tweets24

Ive been doing research on this the past few days and the reoccuring things ive seen are vitamin E oil and sweet almond oil. massage it on the tear 2 times a day and its worked for these women. so i guess im off to the drug store...

west

Hi, I've been researching on the net because my doctor who is also a gyno after 3 visits thought she had cured me, but obviously has not. I've had repeated thrush for about 6 years,which makes sex very painful. So I don't hve much sex. When I finally went back to the Dr, She said it was not thrush, but a skin irritation, and prescribed antibiotics and an ointment called LPC in BOZ ointment. This did help the symptoms a lot but I still get the tearing many of you have spoken about. It only tears right al the bottom of the vagina, 6 o'clock. This happens almost straight away when having sex. It is really painful and takes 2-3 days to heal. I've had STD checks and am fine. It makes me not want to have sex because it's no fun. Sometimes I bleed from the cut. When I first saw my Dr, the cut was one centimetre long and she had no idea what it was from. I'm going to try vitamin E oil as suggested by the last poster and will report its results.
West

sanzali

i read the previous posts and i dont really know if my problem is the same or not...
this has started happening only AFTER the birth of our son.
everytime my hubby and i have sex i get this horrible tear (red scratches) where my vaginal area ends and my recutm starts.
it happens everytime after sex. that and then theres severe burrning. i always make sure i wash up immideately after intercourse. also my husband and i have never had sex before marriage.
so im wondering where the problem is. is this a common issue or serious enuff for me to go to a gyno.
this is making sex totally difficult and painful.
would appreciate any insight...
ps: i didnt get a single stitch at delivery either.

rinbar

hi, I've been in a relationship for 4 years and now we are recently married.
I never had problems with sex until I started with those pills that you take every day to prevent pregnancy.

Since then I slowly started to have nausea and I was getting more sensitive down there. And then I started to get those paper cuts and they HURT I coulnt have sex anymore and I even started to get scared of it.

I went to 2 differnt gynos and one said it was baterial and I took the medication and they went away but a week after they came back.

So I went to another one and she gave me a treatment for my and my husband. And again, it got better only for a week and then it came back....

I ask if it was the pills she said no. She said it could be stress and lack of vitamins, maybe the diet. or a combination of all. Still they were there.

So about 2 weeks ago I stopped taking those pills to try on my own and see if they could be the reason and so far is working. Is funny how doctors cant figure it out. I guess is very different depending on the case.

I"m happy know I can enjoy sex with my husband again and I hope they dont came back otherwise Im just lost on what the cause is and how to fix it so it NEVER comes back.

dee

oh my god, I thought I was the only one in the world with this painful tear in my vagina. It is exactly the same type of tear just like many people here describe. A small tear right at the opening of the vaginal just where the sphinter of the anus starts and only tear after intercourse. I also just recently experience even a little burning sensation after intercourse. It's not a yeast infection or uti b/c it doesn't hurt when I urinate. This is so complicated. I went to see my gyno about the problem and she said she's not sure what it is. She said I had a little yeast infection at that particular time, and I did. She gave me some meds for the yeast and the burning stops but the tear in my vagina keeps coming back every so many months. My husband is very sexually active and wants to have sex all the time. I use to be very sexually active but since the tear, I'm afraid sometime to have intercourse with my husband b/c I fear that I might get tear again. The tear is so small, but very very painful. What should I do? I've tried everything, from doing yoga to stretch myself, take daily vitamins, used vaginal oinment, wear big granny underwear, etc. What should I do? My gyno is not really helping because she can't find out the exact cause of it. The only thing I've tried recently is using neosporin on the cut. I find it heals the cut a little faster, but then again, it comes back like a bad nightmare. I;m 32 and never had a problem like this. I've been with my husband for 13 years and we are free from std. Therefore, I don't know what the problem is. Please someone, anyone help me. Any advice or suggestion/comments are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

artymuffin

I am sooooooo happy to have found this forum via Google. I have been having the same issue for the 7 months. The bottom of my vagina, where the 2 lips meet, is constantly tearing right at the start of sex. It's a fairly deep cut, and is about 2cm long. Also, I know I have been dryer than normal lately. This stress of wondering and worrying has also not helped!!!

