LOCAH related?

[pricklypear]

Hi everyone. This question may seem a little odd, but here goes...

I have LOCAH, and I am 24 yrs old (f).

I was wondering if LOCAH might possbly result in painful sexual intercourse, due to some form of closing of the you know what?

I have often wondered why sex was painful when I was sexually active. I put it down to thrush. Now that I found out that I have LOCAH, and from what is known probably have had it for about 5 yrs, I am wondering if this could be a symptom. I am not sexually active at the moment (nor have I been for 3 yrs).

And these days, 3+ yrs on, I can't even use tampons becuase it's just too sore, it seems like the opening is getting smaller. Anyway, I have no idea, and I guess that i should ask my endo, but I'm a bit embarrassed, and I only see her again in a long time. Knowing that I have have CAH, even just late onset (and considering what it entails) explains so many things about my life in the past couple of years, from the fatigue, stress, general illness, hirsuteness, and possibly this.

I suppose if it comes down to it I should see a gynae, except I really have no reason to get this problem sorted out at the moment, with so many other things going on health wise. (I have no romantic/sex life anyway - Prbably becuase I am too self-concious about the hair).

Anyway, has anybody else experienced a similar problem?

I would also really like to hear from others with LOCAH, and any stories that you have to share.

Best wishes, Angela

[Fee]

Hi Angela,
This is an interesting question and as I've wondered if I might have locah I can say that, from my own experience, I do find sex painful now when I didn't until the births of my children. But it could be down to my very low oestrogen as well as having thrush often too. Basically I'm post-menopausal. I do think tho, that if oestrogen is very low but testosterone is normal or high that perhaps this might result in some closing of the vagina...also, of course, the less you do IT, the less you're gonna want to do IT and things down there seize up a bit..maybe some of the more medically well-informed (like Dana) can answer this question for us. I also (when I had periods) found tampons painful, latterly. This was never a problem for me in my youth, however (I'm 40 now but suffered a rapid menopause at age 32). Hey, try not to get embarrassed talking with your endo...it's the only way they can help you, knowing the whole picture. I've discussed all sorts with mine including orgasms and he's male!:eek:
Fee

[pricklypear]

Hey Fee

Thanks so much for the response. It's good to know that there are others out there.

I actually went to see a second endochrinologist yesterday (to get a second opinion, and also to discuss other issues such as my sleep problems, as he is a general specialist) and he was very interested in my condition. I didn't talk about any genital issues regarding the CAH, but he actually brought it up and mentioned the possible enlargement of the clitoris as well as some closing of the vagina, as well as fertility issues. Anyway, he referred me to a gynae as he wants me to have it checked out.

Aside from that, I have some hectic queries regarding this CAH, and I am so confused at this stage. Is LOCAH the same as 'non-classical' CAH? I have read so many different things. Do all sufferers have insufficient cortisol production? And the big question- do I have no choice but to go on cortisone?

Well, cheers, hope to hear more from you peeps soon.

:???: Angela