I need an OB opinion

[Arobson]

I am 16w along and conceiving was pretty difficult due to painful sex. However my husband really wanted a child so I somewhat just put up with it. While we were TTC I went to my doctor to finally get help on a tearing situation down there that has been plaguing me since I was a kid. None of my other doctors could give me a proper diagnosis so I finally demanded to see a proper GYN who diagnosed me with Lichen Sclerosis. It is pretty advanced, with several lesions all around my vulva and proceeding into the rectum. It has caused extreme pain over the course of my sexually active life. I am now a member of a support group for this disease that helps women cope with the psychological issues that indefinitely arise knowing that your sex life is essentially forever doomed.

Now with this pregnancy I would like to have an elective c-section. I am wondering if this is my best choice. I have read of the few women with this disease who have delivered vaginally and suffered 4th degree lacerations and therefore have incompetence as a result. Which scares the crap out of me! (pun intended!) I am only 23 and I am beginning to come to the realization that conceiving naturally after this baby is born is a slim chance, but in the off case that I can, I know that after delivering vaginally this time around and undergoing reconstructive surgery as a result, I will only need a c-section for baby number two anyways.... Any thoughts?

[donnabaker442]

In your case I think c section is in your best interest

[Arobson]

Thanks for the support! The only current management for LS is steroid creams for inflammation. However I cannot take them during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and they are certainly not a cure. I spoke to my doctor today and he actually agreed that a c-section is my best bet :)

[AnnieBrooke]

I think a C-section would be very smart.  They are not that hard to get well from (your sex with the pain probably hurt more than the recovery from a C), and why invite reconstructive vaginal surgery?  It would be no walk in the park to get over the pain from that.  I am sorry you have lichen sclerosis and really sorry no doc was able to diagnose it earlier, and delighted for you that you have found a good support group.  Apologize for my ignorance, but I thought there were things to do to remove it?  Anyway, do not fear a C-section.  Mine came after 27 hours of labor and I still groaned at the idea of having to have one, but it was surprisingly not that difficult.  I was walking to the loo not 7 hours after having it (a little tottery) and they do give you pain meds if you need them, but it isn't really that tough.  Just don't sneeze without pressing a pillow onto your tum, at first.  lol

[mommytobe062013]

The doctors would probably recommend a c section becuz they would not want to put u or ur baby at risk for anything