I have been with my fiance for almost 4 years, we have both been faithful to each other, and when this started, we both went to the STD clinic to get everything checked out, as there were some small white bumps here and there (but they really aren't bothersome) -- I was tested for herpes and warts and everything came back negative. I even went to a doctor for a second opinion and more tests -- everything is still negative. (no changes since when we first went for the initial "new relationship" STD tests over 3.5 yrs ago). My man also was negative for everything. They are sure my bumps are normal, kinda like a blocked pores.

I have to wait until OCTOBER to see an expert on all this, and, since I've been waiting since April I am really starting to lose my mind. This is taking such an incredible toll on my self esteem, I have literally no sex drive becuase it hurts sooo much. We're getting married in March and I'm really hoping that this will be resolved by then. Thank god my man is so patient with this! He just wants me to be ok.

For the burning/dry sensation i feel, i was using a Hydrocortisone cream -- after reading this forum, I am going to stop. Because, if its the cause of my thinning skin... I've also been on Marvelon for several years. Are Birth Control pills really a cause of vaginal tearing?
We use lubricant also, and it doesn't help. My mans "little man" isn't small, but its definately not super huge either. Also, this didn't happen for the first 3 years we were intimate with each other.

One thing that helps soothe the area is to take a warm bath with nothing in it but a handful of baking soda.

I guess what I needed was reassurance that I'm not the only person in the world with this... and I need to know... why is this happening in the first place????

vickyalive

I have this problem too. I am going to the dermatologist, but in the meantime I am using homeopathic Calendula cream. It is a known skin healer. Also in the UK, Lichen Sclerosis is being successfully treated wtih light therapy: UVA treatments. A full spectrum light bulb or sunlight in small small doses may be of extreme help. I will not take the steroidal creams as they weaken the immune system, which is overall the reason PERHAPS for this condition.

Our immune systems are attacked from many sources:
Stress, pollution, toxins in our food, hormones in our foods, birth control if you take it, etc. I am menopausal, so the added stress, even though normal, is the shift and lessening in the hormones. My stress level is extreme as I am getting married, moving and starting a new job. Once I made the decision to do all three at the same time, out of necessity, this condition came on. Intercourse is next to impossible due to the shrinking of the vaginal opening as the skin changes and tightens. I have read that there are dialators that may help if the skin does not open enough.
I do not believe there is just one cause for this. I also have Candida, a systemic yeast condition, which originates in the intestinal tract from antibiotic use as a child, and the other list above...most people have it and stress, poor diet and sweets can cause enormous flare ups, which include depression, foggy thinking and lack of body awareness and confusion etc. as well as a craving for more sweets like a real junkie....

anon123

I wonder if anyone can help me. I have always suffered with vaginal dryness, no matter how much foreplay before sex i never get wet i've been to the doctors and they didnt seem interested and said it was all in my head, thats problem 1. Problem 2 I have recently started getting cuts on the lips of my vagina and have a large one from my vagina to my anus. These constantly itch especially when i go to bed, they sometimes bleed and when i go to the toilet when i wee it goes into these cuts and stings like hell its very irritating.

I'm currently not sexually active with anyone and havent had sex for a couple of months and im a lesbian. I mention this because a lot of you seem to think it is sex related and i get it without sex so i dont think that has anything to do with the problem apart from increase irritation. Does anyone know what this is?

To make matters even worse i also have piles which i cant get rid of despite injections..... could this be related?

So basically im not having much luck down there, im very hygenic tho

I've read all the postings and no one seems to have an exact answer. Can anyone help?

Susan555

Ok so I am having the same problem with a tear at the bottom of my vagina that happens at the beginning of sex. I've been to the doctor once and she basically agreed that there was a tear, told me I had a little bit of an infection, and gave me some cream. She told me it would heal within a few weeks. It did seem to heal, but it tore again the next time I had sex. I haven't been back to the doctor again. This has been ongoing now for several months.

