Does vulvar lichen sclerosus cause pain during intercourse?

Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Vulvar leukoplakia belongs to vulvar dystrophic diseases, and when accompanied by vaginal contraction, symptoms of pain during intercourse can occur. Therefore, when vulvar leukoplakia is discovered, it is necessary to actively cooperate with the doctor for treatment. Sometimes treatment with traditional Chinese medicine can be more effective, potentially slowing the progression of the disease and alleviating symptoms. Therefore, it is suggested that women with vulvar leukoplakia eat more foods rich in vitamins and fruits in daily life, which can sometimes help alleviate symptoms. Women with vulvar leukoplakia should avoid emotional fluctuations, especially when itching symptoms are pronounced, and try to avoid scratching with hands to prevent local infections.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus, also known as lichen sclerosis, is one of two conditions, the other being epithelial hyperplasia, characterized by the appearance of white patches on the vulva. Both conditions are marked by severe itching as a common symptom, though they differ in subtle ways. For instance, in the case of lichen sclerosis, the affected skin and mucous membranes become less elastic and thinner, as seen with the shrinking of the labia minora. Women may experience a burning sensation locally and pain during intercourse. When epithelial hyperplasia occurs, the local skin and mucous membranes thicken, often showing scratch marks due to extreme itching.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is the heritability of vulvar lichen sclerosus high?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus has a hereditary tendency, but the chances of inheritance are not high. The formation of vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally related to the individual's nutritional status and vulvar care. The main causes of vulvar lichen sclerosus are poor nutrition in the vulvar area, usually in patients with improper vulvar care, or patients with some other diseases, who exhibit significant vulvar itching. At this time, it is generally necessary to go to the hospital for a diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. If it is vulvar lichen sclerosus, it is mostly benign, with very few cases having a tendency to malignant transformation. Therefore, patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus must go to the hospital for a diagnosis and then receive treatment based on the examination results. There is no specific effective medication for this treatment, which belongs to a category of complex gynecological conditions. The effectiveness of this treatment is not very good, achieving relief from itching is already considered quite good. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus around the anus

Vulvar lichen sclerosus encompasses a multitude of different pathological types, primarily including simple lichen, sclerotic lichen, as well as lichen planus, Behcet's disease, vulvar vitiligo, and other secondary hypopigmentary disorders of the vulva. However, the primary conditions that can present with white lesions in the perianal area are sclerotic lichen and vulvar vitiligo. If the perianal white lesions are caused by vulvar vitiligo, they generally do not exhibit any symptoms and do not require special treatment. If the condition is sclerotic lichen, it may cause local pain, itching, and a burning sensation in the perianal area, particularly after defecation, which can lead to discomfort.

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Written by Niu Hai Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can vulvar leukoplakia be cured completely?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus cannot be cured. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is also known as vulvar sclerosis and is mainly characterized by atrophy, thinning, and depigmentation of the vulvar and perianal skin, turning it white. The symptoms mainly include vulvar itching and a burning sensation. Sometimes the skin may appear shiny, wrinkled, and less elastic, which can also lead to cracking and peeling. Treatment generally involves local medications and is primarily supported by physical therapy. While most treatments are effective, they are not curative and require repeated therapy.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Will vulvar lichen sclerosus affect pregnancy?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is mainly caused by long-term infection and inflammatory stimulation in the perineal area, leading to changes in the local skin. It generally does not greatly affect pregnancy, and normal conception is possible. However, during pregnancy, it is important to maintain local cleanliness and hygiene, and try to avoid using medication for treatment. If treatment is needed, it must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, using medication that has minimal impact on the baby. It is necessary to wash the vulva with clean water daily, and it’s important to enhance the body's immune resistance, strengthen nutrition, and promote the recovery of skin lesions.