and the neosporen helped heal the cuts. I cleaned the area and then applied before bed then washed it off in the morning. The inflammation was gone and the cuts only took 1 more day to heal. I have tried this combo twice with success. I hope it helps someone else.

bell32

Aug 26, 2008

i have been ichy and have had the redness and cuts omg it hurts alot at first i thought i was alergic (allergic) to condoms so for the first time ever i went and got the meraina birth control and its still happening to me sex hurts like hell and my doctor didnt find yeast infections so what is this and why does it come and go i have been married for 15 years so it cant be an std besides i have been tested and all is well i do find that i wipe alot and i have had this happen in the anal area from time to time i use gain to wash my clothes no fabric softer exept for the dryer sheets wich i use from time to time this seems to get worse or come back when we have sex i need help i see here im not alone so why dont we have the answers we need if any one's doctor has an answer please share it with all of us thanks

bell32

Aug 28, 2008

To: to all who suffer with this pain

well i have found some thing that works great for this problem i used desetin creamy the one you buy for baby's. its great for the sores and the redness it helps the pain stop and in about 24 hours maybe less its all cleared up !!! im going to keep that on hand. hope this helps all of you as well please give it a try i dont think you will be sorry !!!!!!!!

shiki

Sep 23, 2008

To: everyone

Just an update, I used Aldera cream for three months to try and clear out the HPV, and what a surprise, it didn't help one bit. Actually, it made things worse. I am going to see another gynecologist tomorrow to see if he has anything helpful to suggest.

helpmeee23

Oct 13, 2008

To: RESPOND PLEASE!

I get these same fissures. I get them just before my period, sometimes after. I also think its somehow related to yeast. They didn't start comming untill my husband and I got pregnant, i was 21, im 23 now. I had taken the morning after pill after an accident and gotten pregnant anyway 3 months in we found out it was a molar pregnancy with triplet undeveloped embroys -not a viable pregnancy but hormone tissue keeps tripling- I miscarried, but this started on the third month of pregnancy and has continued.... and every since every period side from a break maybe one month here and there for the last two years has resulted in fissures. I haven't had any on my anus, side from maybe twice.Ive been tested for herpes and all major stds all coming up negative... still no results.. help me please

blueski

Nov 08, 2008

To: all

I too have had sever itching and cuts in the folds of my vulva on and off for 5 months. It started right after I started birth control (seasonal).

I got hsv1 in 1999 and the past 9 yrs and 3 kids I have never had another symtom. So naturelly I assumed my long lost friend has returned to haunt me. I have been on Valtrex for the past 4 mo, taking high doses of L-lysine and nothing seems to help, the cuts are coming and going every week. as soon as one heals it moves elsewhere then back to the original spot.

I went to the obgyn (after 5 mo) and she did a swab and it was "negitive" for hsv so her next guess was lichen and wants me to try steriod cream to see if that clears it up. When the obgyn saw the cuts she said she has seen a lot of hsv-1 genitally and this did not look like that. She also said there is a lot of people walking around with hsv-1 and dont even know it. The breakouts are so mild and few and far between so thats why its spreading so fast.

I have never had a blood test done for hsv nor do I have in my records of ever having it, in 99' it was visually diginosed.
From what I know hsv can come in the form of cuts and have a swab come back negitive. I also think a lot of diffrent things can cause the same symtom........cuts in the vulva. I have read many of auto immune dieases on this site.
This must be our body tellling us somthing is off.

I am sure next week she will want to do a full blood panel to see if I got more auto immune things going on.