I noticed several of you mentioned diet as an issue. What exactly should change about my diet to help this out? Also has anybody who has posted with this problem have had any luck with any remedies? It's nice to know I am not alone with this problem, but it would also be nice to find something to solve it.

west

Hi girls,
I've found my problem has eased a little, but not totally. I'm strongly considering getting off the pill since reading some people's posts. When my thrush (or whatever it is) seems to appear, I use a mild antifungal cream for a few days and after that goes, I can almost have sex comfortably.

My boy and I try to get in a position where his penis doesn't put pressure at the back of my vagina, but rather the front. It does not tear there, and actually feels kind of nice and different.

I've found that heaps of foreplay and lube helps, but after about 15-20 mins of sex, it starts rubbing and hurting and I get small tears. It stings when I pee, but is usually not noticeable the next day, although I'm too scared to have sex again for a few days.

I've found my self esteem very low because of this, especially since my gyno has no idea about it. When I see a specialist, hopefully soon, I'm taking this whole forum thread as evidence!

Also, a friend told me that if you suffer from thrush too long, it changes the nerves in your vagina, and instead of feeling pleasure, it turns into pain. I'll have to check this idea out though. It may be misleading.

I'm glad I'm not alone. I hope you all find the cure.
xx west

Also, see this forum. It mentions similar problems, but seemingly more complicted.
http://www.abchomeopathy.com/forum2.php/23652/

Viking1064

My wife pinpointed the problem as one of her bathing suits. She has no idea what caused it, but whenever she wore that particular suit, she would have a burning sensation when I entered her. It would be a slight tear. They would always heal in a few days. She hasn't had a tear since she threw the suit out. Good luck to the others experiencing this problem. My heart goes out to you.

anon123

Right I have been to the doctors and she has told me it is a skin related problem, which i know is obvious to us. She says that it is a yeast infection in the skin and has given me some canisten cream to use. I have used this for a week and the tears have now gone. I will wait and see if they come back. She explained to me that if you are constantly cleaning yourself down there you are likely to cause a yeast infection as you are washing away the bacteria which fights against yeast infections. Im hoping this works now, she has also suggested taking a urine sample into the doctors and asking them to test it for diabetes as yeast infections can be triggered by sugar levels. To be honest im not convinced yet so i will see how i get on.

I noticed someone mentioned about changing your diet. I have changed my diet now to less fatty foods and things with high fibre content as well as fruits and veg, its a stab in the dark so i will see what happens.

jenniebean

I am having a similar problems. I am noticing small paper like cuts on varios areas of my vagina. The ones i notice the most are, one at the opening of my hole, first noticed painfully during sex. And the second is about my clit. The one above my clit turned more into a sore, circular in shape and began getting a little flaky about two days ago. The opening of my vagina is also a bit red. I seem to have a little bit of discharge, whiteish, to me it looks like mucus ro goo or something, not cottage cheese.. doesnt really have a smell. And only come in tiny doses about every other day. There is slight itching, nothing untolerable. I have a doctors appt. in three days, but i would like a little peace of mind.. i am terriefied, it could be an STD.. any thoughts please? thanks =)

anon123

I have had my results back and it is not thrush funnily enough, and the tears have come back it seems to happen around the same time my period comes if anyone has any more info let us know.

This sounds like something the doctors know nothing about and have yet to diagnose as they seem to have no knowledge about it whatsoever.... what it is and what causes it. HELP!!!!

kitkat

ok.. i have almost the same problems here. my ex fiance was on the larger side and i'm a small person. i wasn't a virgin when i was with him.. but i think since he was on the larger side.. i got these tears at the bottom of my vagina.... between the anus and the opening of the vagina.. it's ONLy after sex! it's driving me crazy. i want to have sex w/ my boyfriend now.. but it hurts.. i've tried lube.. and i don't think it's the use of the condom.. i get a little red and iritated.. and i have these tears. i called a nurse and told her my situation and asked if she thought it was a big problem, or what i could do to fix it. she didn't really help much. she told me it wasn't a big problem and just to use lube more. which i have done. but i'll try it more..and i guess sometimes we are a little rough though. but she didn't give me any other advice on how to fix this problem i want to not hurt during and right after sex! no discharge. or smell just these dumb tears! does vitamin e oil really help? or this other cream people are talking about? heeellpppp

Kali

It could be that your skin is thinning and drying . All your skin. Not just down there. You need to keep yourself lubricated. There are products for that.

