Patient's question:
I have been suffering from vulvar leukoplakia for many years. In my childhood, I was too young and ignorant to remember the exact time of the first onset of the disease. Due to not seeking medical attention, the condition was neglected. Now I have a loving husband, and we have been married for just half a year. We also want to have children in the future. But I don’t know if I will have the ability to do so in the future?!Question 1) Can I currently conceive? If we choose not to have children now, will I lose my fertility in 5 years?
Question 2) Can vulvar leukoplakia be completely cured? Even if it takes 10 years, can it be cured? I am very afraid of losing my sexual ability in the future.
Question 3
Doctor's answer:
Hello: I understand your feelings, but please don't feel too much psychological pressure. Based on your condition, it should not be as serious as you imagine, and active treatment should have no impact on fertility.The exact cause of leukoplakia of the vulva is still unclear, but it is generally believed to be related to the following factors:
1. Local factors
(1) Excessive vaginal discharge, keeping the vulva in a moist environment.
(2) The grooves between the labia minora and majora are relatively deep, and the folds at the clitoris and the anterior commissure of the labia minora make it easy for secretions, excretions (such as urine, menstrual blood), etc., to accumulate, making it difficult to maintain cleanliness.
(3) The vulva is often in contact with rough surfaces of clothing folds or friction, as well as items like menstrual pads, which can easily cause epidermal damage.
(4) The vulva is rich in nerves, especially above the clitoris and labia minora, making it more prone to irritation symptoms, such as localized itching.
2. Systemic factors
(1) Infection factors: Some scholars believe that Treponema pallidum infection is an important pathogenic cause.
(2) The impact of systemic chronic wasting diseases: For example, when suffering from diabetes, urine sugar promotes the growth of fungi and causes itching. Other conditions like uremia, folic acid deficiency, and macrocytic anemia can also affect local vulvar nutrition.
(3) Endocrine disorders: A decrease in estrogen or metabolic disorders, as well as an imbalance in sex hormone levels, can reduce the local resistance of the vulva.
(4) Immune factors: Allergic reactions can affect local vulvar nutrition, and an imbalance in the immune system may also be a cause of this condition.