Its freaking me out. I am afraid they will say I am going to die of liver cancer (or something horrible) and leave my children motherless like I was at a young age :(
But if I dont do it, I will go insane with no sex, you can only play with yourself so much. lol

1eleven

Dec 07, 2008

ok so ive been thinking and reading about this alot lately.  here are my symptoms:

-21 years old
-have been on the pill for 5 years
-chronic yeast infections
-vaginal itching and tears
-vaginal rash mostly around the perineal areas (the rash is ALWAYS present when there is yeast/discharge)
-have had HPV, in a similar location to the vaginal rash.. i cant figure out if it is related but i still get the rash and havent had any symptoms of HPV for over a year
-chronic yeast problems started in my teens as well as the intense vulvar itching, and at that point it could NOT have been STD related
-i also took note that the first time i shaved the perineal area was the first time i experience an itch so bad.  i dont know if it has anything to do with this, but if it was why has the problem persisted for over 2 years??? it doesnt add up.

i'd have to say my biggest fear and paranoia is herpes.  the only thing is, every time i go to the doctor the rash clears up before she can examine it/swab.  heres the other thing, the ONLY thing that works relieve my symptoms (itching, rash, tears) is:
GENCLOBETASOL seroid cream.
this stuff works amazingly.  if i apply it even once i get relief for over a week and, if the yeast infection has cleared up by then, i feel like i am back to normal.  lately, ive been applying it once a week even though i dont have any symptoms just because i'm paranoid!!!
now ive read several times that a steriod cream would only make the situation worse if it was herpes.
im really on to thinking that i need to control the yeast infections in order to get back to normal.  i notice that i never have ANY of these symptoms when i am on my period (this usually takes care of the yeast too).  usually i get some relief a few days after it too. i also think it has something to do with hormones and being on the pill,.
heres what ive decided to do:

-went off the pill this month. my doctor said it should help with the yeast infections in the coming months. hopefully balance the hormones... crossing my fingers
-doc also perscribed me a whole bunch of diflucan perscriptions to take as soon as i suspect a yeast infection.  its been exactly a week off my period and the yeast looks like its coming back ever so slightly so i popped one this morning. :(
-i am also taking 2 acidophillus pills every morning + a herbal pill i found at the natural foods store called Candida (it has grapeseed extract, garlic, and some other good stuff for fightin yeast) + multivitamin and im trying to eat yogurt once a day
-i know we should avoid sugars/yeast filled food, this may help.

my doctor mentioned that she thinks it might be lichen sclerosus.  the more i read about it, its sounds like a fairly good match.  all i know is the genclobetasol cream is like a miracle cure so i suggest you try getting a prescription for it.  you dont need a lot a 50mg tube should last you quite a long time...
i would hate to have to use this cream forever though as there are side effects and it does not provide a cure.

finallly someone above made a good point: how many people have partners with the same symptoms?
i would have to say my partner has none of these symptoms...

im still paranoid i hope we can find a solution... thoughts, anyone?

good luck to all

chelle000

Dec 07, 2008

I have just joined, so be gentle!!!
I Have been having symptoms for 2 years now. My doctor has done multiple pap smear tests all negative my symptoms are

Tears on genitals
weeping
crusting
intense itching
worse at period and after sex

I recently went to a sexual health clinic, and finally got somewhere!!!
Doctor thought it may of been psoriasis, ezcema (eczema), or dermatis.
He put me on diprobase for a month, but i had no improvement. Tested for herpes...negative.
Last thursday i had a biopsy done, he suspects lichen simplex.
I should have the result later in the week, so i will keep you posted, has anyone been diagnosed with this, what is your treatment, has it helped??

PharmD2013

Dec 12, 2008

To: Everyone

I am SO glad I finally found this forum. I have been searching online for information about this problem to no avail. I have had this problem for about 7 months now and it is really annoying, I don't want it to turn into 7 years.

I am 21 and had sex for the first time in February, at that time I wasn't on BC. I can't remember if the tears appeared then I just remember it hurt since it was my first time. My bf and I live in different states so the next time I had sex was in May and I had started BC in March (Microgestin Fe 1/20) and that is the first time I vividly remember the tears. They hurt pretty bad, but eventually after a few days they went away and we were able to have sex normally. Now I'm noticing I'm getting them just randomly, from no activity. I switched BC this month to OTC-Lo because I thought that might have been the problem (I hadn't discovered this forum yet), but it hasn't made any difference.

I feel like all the elasticity is gone down there. It's very odd. I get them mostly right on the sides between the labia major and minor, but also have had them around the anus.
This is very annoying, I hope we can all find a cure soon.

The clobetasol-betamethasone intrigues me. I don't have insurance now so I haven't been to the OB-GYN but I feel like I would almost pay whatever amount it was to get rid of this.