__________________
"According to the map we've only gone four inches" -Dumb and Dumber

faith1026

I long time ago when i was havinf sex with a boyfriend ..it was rough and i was on top his penis came out and slamed into me...cuting me on both sides of me! Ever since this i have been getting cuts and tears.No doctor can sya what it is or where it came from. I fell like they ignore the situation ad find something else thats wrong with me!!! I can't have sex.Im in pain ALL the time It hurts to pee. Hurts to wipe, or have any contact down there what so ever!

I MISS SEX SO MUCH!!!

surgery

I too have this problem with one recurrent tear in the 6 o'clock position. I have tried everything- stopped the pill, lots of lube , treated for yeast and bacterial infection. Now surgery is being mentioned. Has anyone else done this or been recommended this? The problem has been going on for more than 1 1/2 yrs so i'm willing to try as I no longer believe it will be cured any other way.

ohwhatfun

I have been to the doctor many times this year, both my physician and gyno and now I'm going to see a specialist. I have dry, itchy skin around my vagina and anus... especially in the folds of skin and my crack. It doesn't seem to go away even when I abstain from sex. I've tried A&D Diaper Rash ointment, Aquafor, and Gold Bond Powder. I heard it's a good idea to get a lot of air circulation, so I quit wearing thongs and only wear cotton underwear now. I also quit using Tide and now use a hypoallergenic detergent. I've had herpes in the past, several years ago, but have no herpetic lesions, only dry, cracked, irritated skin! I also tested negative for herpes and Bechet's disease.

Here is my advice to all of you: Definately visit a gyno, but be proactive also and do your own research first! You might also want to get a biopsy. Here are some things this could be:

Candida (yeast infection)
Lichen schlerosis
Urinary tract infection
Vulvular vestibulitis
Lichen planus
Herpes or other STD
Trichomoniasis
Trichophyton
Bacterial Vaginosis
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Syndrome
Auto-immune deficiency

The best of luck to everyone!

sweetglowing

Hi everyone,

I know how frustrating these symptoms can be! I have had very similar vaginal issues to those posted here. I had sustained them for over a year. I had tried to find answers at my gyno and I even checked this site amongst other websites searching for any information before I found the conclusive reason for my condition.

I had small vaginal tears that came and went. My vaginal skin seemed thin, sometimes even appearing shiny. It often felt extremely dry. It also was consistently red and irritated. Sex was painful and could make my symptoms worse. I had a large “tear” in the crease of my buttocks, above my anus. All the areas would occasionally even slough off skin, like dead skin rubs off.

I tried the following based on information I got from a variety of sources:

1) Got tested for STD’s - I was negative for everything, except for HPV, of which shouldn’t cause any of these types of symptoms.

2) Used no soaps, wore cotton underwear only, wore loose clothing, washed gently, etc.

3) Natural Progesterone “wild yam” ointment – to strengthen skin (in case it was hormone related, which can happen in older women after menopause, but I’m 30, so that seems unlikely and I had hormone tests that indicated I was fairly balanced)

4) Prescription yeast infection pills and both non & prescription anti-fungal creams – in case it was yeast related. The creams tended to make my whole vaginal area burn even more. However, yeast can cause cuts, but I was negative. Be sure to ask your doctor for a yeast culture before they give you creams, etc. that may be useless or may irritate you more.

5) A steroid/anti-fungal cream mixture. - This was successful in relieving my symptoms, but didn’t seem like a long-term cure.

I tried to find hope in all these, and sometimes I thought something had worked, but my symptoms always returned. I wanted to know what I had!

