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.