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perineum cuts after sex

after i have sex w/my boyfriend, i have these cuts on my perineum.   It looks like paper cuts almost.  i think it may have something to do w/his penis being a bit girthy, does anyone else have this problem? also, im having vaginal discomfort afterwards if we have sex for a second time. it's almost like a burning sensation right at the vaginal opening. It could result from not being lubricated enough but i am lubricated and it just doesn't make sense to me. help!
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Avatar universal
I went to my ob/gyn for this very same thing. She gave me a script for betamethasone (augmented) 0.05 % cream Commonly known as: DIPROLENE AF.  I just started using it a couple of days ago. Hoping it will help. I've been married nearly 29 years and this is new within the last year. I attributed this pain/friction injury to possible menopause. Dr. did bloodwork and my hormone levels don't show that I am menopausal. She told me that it seems more like an exzema type condition. Here's hoping the creme works. :)
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Avatar universal
I have the same problem. I saw a vaginal dermatologist who concluded that there is no skin disorder and my OB/GYN confirmed no presence of any STDs. I was advised by the vaginal dermatologist to massage the area using pjur lubricant and use vaginal dilators to slowly expand the skin. I learned that if I use dilators and massage the area before intercourse, I don't get cuts! It a bit of work but it's better than the alternative.
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Avatar universal
I have a question, I am doing some research for my husbands case. If you have a Bartholin cyst can it cause tears in your perineum?
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3 Comments
I have had Bartholin cysts before but not at the same time as these horrible paper cut things. Personally I think it is thin skin but what you do about it I do not know.
Yeah, when it first ever happened, my boyfriend became my ex and after ae broke up he had really rugh sex with me...which wasn't like we'd had before and i noticed a cut or two on my vagina vulva. Ever since, when i've had rough sex (i think) the same thing has happened. It hurts, stings, it's like cuts. I keep getting paranoid i've got an STI but after reading these comments i feel more reassured. Only question I ask now is can it last over a week? As in the sex cuts. Thanks
THE CURE: I had the same horrible problem of getting cuts when having sex and vaginal discomfort for about a year. I visit many different gynecologist and other specialists and no one knew what it was, some suggested it was thinning of my vaginal tissue, others a chronic yeast infection, some thought it was herpes (which I was tested multiple times and even a blood test which came out negative), some mentioned that it was just a technical vaginal problem, or a auto immune system or perhaps my partner was just too large. I was prescribed an estrogen cream wich was about $250.00 dollars a tube (Thank God my insurance was able to covered) then I was prescribed a steroid cream CLobastesol  I think it was called, the creams never help. The docs will say to lubricate as much as possible before sex which i did and I even try switching to multiple lube brands thinking I was probably allergic to some, but I was still getting the cuts. I was very depressed due to this problem, it was taking a toll on me emotionally eventhough my partner was always super supportive. I felt terrible and scare every time I was going to have sex, I stop having sex for multiple weeks due to this problem, it was awful loving my partner and wanting to be with him but I couldn't.  One day I cry out to God and ask him to please help me, then one day my partner and I went to the dollar store and we came across a baby oil- a generic brand called Baby Oil by Personal Care.  I use this as lube and bingo problem solved. I never never never got one cut again. Tip- I bought a small spray bottle and place the oil there for a more convenient use. Ladies I hope this help, I completely understand how terrible this can be. Sorry for my writing I'm ESL.  
Avatar universal
So....what r u using as treatment now? Over the last year I am gettig these cuts and white scabbing around the bottom of my perianal  area as well as the anus itself. I  have tried hydrocortisone 2mg, and then  25mg ointment, bag balm, baking soda soaks and rinses, apple cider, vitamin E, coconut oil , lavender oil, epsom salt baths with baking soda,  tsken l-lysine, used horse linement from tye c-op (my sis is a veterinarian and uses it for her cold sores ......not to mention EVERYTHING I have read and my dermatologist has prescribed.
I am 48, NOT menopausal  (had the follicle test), had skin scrapes to test for Herpes (negative)...The only thing I havent tried is a estrogen cream...but for hot flashes, I am on Estrogen meds...
I have Fibromyalgia also...
My bf is very long and wide, and although this is unrelated, he bumps my cervix with very little effort....I am literally in TEARS
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Avatar universal
**********UPDATE*********

I am in fact replying to myself....the test results on my "paper cut" like skin tear came back negative for HSV or any other STD.  It is just a small tear and apparently I am prone to them....Rough intercourse, wiping with rough toilet paper or a rag or towel could...among other things can cause this.
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Avatar universal
I came across your post to Nic21976 and I wanted to say that while it is a possibility that these symptoms mean a person  may have herpes it is also a possibility that it isn't herpes.
  
