What causes painful ulcers in women after frequent sex?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

The most likely explanation for your symptoms appears to be traumatic friction ulcers or tears, particularly considering several key factors: a significant amount of sexual activity, a report of pain during the last encounter, the onset of pain shortly after that encounter, the appearance of ulcers a few days later, and their persisting painful nature without signs of spreading or major changes since then.

Vigorous or prolonged sexual activity can lead to small tears and raw, ulcer-like areas, resulting in inflammation of the vulvar skin. These conditions may resemble ulcers, be painful, and typically take about 7 to 14 days to heal.

Another potential cause of your symptoms could be irritant or contact vulvitis, which may arise from factors such as friction, semen, lubricants, latex condoms, or even sweat and moisture. Symptoms associated with this condition often include painful sores, burning sensations, and red, raw patches that can resemble ulcers.

Additionally, a yeast or bacterial imbalance could also play a role, leading to fissures or sore areas and exacerbating the pain from existing micro-tears.

Given your description, this condition does not strongly indicate herpes. Typical symptoms of herpes usually begin with tingling or burning sensations, present as clusters of blisters, worsen over the following days, involve the appearance of new sores, and may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak.

Notably, you mentioned no changes over the last four days, no spreading of sores, no prior outbreaks, and that both partners have been tested previously. While herpes cannot be completely ruled out without a swab test, your presentation aligns more closely with trauma.

To aid in your recovery, it is crucial to stop all sexual activity completely until healing occurs. In the meantime, protect the affected area by washing it gently with water only; avoid soaps, wipes, or scented products. Opt for loose cotton underwear and refrain from shaving the area.

For treatment, I recommend taking Amoxiclav (875 mg of Amoxicillin and 125 mg of Clavulanic acid) 1g tablets, one tablet in the morning and one at night, for a duration of seven days.

I hope this information helps address your concerns. Please provide your valuable feedback to help improve my patient care.

Thank you.