Posted , 5 users are following.
i am experiencing vaginal tears during sex diagnosed as vulvodynia. but now my newest symtpom is tearing during bowel movements. i dont think they are true anal fissures. they heal within hours and i dont feel them when im walking too much. there are many tiny cuts. its like my skin down there lost all ability to stretch and im only 19. could this be ls???
0 likes, 17 replies
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beverly52803 Guest
Posted
nicole, I was experiencing a mild version of it last winter, but there was no lasting discomfort. I was using coconut oil for atrophy (I'm much older than you) so that was probably helping.
Doesn't vulvodynia just mean painful sex? Did that doctor bring up the possibility of LS after your exam? If not, you should see someone more familiar with it. I had gone to see a new gyn without even realizing she specialized in vulval skin disorders. She diagnosed LS after an exam showed some pale whitish lines on the buttocks and some whitish areas. (I found it difficult to see myself). I think it presents differently with different people and in various degrees. Between hormone cream for the AV and a mild steroid for the LS I have very little discomfort, but it's important to start the steroid cream if you do have LS.
Good luck.
Guest beverly52803
Posted
vulvodynia is diagnosed when no other infection or source of pain is found. i have had so many blood tests and nothing including stds have been found. i have a constant burning and itching. no white patches at all. i also have a underactive thyroid. but i keep tearing in all areas down there and its frightening. just wish i had a concrete answer.
beverly52803 Guest
Posted
As I understand it there is a connection between underactive thyroid and LS which you can read about on the internet. The main complaint from women with LS is burning and itching. Some have tearing. You have several of the symptoms, so why not see a dermatologist or gyn familiar with LS who is able to tell you if you do or do not have it. There apparently is a definitive way to confirm LS and that is via biopsy, but it may not be necessary. I didn't require one.
Because you are so young and this is a problem typically seen in older women perhaps the doctor you saw did not consider the possibility. Have you actually asked the doctor you saw if he considered it or ruled it out?
Guest beverly52803
Posted
exactly! even my mom believes this is what i have. moms know best!! anyway yes i brought it up, and since i dont have white patches, he brushed off the idea that it was. i think once i come back from my vacation to florida im going to request a biopsy. i truly feel in my heart this is what i have and would love to know for sure so i could start treating it
beverly52803 Guest
Posted
Well, as treatment pretty much means using a steroid cream you could try using a mild over the counter one till you see a specialist. Use very little and see if it makes a difference. Many people swear by baking soda or borax sitz baths for relief. Don't think those would cause any harm either, even if it isn't LS.
Did the doctor you saw give you anything to ease the discomfort?
Guest beverly52803
Posted
He prescribed an estrogen cream. he said it should build the skin back up. it should be in in a week. i will probably try a mild steriod
beverly52803 Guest
Posted
I use estrogen cream for the atrophy. Doc says it won't help the LS which I find odd as she also says the LS (in my case...maybe yours?) was caused by too little estrogen.
When they tested your blood were your hormone levels low? You said he diagnosed you as having a thyroid problem. Are you taking a med for that?
The steroid cream really does lessen the LS. I am using the lowest dosage of the prescribed ones.
Guest beverly52803
Posted
yes i did read that. they didnt test my blood for hormone levels but when they tested my thyroid my antibodies were high. my doctor didnt put me on anything just yet and said if that number goes into the thousands she will. so no i am not on meds yet
brenda23819 Guest
Posted
you can get anal tears but if you soak them in soda warm water it helps.
sandra01720 Guest
Posted
It could definitely be LS. I believe I had LS as a teenager but wasn't diagnosed until in my forties. I also didn't see any white patches till I was in my forties. Apparently quite a number of LS sufferers also have thyroid problems. I have Hashimotos thyroid disease myself. Keep after this until you are properly diagnosed. I wish you the best!
sandra01720
Posted
Try using emu oil or coconut oil every time you go to the washroom or shower. Coconut oil makes me itch but it helps many women on here. I also find olive oil helpful. Emuaid is my favourite though!
Guest sandra01720
Posted
this is what it looked like after a bm. they healed in a day. but its so painful it seems like my skin just stopped stretching entirely. i have on and off itching too. i believe its LS. this forum really helped me see this clearly. i kept freaking out and put myself through hell testing over and over for months for stds etc. im going to see if i can get a biopsy
Guest sandra01720
Posted
i use coconut oil and it helps alot to hydrate but makes me aware of that area. but i will have to give emuaid a try
dee_kee Guest
Posted
hi Nicole,
i agree with everyone too. I have LS and had a overactive thyroid, had it radiated now im on armour thyroid for it. i use clabetesol steriod cream when i have Ls flairs. BUT, in the past i have also used a compounded form of nitroglycerin paste on anal tears. I only had once, but worked good. It increases blood flow there and heals super fast. Hot water makes me itch down there and i use mild soap.
I went to a dermatologist for my diagnoses.
beverly52803 dee_kee
Posted
That's a good point about soap. Nicole, did the doctor tell you not to use soap? My doc gave me a hand out to read on LS. Definitely says no soap. I know some people do use certain types, but the advice I was given was to not use any. A lot of us use organic coconut oil (found in most grocery stores) for moisturizing. Can also be used for cleansing.
Sounds like you and dee kee might have a lot in common. This is the first I've heard of nitroglycerin paste. Hope you are taking notes and ask your doctor about everything people are mentioning.
Guest dee_kee
Posted
thank you for your reply! i plan to see one too. glad to know in not alone
Guest beverly52803
Posted
yes i use coconut oil and mild soaps in that area. my specialist thinks its an estrogen issue. but i will mention ls bc i know thats what i have