Monica72

Dec 12, 2008

Hi all; I posted a long time ago. I suffered with painful sex & severe burning after sex. This started when I was 21. I went to Dr. upon Dr. and finally one said that I had a torn cervix from the birth of my daughter and it was leaky. He said that my bottom was like having a runny nose, the tissue gets irritated and inflamed. I was prescribed so many different kinds of creams, it was crazy, nothing helped. After my 3rd baby at the age of 30, I saw a few more different Drs. I kept telling all of the Drs that it felt like I had a yeast infection every day of my life. They would prescribe stuff, I would take it feel better for a few weeks and then get the symptoms back. I finally saw another gynocologist and he said, yes it was the torn cervix and that we should do cryrotherapy (freezing of the cervix to slough off the cells and fix the problem) we did that, not comfortable, watery discharge for a month and it didn't help. I went back and he gave me cream and said we should try the cryrotherapy again. I said, "I am not having anymore babies, I have had a tubal, just take the darn cervix out, I was 33 by this time. He was reluctant, but I said, if you can tell me that this is the problem and are confident in it, I don't want my cervix anymore. It is ruining my life. I can't run, ride horse, have sex anything. I was in tears. He agreed to the surgery. I had an abdominal hysterectomy 3 years ago coming up in 2 days. I STILL have all the symptoms. I have changed laundry detergent, only wear white 100% cotton underwear, try cutting out sugar, only use hypoallergenic body wash from healthstore. I saw my dr again a year ago and he said he figured I had low estregen. I also am very dry, don't have a discharge, I went on estrogen replacement. It didn't work. I was also telling him it felt like I had a yeast infection every day of my life. He finally tested me and yes I had a yeast infection. He prescribed 3 doses of Apo-Fluconazole (you should only need a 1 time dose) and 6 day treatment of canasten cream. I felt great....for about 3 weeks and then got it back. I treated again with canasten and I was great...for about 3 weeks after. I went in and told him that I think it is a reocurrent yeast infection and what should I do about it. He just looked at me, never did give me an actual answer. Just said to watch what kind of soap I am using and don't wear tight pants. I don't know if you can get a yeast infection due to hormone change, seems like it comes about the same time I get cranky (I had a hysterectomy, so no period to say if it is that time of the month) and thinking it is pms. I asked him if I am supposed to treat myself for yeast infection every month? And he didn't give me an answer. I am stumped. I have been treating myself every month and am frustrated and hate using that much medication. I am at a loss. I am 36 and have been having these symptoms for 15 years now. My whole youth sex life was wasted. I know life isn't just about sex. In am married to a very caring, understanding man and we do have so much more. We are best friends and enjoy so much together outside of the bedroom....but he is hot and do want to have sex with him while we still want to. I feel like we are being robbed and I just don't know what to do about it. I have the tears/fissures on my labia and anal areas, itchy, burning. I also have very sensitive skin. I just can't believe there are so many of us out there and no one can figure it out!!! Best of Luck to all of you!