To explain to you why I am coming to the conclusion that I am I must tell you my story:

In the fall of 2013 I was seeing a man who had had a history of cold sores on his mouth and apparently was "shedding" when I received oral sex from him.  As a result I promptly began to itch extremely bad and then one night I began to have extreme pain and when I went to the bathroom the next morning I had what looked like a mixture of blood & pus going on.  I rushed to my Dr. who did the herpes test and sure enough I tested positive for HSV1 in my genitals and the blood test proved that I had not had it long.  This was devastating to me...even though the Dr. explained to me that this would be only a "mild" case as HSV1 does not "prefer" that particular area and that I may not even have another break out and if I did they would be few and far between.  Still, I opted to begin taking Acyclovir twice daily to ensure no more outbreaks and less of a chance of spreading it to future partners.

To be clear on my treatments.... I have since that time been taking my meds as ordered daily and rarely missing a dose. I take Lysine pills and I apply Lysine ointment to the perineum during outbreaks and sometimes even weekly in an attempt to prevent them.  I am VERY compulsive about it because I want to do everything possible to not experience the pain that I did in 2013 and to keep anyone else from catching this horrible thing from me.  Each time I have an outbreak I call my Dr. and they call in more meds.

I  also did much research on many sites and did read that the particular type usually may present itself as a "paper cut" like tear on the vagina and not a blister after the initial outbreak.  With that being said I did get a  very small "paper like" tear on my perineum (they are/were not painful, they did not scab over, they might would/will sting a bit, no blood, no pus and only 1 at a time) a few times in the 1.5 years following my diagnosis.  I would call my dr and have her prescribe to me a larger dose of my suppression meds in order to treat said issue, without going to the Dr.  

With all of that being said:   In the last two months I have had 4 of these at separate times...I have almost been keeping one.  I called my dr. and again requested the scrip to get them taken care of which is basically just a higher dose of what I am already on and 3 times daily instead of twice daily and Lidocaine cream just in case I do get pain.  FINALLY, my nerves got the best of me and my anxiety grew because my meds are apparently just not working AND I had been told that my breakouts would either not come back or that they would do so VERY infrequently...which is devastating.  When I noticed this 4th one I immediately called my GYNO and made an appointment that day, telling the receptionist that I needed to see the Dr. because my suppression meds were not working.  

The Dr. came in and in tears I explained to her all of the precautions that I have been taking to prevent outbreaks (making it a point to point out that I had also been upping my dosage during the outbreaks) and I explained to her what kind of outbreaks I was having, explaining that they were very mild, almost without pain, only burning a little, no blood, no pus, no scabbing and no itching.  She Commencing with the pelvic exam she ask me to show her exactly where it was because she could not see it...so I did show her what I was talking about and once I did she then was able to notice the tear as well.  (It really is very small and inconspicuous).    The Dr.  then stated to me that I have been doing everything that she could ask of me in order to treat, suppress and not spread my HSV1 and that she does not believe these cuts to be an outbreak.  She believes it to only be tearing caused by rough sex, wiping with toilet paper, irritation...etc.... NOW, she did say that while she doesn't believe it to be herpes she would go ahead and take a swab and send it in.  Which she did.  However, she still was adamant that she would be shocked if it did indeed come back positive.  (this of course being based on how small it is and how much I am doing to counter act the virus).