I think it is important to not only communicate with your gyno, but also SEE A DERMATOLOGIST! And I don’t mean any dermatologist; ask for one that specializes in genital diseases. Mine specialized in STD’s, Genital Disease, and General Dermatology. The reason is that a general dermatologist may not be able to successfully evaluate you. I went a general dermatologist that had no idea and gave me the usual creams. Luckily, she had a fellow doctor that she knew might know more. She sent me to the doctor that eventually was able to diagnose me.

He advised the following tests to narrow it down:

1) Take Diflucan (a pill to clear yeast infections) - He had me take a dosage 3 times longer and stronger than usual to be certain. If it is successful, one should see a significant difference in a day or so. I saw no change.

2) Do a patch test. This was a 2-day test you wear on your back that can determine if you have a contact dermatitis. This means you could be allergic to something from your exterior environment. They test you for ~150 different possibilities (e.g. ingredients in toilet paper, laundry detergents, etc.) He even said that you could have an allergy that shows up in different areas than the area of contact. Example, you can touch something with your hand and get a reaction on your foot. I was allergic to a few things, but nothing that would cause my symptoms.

3) Get a biopsy, Of course this does not seem like a pleasant alternative, yet it was successful in determining the cause of my symptoms. The procedure was not nearly as dreadful as I anticipated. They take a tiny amount of skin for testing. I easily healed in a few days with no major discomfort or pain.

SUCCESS!

The test results revealed that I had very early stages of Lichen Sclerosis. The biopsy may reveal other conditions as well. This came as a surprise as most information I read on Lichen Sclerosis usually show the extreme symptoms and usually applies it to elderly women. I learned that Lichen Sclerosis can occur in young women, men and even children. It is an autoimmune disease. It is not contagious, can occur at any time, and the early symptoms can be exactly like mine. Many gyno’s are not aware of the early symptoms. Please note that itchiness was only occasionally a symptom for me, yet itchiness can be a common symptom, often making people think it is yeast.

Lichen Sclerosis can be scary; it can yield very devastating results if diagnosis does not happen early. There is no cure, but symptoms can disappear with treatment (a prescription steroid cream cleared everything up – I may have to use it occasionally to relieve any future symptoms). There is a good chance that it will not progress if kept in check. I’m back to normal, sex is comfortable (as always, be sure to use lubrication if you are irritated) and I’m happy that I at least know what I’m dealing with. Believe me, I know how frustrating it is to have symptoms and not know how to make them better.
Always ask doctors to perform tests for symptoms so you have conclusive results - yea or nay - so you are not searching in the dark, unable to determine if something worked for you for the right reason.

As far as birth control pills (they seem to cause so many issues!):
I had started taking birth control pills at the time my symptoms started (LS may be linked to fluctuations in hormones amongst a few other things), However, my condition had even continued a year later after I had stopped taking them.

I apologize that this is such a lengthy post. I just hope something in it could be an option in searching for an answer when there is so much good and bad advise out there.

hello_kitty

Hi, i've been reading your posts about vaginal fissues and paper-cut like slits, i've been experiencing the same thing for a year now. They keep coming and going but mostly appear a few days before my period. i know this is not sexually related (i've been celibate for more than a year now) One interesting fact to note is that with me this only started happening when i began taking birth controll pills (Diane35 i am taking the pill to melt ovarian cysts)...hmmm...i really think the pill has a huge part in contributing to the slits/tears...

artymuffin

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

lateintheday

wow, just found this forum through a google search & it's such a relief to see that i'm not the only one with these problems!

i've had a lot of sexual health problems in the past 3 years - which this year got so bad that having sex made me bleed so much that i often wondered if i'd come on my period.

after seeing a total of 4 doctors in the past year & numerous tests (std, smears) i have been diagnosed with poly cystic ovaries & severe thrush, my symptoms by the being:

-period pain like cramps constantly
-vaginal soreness (felt bruised)
-bleeding during sex or foreplay
-small cuts
-discharge
-pmt like mood swings but constantly


i came off the pill 4 months ago & this has really improved some of my symptoms and i am being treated through a low GI diet which has made me feel alot better.. but despite numerous thrush treatments (creams, pessarys & oral pill) the thrush won't go away.

i too am getting these small cuts on my vagina after sex / foreplay & my doctor doesn't know whats causing them - after reading some of these posts im wondering if its a skin condition?

anyway.. i just wanted to vent that - it's nice to know there are other girls out there who probably feel as frustrated & miserable as me right now! i'm so fed up with it all..

