Does lichen sclerosus cause vaginal tears during sex?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been having some vaginal problems for the past five months, it started with a tiny tear at the bottom of the opening after sex, and it would recur every time by doing sex. I waited for a month, and it progressed into redness and inflammation around the opening and a sore vulva. It hurts to wear underwear. Most of the soreness and redness have gone now. I have seen about ten doctors, and they all said I was fine. I have had blood work and swabs for everything, and every doctor says that it is contact dermatitis and that I am just not letting the tear heal for long enough. One general practitioner said he suspected lichen sclerosus, although I have no white spots and itching. So I went to my gynecologist and told him, he was sure it was not that, but he could do a biopsy to ease my mind. I also have very bad anxiety, so I wonder if this could contribute to everything. I have been on the medication Minocycline for acne for almost a year and stopped taking it about a week ago. I have heard it can cause vaginal issues, but I am unsure if this is true?

Should I trust the countless doctors assuring me that I do not have lichen sclerosus, or should I get a biopsy?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First, be positive, and you will surely get rid of this issue soon.

I have also seen your sent pictures (attachment removed for patient's identity protection).

You have been on Tetracycline (an antibiotic that covers many infections) for acne. I am scared if you continue taking medication for so long and frequently, you could develop resistance against it.
Take some health precautions. I hope you will feel better.
Check for any medical health issues and have complete treatment for them. But remember, do not over-treat it. Recurrently taking it for a long time can have interactions and can develop resistance.
Eat healthy, nutritious food with less oil, salt, sugar, and spice.
Daily yoga, exercise, and swimming at least once a week for physical health and normal weight and BMI (basal metabolic index).
Try to quit recreational drugs and have recreational activities regularly. It would be best if done as a couple.
Maintain strict hygiene.
Use soft, comfortable cotton undergarments.
Use condoms to avoid sexually transmitted diseases till you get rid of the issue.
Use olive oil only as a lubricant before sex. Avoid any product locally, just apply olive oil or water.
Take a tablet of Ponstan (progestron) 500 milligrams before sex if you feel that you will have pain and calm yourself.
Mintain better general health.

Thank you.

Does lichen sclerosus cause vaginal tears during sex?

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