Vaginal Atrophy

It's horrible isn't it.

My gp prescribed Vagifem over 10 years ago. It is a huge help.

I think there are a few other people here who have the condition.

I kept having Cystitis symptoms but urine tests were coming back negative, GP suggested Vagifem and I've never had anymore problems,

Vaginal estrogen cream .....I had that pain that made me want to cry.... started on pregablin to calm the nerves .....which worked well .....get your gp to check you ......made sure you got no dermatitis or LS going on.....as you may need gynar referral .... get a gp appt ASAP...soo you do sooner you can get on top of it

I have Ovestin on prescription. Vaginal atrophy was diagnosed by the Urogynaecologist. My main symptom is incontinence but the Ovestin stops that.

Hello , I sympathise , I was suffering for a while . My GP was lovely and after an examination she prescribed vaginal oestrogen which is a tiny tablet you insert with an applicator . It sticks to the vaginal wall .It's less messy than the cream which I had tried first .
I haven't looked back and feel so much better , no more discomfort and I've got my sparkle back .
She also gave me vagifem to use topically if needed .
I think the effects of menopause and age creep up on us and symptoms flare up which we try to resolve with over the counter remedies which work for the short term .
My GP gave me a complete gynaecology examination and also addressed the other issues I was having such as UTIs , prolapse etc . I was so glad I went to see her as I'd been suffering in silence . Incidently I'm 63 and went through menopause 10 years ago .
Good luck , see a lady GP , you'll be sorted soon and more comfortable.

Go to your GP and just ask. I was given Ovestin, but as it is difficult to get, am now prescribed Blissel. Absolute game changer. You will be so pleased. Good luck

Thank you all for your experiences it helps ❤️

I attended appointment and I have yet another uti third this year and after examination I do have VA. I have been prescribed Estradiol 10mg.

I am nervous about using any new meds especially after reading side effects. But desperate to not feel uncomfortable all the time, dictating what I am wearing trousers etc as that’s feeling really uncomfortable right now.

I should have asked when will meds kick in.

After several UTIs I was referred to a hospital consultant who was a urogenital specialist. She prescribed Blissel gel and I have never looked back. Intimacy is no longer uncomfortable, I no longer have to get up to use the toilet at night and no more UTIs, it’s been life changing. The oestrogen dose is extremely low and therefore nowhere near that of oral HRT and completely safe. There is a wonderful FB group called Vaginal Atrophy, you will get lots of answers there.

Good luck with your medication Rainbow24 👍 I hope it kicks in quickly for you.
I’m a fan of Vagifem-never had any problems once I started using it 8 or so years ago.

Thank you ☺️

Good luck , use it as prescribed and you'll feel an improvement after 2 or 3 weeks , be very diligent in then using it twice a week or your symptoms will return . I know what you mean about trousers , jeans were a nightmare and I lived in leggings . It will improve , I assure you . Take care 🙂

Ovestin cream works well for me. It’s very low dose, and you use it twice a week after the initial daily use for a fortnight.
I set up a prescription account at Boots, and repeat prescriptions are easy to get through an email. GP does a review every couple of years.

Vagifem is a life changer x

I started a thread about this 23/6/23 if you want to read it.
I started using Vagifem as prescribed by the hospital twice a week and my symptoms soon cleared up. I now only use it once a week as I'd hate for them to recur.
I read 'Me and my Menopausal Vagina' by Jane Lewis(available online) which I found useful.
Don't be scared or embarrassed, you are not alone.

Yep . It’s hideous. Vagifem is a god send . Took me a long time to get diagnosed. But now insert 2tablets weekly & no more problems. I’m 66 .

Hi. I was prescribed Estriol cream about 10years ago. It works a treat. It did however take a couple of months to kick in.

I just had it diagnosed this week. It’s very unpleasant. Dr gave me Vagifem to use every day. Hopefully it will help. I was worried it was a return of a prolapse for which I had surgery at least 10 years ago. Good luck.

I've just had a look for that group but can't find it on FB

It’s like peeing through Razer blades isn’t it?

Yes, it’s an auto immune illness so you’ll likely experience a flare up from time to time, depending on your general health.

My GP also prescribed Vagifem initially but it wasn’t enough on its own to deal with a serious outbreak and she referred me to a urinary gynaecologist who is so kind and gentle.

He prescribed dermovate cream to use twice weekly and daily when it flares up. I also take a vagifem pessary twice a week as well.

I now see the Consultant every 6 months for a check up.

@Rainbow 22, I have a condition called Lichen Sclerosis, which has caused vaginal atrophy. I would suggest that you have ask for referral to a Dermatologist or a Gynaecologist for a definitive diagnosis of whatever it is. My gynaecologist referred me to a dermatologist because she suspected LS. It helped me a lot. Good luck.

Don’t suffer in silence!!

If the Vagifem doesn’t resolve the symptoms entirely, then ask for a referral to a urinary gynae consultant.

The dermovate cream took less than a week to clear up the worst symptoms I had.

Why isn’t there an edit button like on Mumsnet??

Yes, I should have added that I was also diagnosed with Lichens Sclerosis by the Gynae chap.

Vagifem amazing!!

I’ve got VA, although it is now also called GSM - genitourinary symptoms of menopause. I have previously had oestrogen pos breast cancer in the past. My VA was unbearable and upsetting, so was finally prescribed Ovestin cream which helps. It’s a very upsetting condition particularly as I would like to date.