Wee03

Wow, I'm not alone! I have never posted to a forum before, so I hope I'm doing this right.

I have been experiencing much of same things for ~2 1/2 years now. My husband and I have been married for 4 1/2 years and together for 10. Initially I was seen by my Gyn and she was convinced that it was Herpes and that it is not uncommon for HSV1(oral herpes) to migrate to the genital region. However, I have had multiple recurrences despite high dose valtrex(antiviral treatment) for a year and a half!! I have recently been referred to an infection specialist who is not convinced that it is herpes and I'm so confused.

Our sex life is very different--I always had a great appetite for sex and now am just very apprehensive. I have the tears/lesions in the same region most of you mention: the lower region just outside of the vaginal opening. We have used lubrication, antiviral meds, neosporin, and most recently condoms.

What's interesting is that this began one year after I stopped taking birth control pills and at the very time we began to start a family. Sadly we have not become pregnant and have also seen a fertility specialist during this time--also no information, just unexplained infertility. I'm sure a big part of the infertility is the inability to have sex when we want/need to!!

I have never had problems with yeast infections, but I will try the over the counter med because I'm really willing to try anything at this point. All of the STD testing is negative as well!!

Thank you all for your input as I now don't feel so isolated. My husband and the doctors are the only ones I discuss this with and I have been a bit of a mess dealing with it all--and still unsure if it is herpes or not!!!

Shadow_fire

When I first read the name of this thread I thought it meant tears, like that you cry...wow I am completely retarded...seriously...

nectarinedream

I too have been having a similar problem. I have a chronic tear at the base of my vagina. My boyfriend's penis is quite large, and I didn't have this problem before, so I thought it might be him. Sex has been painful with him basically since we've been together (a little over a year) but I have only been bleeding for the past few months. We have tried taking breaks from intercourse so it will heal but to no avail. I don't use lube, but I am usually pretty wet before we begin. I guess maybe not enough? I find it especially bad when we have sex in the doggie-style position. We just had sex tonight and there was pain upon entry and I bled. On closer examination I notice that there is a tear about 1 cm in length at the bottom of my vagina - only it isn't a continuation of the vaginal slit - it's more like a little wound right underneath the opening. When I pull it apart, it widens almost like a little hole. I'd noticed this before, but it seems to be bigger now - almost like it hasn't healed, and is getting worse. I wonder if I should go to the doctor? From the posts here it seems as though there isn't much a doctor can do. I am on the birth control pill and have been for 10 years. I exercise and eat pretty well. I wonder too if perhaps the skin around my vagina is getting thinner and that's why it's susceptible to tears? I notice too that my anus often tears when I use the bathroom (I am not constipated). And I am also unable to have anal sex with my boyfriend because it has torn and bled the few times we've gently tried to put anything in. Anyway I haven't experienced any other symptoms: no discharge, itching or welling etc. Should I bother with a doctor?

bloody_rose20

ayrisa83

I have been having the same problems.. At first my vagina started itching at night and i stupidly itched it..it felt real good to itch it too...but it was NOT worth it . I have one slit like cut on each fold and one maybe, more on the bottom near the bum...My boyfriend and I then had sex the next night it hurt, but my vag was itching so much some of it felt good..(i know it sounds crazy but just trying to give all the details)....Then the next day the cuts hurt so much when i was using the bathroom..Then we tried having sex the next night but i had to stop in the middle..Now i'm having my period and can't even use tampons, because it hurts to even touch it. Now i'm just trying to find something to heal it or make it feel better....I will never itch that damn thing again...I know it could be a multitude of problems...The itching was the problem..Perhaps dry skin or vaginitis...But this forum and all of the others who have posted have made me feel so much better that i'm not alone..

