See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests

It has been several months since I posted about vaginal tears. Short update.
Did level one of protocol from Nov. 2102 to Jan 2013.. Did physical therapy, Sitz baths, and compounded creme designed to stimulate blood flow near vaginal tear area.
Tear closed. But tore again (outside of sex) mid March.
Tearing is due to location of tear. Not enough blood flow to area. And I sit too much. So back to square one. Options include:
1. Nitrate paste (compounded creme) which can cause head aches each time applied. So it works but have to endure headaches.
2. Botox injection to stimulate tissue growth. MD puts you asleep first.
3. Surgery: grafting skin, rebuilding the opening.
These are my choices. If my blood pressure drops too much with Nitrate paste application first time, will discontinue.
I'm 61.
I am trying to get more information about Botox (door #2). Are you familiar with this protocol? What do I need to be aware of?
Since I am not in a relationship currently, I can do one protocol at a time. Hold off on surgery. But then again....
Feel like I don't have enough information to make informed decision.
Thanks, Jane.View Thread

As I walk this path I am learning so much about the body.
I am recommending Dr. Lennox Hoyt, USF Tampa as an excellent practitioner. Not to mention your awesome guidance, Jane for which I am truly grateful.
My tear has not healed due to its location outside the vaginal entrance--
Short version.
1. Blood flow from uterus/vagina stops just short of spot where tear is. And blood flow from anus back to vaginal area, stops just short of the tear. Condition identified as Dyspareunia.
He proposed that with limited blood flow to area increases pain, and inability for area to heal. He used migraines and heart attacks as similes.
2. How to increase blood flow?
Take hot baths 3x a day.
Use a creme that promotes blood flow (script). Will provide name once I get creme.
Keep using the Chinese burn ointment for burns (repairs tissues, promotes blood flow)
3. Get physical therapy on pelvic area.
4. No nookie for couple of months.
Call back in 6 weeks.
The meeting was beneficial as I thought I had only two choices. Surgery or live with chronic tears. Please let other readers know to get second and even third opinions.
Thanks,
RhonaView Thread

I wanted to provide update regarding my vaginal tear and also ask a question.
Currently my tear is healing well. Skin is pink still but tissue is thicker and my current doctor wants to wait on surgery until/if skin tears again (via intercourse). No intercourse option in near future. So premarin creme (2x day) and Chinese burn ointment(2xday) workwed wonders.
I am interested in purchasing a SYBIAN--a saddle massage machine that has ability to stretch and exercise external muscles, tissues in vaginal area. Unfortunately machine is $1300.00. I have used machine in past and it is fabulous. Do you think it's worth my effort to find a medical doctor who might see value in having insurance pay or co pay such a machine?
We help men with Viagra (insured). What support machines or tools do we provide women who have chronic tears?
I have an appointment later this week with a pelvic floor specialist and am curious to see if it is worth my time to talk with him about this.
Appreciate your advice.
RhonaView Thread

If you were closer, I'd hug you. I scheduled an appointment with the top dog at USF uro/gyn department for next month.
Possibly he will vote surgery (surgeons like to operate) or not.
The first surgeon was also a Uro guy. Not gynecologist.
I have old tissue no issues-- cause I'm 61, post menopausal, and have already done 1 surgery on the area. Dr. Hoyt may say the same thing, my current MD says. Estrogen is not really working, but the Chinese liniment for burns is doing great. I heal fast, but tear easily. I also use an E RING.
There is one more compounded product suggested by current MD, but she said using it would still thin the tissue more so I have avoided purchase. It contains lidocaine and cortisone, thinning tissue even more. You definitely ask great questions. And are very knowledgeable.
Keep on trucking, I guess.
Be Well,
RhonaView Thread

I went to my doctor yesterday (10/11) as I incurred another vaginal tear with same partner. Seems as soon as area heals, we fool around, and it tears again. I have used both the Chinese herbal medicine and Estrogen creme 3x4 times a day for the past 2.5 months since I started having sex, and am now using Neosporin too.
My options include:
1. Dump the lover (possibly a great idea).
2. Live with tearing situation. Not a great idea.
3. Have surgery.
4. Wait on surgery till area heals. Start practicing with inserting smaller objects into area to keep area malleable. Then use real deal penis. If skin tears again, get surgery.
5. Encourage or build upon alternative sexual pleasure that does not include intercourse. And when skin tears, deal with it.
6. Avoid intercourse. Not a great option. One I have tried and will not do again.
----------------
I am disappointed because I am fearful of another surgery, Nor is my doctor real keen to do it, as we both know there is no guarantee area won't tear again despite her best effort.
I think Jane, that we don't know whether the choice(s) we make will be good or bad. We just make the best choice we can in the moment.
If you have any other ideas or sites I can check for alternative solutions please advise. Your input is valued by me and other readers.
Thanks,
RhonaView Thread

I am glad to share my journey with others. Since I started talking about vaginal tear with friends, all kinds of great conversations ensue about dryness, tissue thinning, fear, etc...and that's just what happens with women.
Using both estrogen creme and the ointment recommended by my Chinese acupuncturist. Will see my doctor tomorrow afternoon.
My concern about surgery is the scar tissue, but will report my update Monday 9.25.
I am using Lidocaine as well for some relief.
Thank you Jane for your support and encouragement.
Rhona
Glad my relationship is still in beginning stages...as I have a hard time saying no....whenView Thread

I wanted to give you update re. vaginal tear, chinese creme and premarin. Well tear healed okay, and area felt looser, softer. So I had intercourse and tear tore-like a split of skin. Pain is not as bad but made another appointment to see Gynecologist Monday 24th.
Not a happy puppy. Used lubricant (Emerita), but somehow position, or the size of the shaft or pure luck. This tear is bigger than original in 2007. Options at this point?
If I have surgery again, can run into scar tissue I think which defeats purpose. How do women accommodate themselves to chronic tear situation?
Please note in advance that I truly appreciate as a reader, and a woman the time you take to talk with us.
RhonaView Thread

I have not tried Lidocaine but see the MD again 9.10.12 so will ask about that as well. Am not familiar with vaginal neuroma--and will consider surgery again if Lidocaine does not work. What seems to be helping is a Chinese creme (really) that my acupuncturist uses with people who have ports for chemo--it relieves the burn area and allows for tissue regeneration. I am trying this for 3 weeks. Hopefully throw some nookie in the mix and will go from there. Will keep you posted Jane. PS. The estrogen creme has not worked.
How curious about a neuroma.....
Thank You Jane.View Thread

The rest of area is fine, lubricates well. Frustrating but will try surgery again if that is best option. Urologist did 1st surgery. I also use creme from Chinese acupuncturist which has helped reduce pain. No sex though. One week and still very sore. Massage therapist suggests using dildo (small) with lubricant to keep stretching muscles around area. If you have other ideas, please advise.View Thread
See Related Women's Health Communities
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Women's Health Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