I will get my results sometime in the next 4 - 5 days and I know that it may be herpes BUT I also know now that it may not be.  Which is how I came to the conclusion of my first paragraph in this reply.   Anyone's best bet is to just go to the gyno and get tested so they aren't going insane with worry and embarrassment.
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Avatar universal
I have to agree with Frankie. I've been married for 8 years and have suffered from itchiness, burning, paper cuts, recurrent yeast infections since the day I started having sex with my husband. My doctor could never figure out why. Then, last month, I had a genital herpes outbreak. Extremely painful blisters and sores. My husband has never had an outbreak but tested positive for the antibodies. Doctor said it could have been dormant for 15 years or more. We'll never really know who contracted it first but at this point it doesn't matter. Looking back, I think all the itchiness, burning and cuts was part of the herpes. Doctors don't know these things. I recommend everyone in this forum get tested.
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Avatar universal
I've had one or two similar small cuts in my perineum area for more than 4 months, I don't think the sex was making it worst, it healed and came back randomly, but of ourse it did affect my sex life as it huted when touched. I also noticed that when I went to the toilet for number 2 and the cut was closed it usually opened, and I could see blood from it on the paper, and when it was open it hurted when the pee touched it, or anything actually. So I went to the gyno and he thought it was herpes by the looks. He did a test and it wasn't, so I went back and he did more tests and found out some bacteria that shoudn't be there, he passed me the medicin Dalacin (Clindamycin) and I am using it for 5 days now and my cuts did not open again since I began, so I really have my hopes up for this now, maybe it can be the case of some of you, ask for all the tests.
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Avatar universal
Yes, you have herpes. These are the symptoms, this is what happens, you get small tears, those are called fissures. The same thing happened to me, and I went to the doctor while I had the cuts, they tested them and sure enough there you go. The soreness is part of the herpes symptoms, not from sex, but somehow sex brings the cuts on, they sting, heal slowly and make going to the bathroom even a pain. I thought it was low estrogen, but my guy got tested too and he carries the antibodies for herpes and had no idea. If you take the acyclovir, the cuts go away. You can take that every day for the rest of your life and you won't get breakouts. Or your guy can take it, not sure who needs to take it as its all new to me. It *****, there you go. Sorry for the news. This probably applies to most of the comments on here, apparently 1 in 6 people have it, men spread it, and don't tell women that they have it. Its now considered normal not to tell people when you have an STD, which is utter crap. Also, men don't often get the symptoms or know they carry it until they give it to a woman. Yes, you can give it even when not having an outbreak.
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1 Comments
You are an I-d-i-o-t. Think before you speak and know your sh!t. Just because you have herpes doesn't mean everyone does. Vaginal tears are common and can be caused my numerous things as can many of the herpes symptoms. You are so dumb I'm shocked that you even have a partner. My doctor wanted to assume just like you did and guess what? My boyfriend and I both tested clean for every STD. Don't go around scaring people just because you weren't one of the lucky ones and I am sorry for that but don't ever tell someone they have something because that is so serious and you aren't even close to being a doctor or an STD test.
Avatar universal
Hi tinkertot,
I have just read your post. My dr has put me on ovestin a week ago. I have a new man and when I slept with him it was uncomfortable and I had the paper cuts as well.
Anyway I was wondering if you felt different in 3 weeks in to your treatment.
I will see him again in two weeks but I am scared sex will be uncomfortable again. Also, I am worried that he might taste the medicine. Could you please tell me about your experience?
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Avatar universal
Hi tinkertot,
I have just read your post. My dr has put me on ovestin a week ago. I have a new man and when I slept with him it was uncomfortable and I had the paper cuts as well.
Anyway I was wondering if you felt different in 3 weeks in to your treatment.
I will see him again in two weeks but I am scared sex will be uncomfortable again. Also, I am worried that he might taste the medicine. Could you please tell me about your experience?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Do not use oil as it can breakdown condoms, and hydrocortisone should not be used in the genital area.
Lubricant, WATER BASED is extraordinarily helpful and some can be used for oral sex as well as massages as they are flavored (try sweet licks which you can get a Spencer's for about 6 bux, and it heats up as well. It's GREAT for foreplay, and my bf loves it as well! I use the watermelon and it really tastes good :)
When fissures which are little tears result, don't have sex a second time or even a day or so, it's only adding insult to injury. especially bc once tearing or being cut, the spermicide on the condom could be causing the burning sensation.
Also pay attention to which brand you use or switch to as each had their own spermicidal formula, and you may have an allergy to a specific one if not latex. I found out very quickly after having sex the first time that I have a very severe reaction with Trojan brand condoms, but not Lifestyles.
Balmex can be used on outside tissues such as the labia  and majora and surrounding areas, and unscented baby wipes can be used when peeing over the few days following(also as your dr. About tucks pads.) regular toilet paper can cause more irritation, but if it's necessary, for example when you're out, try simply patting yourself dry with it instead if wiping.
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Avatar universal
Do not use oil as it can breakdown condoms, and hydrocortisone should not be used in the genital area.
Lubricant, WATER BASED is extraordinarily helpful and some can be used for oral sex as well as massages as they are flavored (try sweet licks which you can get a Spencer's for about 6 bux, and it heats up as well. It's GREAT for foreplay, and my bf loves it as well! I use the watermelon and it really tastes good :)
When fissures which are little tears result, don't gave sex a second time or even a day ur so
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Avatar universal
I also had lots of of paper cuts on my perineum and around vaginal area.  Visited my gyn and was advised to stop my birth control tablets because it was causing my vaginal area to be very moist which was the cause of the tears.  I started feeling better almost immediately after stopping the tablets.  
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Avatar universal
I have been with my partner for nearly 3 years and every time we engage in sexual contact I tear around my cervix in 2-3 places I also get the burning sensation and little raised lumps afterwards that weren't there before intercourse it has a burning sensation and we are looking into condom allergy as we both get irritation after wearing them,however anything else latex does not irritate. the problem we have is that we can't use Normal shop bought condoms as they are all too small for him & cut off circulation so we use a special website that makes them. it's really effecting our sex life .
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Avatar universal
I had sex for the first time in a few months yesterday. It wasn't painful during sex or after, but this morning I realized I had a small cut on the bottom of my vagina and it is swollen which makes peeing very difficult. I am very small while my boyfriend well isn't.. Any advice on getting better ASAP?
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Avatar universal
Hydrocortisone is a steroid cream that burns off a layer of skin to encourage growth underneath. There are different strengths of the cream and is commonly used for eczema. Obviously the genital area is extremely sensitive so especially in this case you should not be using it without professional advice from a doctor. Probably best to try a nappy rash cream, aqueous cream or sudocream before any steroid based cream. I have had previous problems with severe dry skin and eczema and unsurprisingly that and this issue are related. For dry skin I've found some over counter creams and moisturisers more effective than the prescribed hydrocortisones and bacterial creams. Now ive had this issue with my well endowed boyfriend (not that I'm complaining) but plan to try nappy rash creams before any of the harsher stuff!!
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Avatar universal
Im very fastrated about this cuts, i got them last year december after sex and they went away after two days, i havnt had sex than untill two days back and yet iv experienced the same cuts around vaginal openning. To make matters worse i aslo get the cuts during my period, i usually use tempons but i have to stop them due to the pain when insurting it. i also get a cut between my vagina and anus, which comes and goes. I have visited the doc but he only gave me a cream for the pain, he told me he doent know what it is causing such cuts. I again went to see another doc concerning the cuts i get during my periods and she told me its due to a drop in homoglobin during menstration and she gave me an antibiotic cream. All this seems not to help and im very worried and tierd of going to doctors coz i get no help from them.
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Avatar universal
So what's the. Best thing to do,  I am sick of this discomfort during sex and it makes me feel like it's my fault.
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Avatar universal
I have been having serious problems for 5 years - cuts (that bleed) after sex, always in the same place, meaning I cannot have sex often, or as freely as I would like. It has had a serious effect on me and my husband, and makes me very depressed. He has stayed with me and stayed faithful, though at times I have suggested breaking up our marriage over it.

