Diagnosed w/LS ~5 years ago; new GYN wants to do biopsy...questions!

Hi Corgis. Sorry you’re going through this. 

If you were diagnosed already I’m wondering why he wants a biopsy. I chose not to have one, you can ok at my fairly recent  post for details. I’d want to look at how first dr diagnosed (white patches?, figure 8 pattern?, etc) and does new dr suspect something else?, worried about pre-cancer?, why? - if you are confident in original diagnosis then you get to decide. 

Many others disagree but we know our bodies best and what is right for ourselves. 

I agree that being flared up is a horrible time for biopsy unless absolutely necessary.  

The other thing is are you using steroid cream? It can interfere with biopsy results. 

Best to you!!!

I had a biopsy done by a dermatologist office. My primary physician thought I was just extremely dry, had me on pills for herpes. Then I thought all my perineum cuts were from sex from being too dry and also this horrible thick uniform I have to wear. No where along the way was I told my architecture was changed. And I am late fifties, I don't lay around witha mirror on my crotch. I started looking up symptoms and got very upset that I probably had been mis diagnosed. I went back to my primary and was seen by someone else in that practice. I told her I have cuts that wont heal and I suspect LS. She said she didn't think so but that the labia and perineum looked atrophied and injured. So she sent me to the dermatologist. The biopsy was a painful procedure and they took 2 plugs. Took forever to heal because she took it from the injured area. Her helper kept whinsing while looking at my neither region. The doctor kept commenting that my parts look like a child. How un professional. I began crying uncontrollably.

On the follow up I was sitting in the same waiting room and noticed all the gorgeous woman obviously there to get their botox updated. And when I was brought to the examination room it didn't include the bed with stirrups. They expected me to open wide sitting in a chair while the doctor practically laid on the floor. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. She prescribed Clobetisol and Premarin cream. The cuts healed but I am damaged down there. I cant recognize myself. I used to be very sexy and now I want to hide this part of my body.

I found this forum and have done my own research. I'm never going back to a botox doctor ever again. I want to find a good Gynecologist that specializes in this who can actually help me.

I had a biopsy, it was done right there in the MDs office, took only a few minutes and it didn't hurt. Maybe I was just lucky - I wish I was lucky enough not to have this awful disease in the first place. Good luck to you. 

Hey Corgis, ok so .... sad to hear you’re going threw this but this group is what keeps me going as a normal woman.... so good for you you found us!!!!! Biopsy is no big deal. Went threw it 5 years ago and going in 2 months for another one. The needle is al you feel. Then when it unfreezes... bahhh... a bit of discomfort but it’s for a good cause so that goes well it’s not that bad. We need to know if we want to be treated for the right thing. I’m going for a second biopsy 5 year later because I have a white patche that doesn’t look like the rest of palor of skin. I also have darker pigments around labia minora and clitoris. Now I’m 45 and premenopause ... getting alot of weird symptoms that are maybe related to menopause or maybe to LS so doctors need to know to give good treatments. Important to follow all the recommandation and also hydrat you’re private properly... always. I use coconut oil and it’s keeping me in a good spot ( I think) all the rest is also, I insist, about keeping your head clear. It can have a psychological affect to have LS so that’s also where we get involved. Do not hesitate to refer to your new gal pals if you’re feeling low cause with LS the mood is crucial. Stay positive you’re not alone and all will go well.... you’ll see... hugs 🤗 

Dear Corgis- So sorry to hear you had that experience. I am 2 months diagnosed and everything is under control now. I had biopsies done on six suspicious spots and all 6 came back LS. The procedure itself does not hurt, but you’ll need an ice pack and Tylenol that evening and it will hurt to pee for a few days. I used Medline moisture Barrier with Vit, A, D, E to protect after every pee and then Emuaid and all was well within 10 days. 

Interesting bit of news- the Dr I saw for biospy results told me that the biopsy might actually have helped clear the flare I was having since my body sent white blood cells there to heal the biopsy sites!? Not sure if it’s true, but flared March, April, May, had biopsies in June and by mid- June all was calmed down and healing well. 

Good luck to you! 

Hi Corgis,  I too freaked out about the biopsy and waited almost 2 years to do one because I was so scared, but confirmation was needed that it was LS and not cancer as I was told by one doctor I had.  I had a nurse friend sit with me and hold my hand throughout the procedure and the female gyn was great and patient.  She used the lidocaine and several shots of novicane before she did the biopsy and felt nothing. It was the thought of what she was doing that was painful thinking about.  After it was uncomfortable and I had to soak in the tub for a few days but was fine after that.  I only did the biopsy to rule out cancer.  Every doctor has their own way of doing this procedure.  Some woman have had painful experiences.  I wa lucky that the gyn loaded me up o novicain and it would be a good idea to take a valium or xanax before you get to the office.  It helps!

Good luck and keep in touch.  We are all here for you!

So sorry for you. I was diagnosed 10 days ago after 5 months of Hell being treated for dry vagina instead.

Prescribed cream but has not helped so far. Have not been able to drive or sit properlyl for all this time and because of sitting on my right buttock to ease the discomfort I have.now had to have steroid i njections in my.hip.

I am 74 and feel my life is over