jane_v

Dec 15, 2008

To: ALL

It is great to hear I'm not alone and to hear such similar symptoms as me, especially xox77.
This whole thing has been a NIGHTMARE. I have searched online so many times for help because no doctor has agreed on anything and they don't seem to help me at all. About 5 years ago I started having mild itching burning in vaginal and anal region. Slowly it got worse and turned into REALLY painful slits in my skin - like "papercuts" as many describe that feel like glass. The vaginal cuts/tears come and go but the anal ones never really go away.
It has given me major anxiety and I have tried to figure out what's going on or pinpoint certain things in my diet. I had one doctor tell me he thought it was herpes and he wasn't sure and there was not much he could do. I brought that diagnosis to another doctor who got angry the first doctor told me this and told me that was ridiculous and there were many other things this could be. One clue, that I wonder if all of you had any experience with - I also have severe itching/pain/cracking behind my ears which I have been told is fungal and I can't help but think the skin issues are related. I also can't wear earrings any longer. When I used this prescribed anti-fungal cream..it it soothed and goes away but unless I use it every single day it comes right back.
I would like to know once and for all what exactly this all is and I'm sure you do too. It causes pain and worry and anxiety and takes away the ability to really feel comfortable in our own body. Plus it is very hard to talk about because it just feels really personal!
This is the only thing I can come up:
When I was a child I was sick frequently and put on a massive amount of ANTIBIOTICS. Beginning in 4th grade I started having very severe stomach aches until my senior year of highschool. From doing a lot of reading - I believe the antibiotics screwed up my digestive tract. I was also anemic off and on and have severe food and environmental allergies. I wonder if these cuts/tears and the other skin areas affected are actually CANDIDA OVERGROWTH - and you are actually seeing internal problems come out on your skin. Throwing a cream on it will not work. I believe it would take a drastic change in diet cutting out all processed sugars and other things. If I didn't have this similar problem with my ears I don't think I would have made this connection. But here are all my symptoms:
Reocurring problems with my ears/skin behind and inside ears
Ringing in my ears
Hair loss
brittle nails
Fatigue
ADHD
and of course the anal/vaginal tears...
It just seems like something is very off. I haven't heard many people talk about other mental/health issues going on so I'm interested to hear to find out if there is any correlation between all these things.
I too have though, and been told I have celiac..it's a wheat allergy etc..but I am starting to think this goes back to when I was a child and something is just very off with my system. I have been considering going on a 100% raw diet and seeing how I do with all these symptoms.
.
I think it is irrational to have other issues going on with our body and not relate this to them. I think we are so spooked by statistics about STDs - if we have any issues in that region we are quick to assume and so are doctors. Candida overgrowth presents itself as chronic yeast infections, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and many other skin problems.
One other thing that is most likely a valuable piece of information - at the time this all beginning - I was coughing for three months and actually ended up in the ER. I found out I was having an allergic reaction to MOLD in the apartment I was living in and had to move. Anyone who has candida overgrowth in their body would also have a reaction to mold..wouldn't they?
It's like trying to piece together a big puzzle...but not one day goes by this doesn't cause pain, discomfort or some sort of paranoia/worry!
I am in a monogamous relationship and he has none of the same symptoms.
What helps me (temporarily):
The doctor who identified the ear cracking as a fungal problem gave me Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream..which I love. It is very soothing for both the ears and other problem areas. BUT unless I use it every single day the problem comes right back. I just realized recently this is the exact same cream prescribed for vaginal yeast infections.
I use a combination of water, Jojoba and Cinnamon Essential Oil because I read numerous places it is a strong, natural antifungal. It BURNS and if you do this be very careful to dilute it but afterwards I feel tremendous relief for almost a full day (which as many of you know..is a long time to go without this bothering you)

But again...this is just treating the symptom not the root of the problem. And I would sure love to find the root and DESTROY it!!!

googlymoo

Dec 22, 2008

To: Jane_v

Today I read every single comment and you and I are very simular.  I am convinced that this problem we're having is genetic.  And maybe we just have to live with it to the best of our ability.

I will gladly continue to do the best that I can, the Dr.s are practically useless.  The skin sensitivities and the IBS and the stress and now the tearing in the private area is depressing, but we still have to get on with our lives.

I am 47 and its always been something going on, I've been told its sensitivity to sugar, coffee, wheat, soap, roseacea, multiple sex partners over the years, mold, dust, tight jeans, dog and cat dander, dirty public areas, tolit paper, lotions, milk, milk products, yeast infections in the past, antibiotics, hormones, teeth, because my partner has kidney stones, allergic to partners sperm, bathing to much, not bathing but taking to many showers, the way you wipe yourself, and the toothbrush being old.....On and on....its insane.

If its genetic which I've heard it to be then maybe this is just the way it is.  Thank god I have a loving partner who understands my health issues and is not putting additional stress on the situation.  Some days are better than others...I don't know whats worse the roseacea or the vaginal tearing.  God help us all.

LollyLLL

Jan 29, 2009

To: ALL

I'm currently in a long term relationship, but the past week or so have been experiencing Itchyness, swelling, redness .. i also have a tear from the opening of my vagina to my anus. My clitoris is also very sore. Especially when passing urine. I feel a burning/stinging sensation and believe its not a urine infection. I really don't wish to see a doctor or Gynecologist. Can anyone help?