It started after 12 months of 'normal' sex with him, and he has a very large girth, but my body coped at first!

I have been to several drs, specialists and even therapists.

So far I know - it is not an STD, not any condition that they can tell, and as a guess from the specialist I have been told its perhaps 'thin skin' combined with psychological issues from all the problems - i.e. a vicious circle of fear of getting cut making me more tense.

I am willing to try any of the products and creams mentioned on the post, so please keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks xx
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Avatar universal
Remind your partners not to use cologne or any soaps with fragrances, as that might help.  Friction can definitely tear the skin.  I have never heard of the Ovestin cream to thicken the skin, but it is worth looking into.  

ALSO,  I had a long visit with a local vitamin store (not a commercial GNC) and I learned a lot about yeast.  Yeast can appear orally, vaginally, or on your skin.  They have remedies for each.  Whereas my dermatologist recommended Lotrisone for yeast on my skin, the health food store gave me a bar soap called Candida Freedom which they said works great.  
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Avatar universal
hi did you ever find out what you could use....im stressing out and dont know what to do and your situation is the exact same as mine right now!
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Avatar universal
I'm dealing with cuts right now. and they hurt so bad. and i get them off and on after i get done having sex with my boyfriend. I am pregnant also and i have these cuts right now. I'm not sure what to do. and I'm scared. and I'm really terrified about this. I'm intending on calling my health department to make an appointment. But also It hurts when hurts when i pee. When I'm getting ready to pee (and the pees gonna come out), Any help!!! I could really use it. and i will try that cream.
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Avatar universal
I have been having the same problem since i began having sex, which was only about 6-7 months ago. Luckily my boyfriend is very understanding and waits those few days that we cant do it in. However the situation was still incredibly frustrating for me so i made an appointment with my Gyno. Basically:
Its not a yeast infection or chlamydia
Not a STD or STI of any kind (i was tested)
and not LS
She just described it as 'thin skin' which sounds about right because whatever friction happens between my boyfriends genitals and mine, lubricated or not, shaved or hairy, i ALWAYS get the cuts, no matter what position or duration of intercourse. She prescribed 'Ovestin' oestrogen cream for me to thicken the skin. It's meant to be inserted into the vagina but since mine (and our) problems are external she said to just rub onto the affected area . She also said to be patient because it takes a month or two to work, and in the meantime she recommended using positions where the least amount of friction would occur, like doggy. Ive only been using it for a couple of weeks and i'll admit its hard to just do doggy the whole time so i havnt really been keeping up with that, but i will try, and i will report back in a month or so on how the cream has been working. but so far i have noticed that we can go longer whereas before i would feel the pain after only maybe 15 mins
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