Ask a doctor on the topic of Dermatology

Cracks in the mucous membrane

February 27, 2012 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Hello,

I am currently having some issues with my genitals. I am 42 years old and have 2 children (3 and 5). I have been using the Mirena for nearly 2 years and have been experiencing very irregular and varying length bleeding since then.
For the past few weeks, I have had a very sensitive mucous membrane on my labia. Even with careful drying, very painful cracks in the skin form that take a few days to heal. I have completely stopped using care products and now only clean with water. During intercourse, I often experience tears, and sometimes I have spotting the next day.
Recently, while shaving, I noticed some small dark spots on one of my outer labia (like dabbed with a pen) and also have a small open wound on the edge of the labia in the groin area, which I discovered a few days ago.

At the moment, I feel like an alien because everything seems to be wrong down there. I have already made an appointment with my gynecologist, but I could only get it for next week. Since I am already quite restless, especially after discovering these spots, I thought you might have some advice in advance.

Thank you very much.

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good day,

as you describe it, there is likely a changed vaginal environment underlying. A possible cause may be estrogen deficiency, which leads to a dry vagina and also to colonization/infection with fungi. Due to the dry vagina, it can easily lead to pain and irritation of the vagina and cervix. The spotting after intercourse is so-called contact bleeding, which should urgently be clarified by an examination with your gynecologist. The dark spots you found on the labia may indicate bleeding within the skin, but also a fungal infection. This can also be detected by a simple examination with your gynecologist.

Please do not be unsettled. An examination by a gynecologist will give you security, and the right treatment will quickly relieve your symptoms.

Please avoid using moist toilet paper. Additionally, intimate shaving is not advisable for now. Please wear loose underwear, as tight panties contribute to a warm and humid environment, promoting a fungal infection.

All the best!