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25 years old, does this look like LS?

Posted , 4 users are following.

anna06268
anna06268

Hi All,

I've written quite a lengthy post about my symptoms to which I've had some really helpful replies (thank you). Please see that post for a longer description, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/25f-struggling-9-months-of-symptoms-and-no-answers-could-it-be-ls--734034?page=0#3701260

I'm still very in the dark about what is actually wrong with me on this 9 month journey I've been on with my Vagina not feeling right! I am nearly 25 and have been with my partner for the last 3 years. I have spent countless hours googling symptoms and trying to find some answers, I've found conditions i'd never even heard of and I think it is such a shame that women or even most doctors seem to be so unknowledgable about such an important part of the female body. I have felt so ashamed, frustrated and abnormal at times but I am so glad I have found this group, everyone seems so kind and positive which has really helped my attitude. If I do turn out to have LS at least I know I have this forum for support and real life examples and advice which is incredibly helpful.

So far in all my countless doctors trips, no doctor has really been able to see anything physically wrong with me when inspected other than the little splits which i get at the bottom of my vulva. This has previously been swabbed for Herpes or I was told it could have been a result of thrush. Treatment for both of these have not worked and all STI tests have been negative. Mr doctor has said occasionally the area at the bottom of my vagina looks a little red and sore but I've so far been told there is no evidence of any kind of skin problem.

I had my telephone appointment with my Doctor last week who now seems to be of the opinion that I am suffering from vulvodynia she is going to write to me with some treatment options but vaguely mentioned an operation (which scared me I won't lie!). After this, I decided to get the mirror out and have a good look at myself, I am not convinced that this is the answer and I am very hesitant to have surgery unless absolutely necessary. I have been feeling particularly dryer around the top of my vagina on the left hand side which seems to be a new symptom.

Anyway I feel like there has certainly been some development and now there does appear to be some evidence of everything not being physically right? the skin is certainly looking tighter than before all over my vulva and very dry? In the second picture you can see where I have split and the skin has healed however, when stretched it is prone to tearing again. I still get regular discharge so this is a bit odd to me. Does this look like LS at all to anyone? Otherwise, I am thinking some type of eczema?

I am waiting for my Doctors letter but I am going to bring this up when I next speak to her. It is so difficult at the moment with the Covid situation. Although this development of my skin has been painful/ uncomfortable and made me really upset at times I am hopeful that I am one step closer to finding an answer. I feel that at least if there is some more physical evidence I might have more of a chance of getting somewhere!

Thank you all again for your help and support!

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0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • brenda23819
    brenda23819 anna06268

    Posted

    it looks like it but if i was wanting to know for sure i would have my gyn dr to give you a biopshy and they canctell for sure I had vtov have 3 of them but i have cancer in my family and thats why they keep check on me

  • Sarah9048
    Sarah9048 anna06268

    Edited

    Hi Anna,

    I too had all those tests done and they came back negative despite my severe discomfort. All my anatomy is still intact (the shape of my vulva and the labia) but I have the same shiny appearance as you and we are the same age. I would definitely get the biopsy for LS. I also had the same small tears around the perineum and opening to my vagina in the past too which burned when I went to the bathroom.

    I'd like to also add that I often had thrush before I had the bouts of vulva pain/burning which didn't get resolved with taking the antifungal tablet. Also, I had very bad dryness using the implant and birth control methods like that so I stopped using them which I think was wise for you to do at the moment from your prior post.

  • olivia90603
    olivia90603 anna06268

    Posted

    Oh bless you! Sounds like you've really been through it and believe me I know how hard it is. I'm not a doctor but it does look like LS to me, especially in the first photo on the lower half of the labia those whitish bumps are exactly what my LS looks like. I would definitely suggest using a moisturiser such as Cetraben ointment a few times a day on the whole area. Once you can get an appointment to see the dermatologist you will have to try and get a biopsy to test for LS. Then they will prescribe a steroid treatment. Sometimes our discharge alone just isn't enough to keep the area moisturised. Try not to bathe too often no more than once a day, I also came off my pill and I'm convinced that has stopped me being so dry. Hope you can get some answers soon xxx

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