Vaginal and anal tearing/fissures

[arrowsmom]

For the last 6 months I have been getting tearing (look like paper cuts) in my vaginal area (1/4 to 1/2 inch long). I get the tears at least once or twice a week and they last from 2-4 days, go away for a few days and then come back. They continue to occur in the same locations;
1. Inside the vaginal lips on the sides almost always in the crease (between the labia minora and majora?)
2. Between the anus and vaginal opening (perineum)
3. Above the clitoris in the "hood" area.

This tearing is not related to intercourse since my husband and I are unable to do that due to the pain it causes me.  There is no real pain otherwise. I am getting some minor bleeding when I poop due to the tears in the anal area. The entire vaginal area is very itchy and if I scratch or rub the skin at all I often give myself one of these tears.  It seems as if the skin is very thin. There are no other symptoms that I am aware of.

I have had blood work and a biopsy done. Some of the things that I was tested for were; genital herpes, lichen sclerosus, lichen simplex chronicus, lichen planus, vulvar vestibulitis.  All results came back negative. The biopsy tested positive for "healing ulcers". My doctor does not seem to know what the problem is and is contacting a specialist in Lebanon, NH.

My Dr. prescribed an estrogen cream which did not seem to work. I have not been on any other medication for this. I am looking for some guidance as to what this condition may be and how to treat it. My husband & I want to get pregnant soon but I would like to resolve this issue first. Please help.

[tirepetter]

I have been suffering about 12 yrs now from recurring perineal and anal fissures. The perineal fissures happen just about every time I have intercourse and the anal fissures happen about once or twice a month. It could be due to previous yeast infections or genital herpes outbreaks or PCOS hormone imbalances or the fact that I'm no spring chicken anymore. It could also be that it's happened so much that I have scar tissue build up which makes the tissue less pliable. All I know is I've tried lots of lubricant and researched lots of possible issues. My skin seems thin and it seems like when I spread my legs apart the skin only stretches a certain extent and stops. Combine these and it leads me to believe whatever caused that is what causes the tears. Perhaps I was born with it? Or again perhaps it's a hormone imbalance. The only resolve I've found it cleaning immediately after intercourse with hydrogen peroxide since alcohol makes me scream with pain and then my hubby seals the fissures with Nexcare crack care liquid as it's the only brand I found that worked best without causing pain as well. By cleaning and sealing right away it keeps irritants out and heels faster. Occasionally I have to recheck for reopenings. Until I find a true diagnosis or cure I hope this helps other sufferers. For those who are young (in their teens) I'd recommend a trip to see your Dr or Gynocologist just to be sure what if they can find out it is. I know when I was young I didn't know as much about my body as I do now.

[Toottq]

Hello
I had several anal vaginal fistulas caused by Crohn's disease. I had them repaired by a colorectal surgeon 12 years ago. If the doctor knows what they're doing its very simple problem to repair. She went up inside my rectum and found where the fistula originated and put a "patch" on it and it healed over in a few weeks.  It is done under general anesthesia.  Make sure the doctor is board certified colorectal surgeon. In Los Angeles, the surgeon was Beth Moore, md at cedar Sinai hospital. Good luck!

[tashtash2]

apparently I've had an vaginal+anal fissure for 24 years
I have suspected it for many yrs. but due to no insurance and poor health care nobody noticed or cared.
I recently fired $150 and went to a gynecologist.
I was told right away there was a fissure that went straight from my vagina to my anus.
Freaking out
okay kinda gross but here goes
I got poop coming out of my vagina when I cough teal hard, of I throw up and yes when I poop. I have been using a douche to flush out my vagina using just water to prevent any infections. So far have have never had one but  still concerned of possible health risks. I go from constipated to diariah in a in a minute
My doctor just said I need surgery. No explanation of the risks the benefits nothing ! I will have to hope charity care will even cover this surgery? And how will the quality of the care be ? Has anyone had this surgery ? Can u offer your opinion of the risks and benefits and what are they actually

[samshe13]

thanks.your comment is very helpful.

[YaYa416]

I really thought I was alone on this issue since my doctors seem clueless. The ointment did not provide any relief & I find myself using Benedryl anti itch cream daily. My gyno thought it could be psoriasis????? Don't think so though. The bad news, I have had this issue for 4 years now & it's only gotten worse. I'm thinking about contacting my dermatologist for some insight. Best of luck to all, I will keep you posted on any positive outcome.

[Ohemaa]

I posted a really long recent response on another thread. With things you may want to try...

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Womens-Health/Vaginal-Fissures/show/29354