Anouk

Feb 01, 2009

To: all

update: i found a solution that worked for me.

i posted last year with symptoms of vaginal/anal fissures/tears, extreme or unusual yeast infection symptoms etc. and was at my wits end. after research and trial and error, i found that my body for whatever reasons, really deals badly with sugar. i cut it out entirely for a while, took a probiotic which I won't name because this isn't an ad plus probably several types will help, and cut down on simple carbs. it took a while (a few months) but I am now totally fine. totally. now that i am healthy again, healthier than i've been in years as i think i had been suffering from mild and almost permanent yeast infections for years and never understood fully what was going on i am able to eat sugar once and a while and carbs in moderation and if i feel the symptoms coming on, i get strict for a few days. it is actually okay. i eat better than before which i helps with more than just yeast infections. my moods have been better, skin nicer but life is still life. it is not a miracle, but sugar is EVERYWHERE and hence, in my opinion, is causing these new systemic problems from yeast infections to many, many more things that doctors are not up to speed with yet hence no help whatsoever from the many gynacologists i saw. anyways, i don't check this site anymore since i feel great, but thought i had a responsibility to update everyone on some possible solutions to try. also, i have been using a 'moon cup' in place of tampons which also helps, saves tons of money each month, cuts down on waste and doesn't dry out the vagina like tampons do which really exacerbates yeast infections. sex is no longer painful. (a mooncup is a silacone or latex cup you insert to catch your flow - it takes a while to get used to but now i love it). good luck to everyone.

badlysketched

Feb 12, 2009

To: all

I have had similar problems for the last 6 years and I have just recently found something that works for me.

I'm 24 and it all started when I was 18 and became sexually active. I started on a medium dose pill which left me with horrific mood swings. I was near to having a complete nervous breakdown after the first month and the doctor took me off and put me on a low dose pill. The same month as I started the pill I had thrush (diagnosed with a swab) 4 days before my period... and have ever since (repeatably swabbed and treated with all sorts of over the counter and prescription only medications). I have tried low dose pills, the mini pill, a diaphragm (for 1 year), the progesterin implant, the progesterin injection, the nuvaro ring... everything except an IUD (because I haven't yet had children and I don't wants to risk infertility). I have had thrush 4 days before my period every months for all this time including when I went off the pill for a year and used a diaphragm.

Furthermore, 3 years ago I began to suffer from vaginal skin tears during penetration as well (has always been the same partner). It started out of the blue, just once in a while and progressed to us choosing not to have sex due to pain and bleeding everytime.

I saw a gynocologist who said thats the thrush was just part of my normal hormone cycles and could do nothing about, he did however prescribe me an estrogen cream to apply to the area that tears onces a day and it has dramatically increased the flexibility so that I no longer tear (however when I stop using the cream I begin to tear again after 2 weeks).

My local pharmacy has a student naturopath working in the vitamin suppliments section, who recommended that I try milk thistle tablets (3 times a day as per bottles instructions for the first month and then just once a day from then on). She explained that synthetic hormones, particularly estrogens can build up and remain in the liver and the milk thistle improves the livers function and therefore its ability to flush out the extra hormones (which don't break down as easily as the bodies natural hormones). She said that this build up could have cause the continuation of thrush even though I wasn't taking the pill. I was skeptical but I'd tried everything else so why not. After 4 months of taking milk thistle tablets (without changing diet, still taking the pill, etc) I no longer get thrush 4 days before my period. I haven't even had a tingle to indicate thrush.

I guess everyone will find their own solution but just keep looking! it took me and my doctors 6 years to work out that a tablet and cream that I can buy very cheaply will make my life so much better. If you have problems with RECURRENT THRUSH and are on/have been on the pill try MILK THISTLE TABLETS. If you are having RECURRENT VAGINAL SKIN TEARS try topically applying a small amount of ESTROGEN CREAM (such as ovestin - usually prescribed for vaginal dryness in post menopausal women). I hope that helps someone out there...

mb1013

Feb 20, 2009

To: My Newfound Sisterhood!!!