Lilly1986

I really thought I was the only one with this problem.
And "Oh my god, its annoying".
I have been having a reoccuring slit on the lower part of my vagina for a couple of years now. It has destroyed the spark and have now thought of giving it a name, as its like the third wheel in our relationship.
I am so glad to hear im not alone but also feel so sorry for all you girls out there who have the same problem.
I think for me though it has made a difference when i relax and not think about it (like when i drink, I never have this problem).
Even watching porn or fantasizing has helped but of course as soon as I freeze up and think its going to hurt....it happens.
I have tried to speak to doctors, mum, sister and friends but none of them can relate.
Dont worry girls.....we will win against this and have a life full of pleasure...not pain!!!!!

graceface

I was browsing google to try to find something about the effects of toilet paper and I ran across this forum. Although I'm not dealing with the same issues (ie cuts on the vagina) I do have similar vulvar problems. I have interstitial cystitis that is a deterioration of the bladder lining and pelvic floor muscle tension which means my muscles are so tight that they are causing my pelvic area a lot of burning and pain, which could affect ones sex life. It makes me feel like I have a bladder infection all the time, but without any actual infection. Feels very similar to a yeast infection. If you are feeling like you have repeated yeast or bladder infections but have negative results I would recommend that you get tested for these two things. I would also recommend that you go to a Urogynecologist instead of a plain gynecologist because they specialize in not only the vaginal area but the urethra, bladder and bowel areas as well. If your gynecologist doesn't know what is wrong, ask her to refer you to someone who does. They should be proactive in trying to help you find out what is wrong.

I have read most of the replies and I think I will go to a dermatologist and get tested for some of the recommended. I have recently been feeling better after almost a full year of burning non-stop. But the past few days I have been burning again. I realized that I switched toilet paper brands and that might be the culprit. Does anyone know of a toilet paper that is very gentle and without any chemicals?

One more word of advice. If you are having trouble having sex mentally (ie, scared, loss of sex drive, etc) I would seriously recommend going to a sex therapist. I haven't been able to have sex with my fiance for about 6 months now because I've been so scared of it hurting, but I've recently started going to a therapist and I feel that my drive is coming back again.

mx5me

Hi all, I just want to chime in on this thread and encourage everyone with any of the symptoms mentioned to consult one or a million doctors until they get a definitive answer. This thread is actually how I first found TFP, and since then I've been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus. My symptoms probably started a long time ago, but weren't persistent and severe until more recently. I have/had flaking skin, severe itching, the infamous 6 o'clock tear that everyone's talking about, rectal itching and bleeding (yum!), skin thickening/color changing in spots. I was (in retrospect, stupidly) afraid to go to the doctor at first, fearing bad STD news or something, but I'm only sorry I waited as long as I did. My doctors are amazing, and biopsy punched me before I could count to three. The biopsy wasn't pleasant, but was worth its weight in gold for the diagnosis. They've shuffled me right off to an expert who wrote a book about this stuff, and I'm about to start treatment. My nurse also has LS, and told me of her mother's symptoms that went misdiagnosed ad untreated for years, until she was diagnosed with vulvar cancer. That risk does exist for the affected skin if this disease doesn't get nipped in the bud, so this is my public service announcement begging everyone to seek out answers and not settle with the discomfort and pain.

I'm beginning to hear murmurs of LS everywhere, and I'm really beginning to wonder just how widespread this is. When the nurse gave me the results over the phone, she said this was the third diagnosed case in their office this week. From what I'd read, I was under the impression that this is a rare thing that shows up in post-menopausal women. Well, it seems to be everywhere and I'm only 26, so...

HerdingCats

Thanks so much for this forum – I’ve been having similar problems for several years and the information and ideas here have really helped! I have had a recurring problem with a deep tear at the 6 o’clock position, and tiny vulvar tears began to develop recently. My husband was distraught that our romance was causing me pain. We are STD free, and otherwise in good health.

I have found something that works for me – somebody please try this, and write back to this forum to let us know if it works for you too!

I’m in my mid 40s and have put on a few pounds over the years- not fat, but enough to have a bit of fat/flab on my hips – And I have figured out that the way that I sit affects the vaginal tearing. I think that when I sit, my hips spread out more now, stretching and thinning out the delicate tissue, and causing the skin to be weakened and more easily torn during intercourse.

