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I have the same issue and finally have diagnosis!
Hey guys,
I have the same issue. i've been with my fiance for 4 years (husband to be in 2.5 months) and I all of a sudden started tearing (the lower part of the vagina closest to the anus) earlier this year. Its happened repeatedly since then. Other symptoms:
- minor bleeding after intercourse
- vaginal dryness
- burny sensation when you urinate or after a long love making session
- tearing at the base during intercourse
- also, some tearing along the folds of the labia minora
- some redness
I've had several appts and he has diagnosed me with vulvodynia -- with vaginal atrophy. (I am 100% STD/STI free, and do not have any infections)I've got to get a biopsy to confirm, but my gyno says its a chronic, long term skin disease that you have to get under control and keep under wraps. Otherwise, your vulvular and vaginal tissues degenerate and lose size and shape. I guess I've already lost size... I'm only 25 so I'm getting this under wraps now. I've been prescribed Tacrolimus 0.3% (topical), which, as an injection is normally used for patients as an anti-rejection drug when they get an organ implant. There is a ton of papers praising the drug when used topically for these types of things. My doc has used it on his patients with this condition for the last 3 years with excellent results.
Other Things To help:
- Use Surgilube or KY Jelly during sex -- don't use those fancy love shop lubricants they have extra chemicals in there that could harm you
- DON"T use any corticosteriod creams. It will thin your sensitive skin even more and will accelerate your condition.
- Use a gentle detergent such as Ivory Zero on your panties, and rinse twice, hang dry if possible or use in a dryer without any softener or bounce sheets.
- Don't use soap down there. You really don't need it. If you want to wash your bum, do so, but rinse it off well and don't let the soap touch your vaginal area. I have a removable shower head and its a godsend. Just keep the water lukewarm and give it a good rinse.
- If you are feeling very irritated, try a lukewarm bath with a small handful of baking soda. Aveeno is pretty good too.
I hope this helps anyone with this issue. When I found out my diagnosis I bawled my eyes out. But, on the bright side, though its not curable it is controllable. Take care of yourselves ladies!
-Shauna
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