Dear Ladies!!! THANK GOD I HAVE FOUND YOU!!! I've only read through to "October 14, 2007" and had to race here to post my sense of relief in hearing our common cry!!!

YES to nearly everything that you've all said: the raging symptoms and how they dramatically affect our relationships with our partners; the endless list of suggestions or solutions from doctors et. al. that provide no relief; the endless personal attempts to find solutions - from homeopathic, natural approaches all the way to unfavorable use of steroid creams - that randomly provide relief but no wise long term solution; the sense of hopelessness for the issue but the sense of hopefulness in being in communion with one another in this experience!!!

I need to go back and read the rest of the posts, but I just had to express my gratitude for having found all of you and wanting to join in your choir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tk80

Mar 06, 2009

To: All

I'm adding my input to this forum because it was the single MOST helpful resource I could find on the Internet about vaginal tearing.

I am 28 years old, healthy, and started having vaginal tearing problems 6 months ago for seemingly no reason. It would happen to me as I wiped after urinating or as I washed in the shower, as well as during one or two intimate moments. In all cases, the skin was being very gently touched and it suddenly just tore open. The tears have ranged between 1 cm and 1 inch in length. The most recent time, I have dealt with the pain for over a month, as it has been stubborn to heal, especially since I started going back to the gym. The extra rubbing and sweating that a gym workout creates has made it harder for me to heal. I went to my gynecologist twice. Both times, I tested negative for yeast and bacteria, but the inflammation was so bad that the doctor had me take a course of anti-fungal meds (thinking it could be a yeast infection). The second time, the doctor was actually able to observe the tear itself and realized this was not yeast or bacteria related (swab test confirmed this).

She gave me a prescription for Nystatin/Triamcinolone topical creme (common brand names: Mycogen II, Mycolog II, Myconel). Nystatin is an anti-fungal drug (just in case there was yeast in the tear she couldn't detect) and triamcinolone is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid to reduce swelling and redness. THIS CREME IS HELPING ME HEAL. Within 24 hours of using the creme, the pain went away... I can urinate now without it burning and aching. I apply it twice a day and will do so for a total of 7 days.

Other advice from my doctor - wash yourself very gently there when in the shower (soft, mist spray or indirect stream of water) with a minimal amount of sensitive skin soap like Dove Sensitive Body Wash. I was using Tom's of Maine Unscented, but she said sometimes the "all-natural" soaps can be harsher on the skin. Do not use any perfumed or scented products on your body (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toilet paper, toilet cleansing wipes, feminine products, lubricants, etc.) Do not wear tight undergarments or clothing - try to wear cotton and looser clothing that breathes. If you can avoid wearing undergarments at night, try to do so to let yourself "breathe." I have tried this in conjunction with the creme for several days with healing effects. However, I have never used any scented or perfumed products, so my doctor remains baffled at how I got the tear, which she think might be related to some kind of allergy or contact dermatitis. I am not totally convinced, but I am striving to be as gentle as I can with my skin there and the products I apply. Other advice is to shower as soon as possible after gym workouts or intense physical activity to reduce your skin's exposure to sweat there. Dry yourself extremely well after showering.

If you are experiencing vaginal/labial tearing that is baffling you and your doctors, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. It is embarrassing and painful, I know - and those around you probably can't understand your frustration and pain. I hope sharing my experience can shed some light on yours.

1eleven

Mar 24, 2009

honestly, i had all of these problems and i went off the pill and they all went away, including the yeast infections, itching, rash, etc. it was like the biggest sigh of relief because i was so confused and frustrated for so long. i think it has something to do with the estrogen. its been 3 months of normalness. 2 weeks ago my doctor put me on a progestin-only pill which i am crossing my fingers will not cause the same problems. so far so good.

good luck...

PharmD2013

Mar 25, 2009

To: 1eleven

That's funny you just posted that. This week I was supposed to start a new packet of my birth control and I decided not to take it. I want to see what happens. You words give me hope! I really hope it helps. I will use condoms if it cures me of this stupid problem!
And ya for you, I hope the mini pill doesn't cause you any problems.