This fix involves relieving stress on the skin in your daily activities. It's similar to Kegel exercises – pinch your bottom together as you sit down, so that your cheeks are closer together. Be aware of how stretched the vaginal/anal skin is when you are sitting – readjust your hips and bottom if the skin is pulled tight, so that it’s under no strain. Especially watch the way that you sit on the toilet – that’s when I notice the stretched skin the most. Straining to poop may also over-stretch the skin. For a few weeks, we also tried positions where I was sure not to stretch the skin during intercourse.

The vulvar tears are gone, the deep tear is healing and no longer painful, and we’re both much happier now.

Try this for a few weeks and see if it helps!

Confused203

Wow. I spent the whole day upset (and in pain) thinking I was the only one. Last night the sex got a little rough and I was dry. My boyfriend jammed the top of his penis on my labia and caused 3 deep tears that bled a lot. This morning I tried to urinate, but almost blacked out from the pain. I went to the doctors thinking I could get something to make it feel better so atleast I could go to the bathroom but the Dr. only made things worse. She suggested that it could be herpes and took tests and gave me valtrex and ointment. I described to her how it happened and how I doubted it was herpes, but she insisted on treating it as if it were. I've always gotten little paper cuts on my labia during sex due to the friction, but this time my boyfriend really did a number on me. I'm wondering how long this will take to heal, and if anyone who has had this happen to them have gotten back positive results for herpes. Its really freaking me out and I only get the results back in 10 days so I'll probably go insane by the end of the week...Someone please help!

P.S. For anyone who has the pain during urination due to these tears, my doctor suggested sitting in a tub of warm water and urinating in there...and I could tell you it really helps!

talkowacko

She maybe allergic to those pads. Especially if they are sented.

lateintheday

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Janie

I don't mean to be insensitive about your particular situation, but TELL HIM. It isn't fair to him, and if the situation were reversed, I'm quite confident that you would want to know you're having sex with someone who has herpes.

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cheers to the motherland

StellaLuna

Ack! No! You tell him! You've bypassed "normal", honey. This is one of those situations where you have to be clear about your history. From your post it sounds like you're taking better care of yourself, which is great, and will help reduce your chance of an outbreak. Nothing is going to be 100% perfect--especially if you can't tell you're having an outbreak. Take your meds, take care of yourself, and take care of your relationship by telling him what's going on.

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Screw tradition!

lateintheday

reading your replies spells out how irresponsible i was not to tell him.. like i said, i just wanted to be normal - i've had alot of issues with sex over the years other than those i've mentioned & i suppose i selfishly put my needs first in this case.

anyway, i've called it off with the guy.

cadre

Yeah, I'm just going to add to the tell him list. You can still give him herpes even if you aren't having an outbreak and even if you're on meds and that fact alone is why I think he needs to know.

I'm sorry you're in that situation though, especially if you thought you were being careful. Hopefully you can learn from your experience and improve your life.

On the subject of the OP, I am told I have vulvodynia but I don't believe it. I don't have any of the symptoms you guys list so I am still working on figure in that out.

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My life is one of those 'you had to be there' jokes.

Jessica Kelley

Hi all, I found this forum because I was searching for info for these symptoms. I have the irritation and the tears after sex and I thought it was yeast for a while, then I thought it was just dryness . . . now I'm not really sure. BUT, I have been able to make it more manageable, by doing sitz baths with lavendar and flower waters. I read in a book about aromatherapy for lovers that dryness is cured by using jojoba oil for short term relief, and sitz baths with 10 drops each of clary sage and geranium. So, I found floral waters of clary sage and geranium, and I add in some drops of lavendar to heal and soothe, and this makes the pain bearable. Also heals the cuts pretty quickly. I also use a salve made of olive oil, comfrey and wild yam at night because that also helps w/dryness and cuts.

I'm glad I was able to find this site because it is nice to know I'm not the only person dealing with this and that there is hope. If you want to try those remedies, I recommend looking at moon maid botanicals for the salve and mountain rose herbs for the floral waters.

Good luck!