Atrophic Vaginitis

Thank you, Jane. Fortunately we have a very strong bond in all other aspects of our relationship so I can't give up. Perhaps in time we can stop being angry with each other over this and find a way to be more gentle and lighthearted.

I also have a problem with bladder issues for which the Vagifem 25 was brilliant, but am not sure that 2 x 10mcg weekly will be nearly as effective, as already after just one week, the all-familiar cystitis burning returned. I had to use an extra tablet.

I also had bladder issues and my consultant gave me a tvt and I was cured from the stress incontinence. Best thing I ever did. However, I am still up 3-4 time a night and suffer from insomnia. I'm awake anything from 2 hours to 5 hours through the night. Good job I have a smart phone, I know all the news!

Well sadly I've come to the 10mg vagifem...just doesn't do it at all

A new Dr prescribed Replens to use in conjunction on Vagifem free days.

I found the 10mg useless and needed another the same evening (was sore from after lunch)

Today I used 2 10s ...a fiddle one after the other but worth it.... then next day free, next day Replens, next day 20g vagifem and on that means 3 Replens and a total of 60mg Vagifem just 10 up on my old 2 days at 25 regime.

Am spending a fortune on prescriptions though as Dr didn't appreciate my maths and prescribed one extra box rather than double the usual quantity.

I'll report back to see how I progress..

Just found this thread. I have lost one of my labia minora. The other is shrinking slowly too. My vagina is getting tighter. I use Vagifem twice a week (I don't get any discharge with it as I use the tablet suppository not the cream). I also use Ouvestin cream twice a week which keeps everything a little moist. I wash with Epaderm four/five times a day, an emollient cream on prescription. this keeps moisture in your skin. I use YES oil based lubricant, not just for sex but as a general lubricant as I am so dry. I hope my openness gives you some ideas. Sue I feel for you. For some time I was not able to have sex with my husband but I decided that I would buy some gadgets and there was a lot on the market which he thoroughly enjoys. But I also ask him to massage me, and use differnet techniques so we both enjoy the experience. remember you're not alone, and don't feel pressured to 'perform'

x

hi, Also just dicovered this thread. After viginal blood loss was prescribed vegifem treatment indefinate. Wasnt aware about effect on bladder even though I do get troubles have not mentioned it to gp. So wondered if the vegifem also helps in that area also. Noted think it was sciv mentioned it previously.

I now use 2 x 10mcg twice weekly and sometimes an extra 10mcg in the week if I feel I need it. This seems to be doing the trick and keep the burning bladder issues under control.

I found the new reduced dose of 10mcg was nowhere near enough for me without doubling it up. All the old cystitis symptoms were back within 10 days.

I have just been prescribed gynest cream. I've been using it for two weeks and will reduce to twice weekly. Does anyone know if it is safe to continue using sylk for intercourse?

I am so relieved to find that I'm not alone! I also have severe atrophy and am unable to have intercourse, I've tried but it's excruciating. I was treated with chemo and radiation in 2005 for anal cancer . I went into immediate menopause with no other symptoms except this. I'm only 49 and am starting to feel very hopeless about my future and the quality of it. My boyfriend was understanding and patient at first but after 4 years of only oral he has moved on and I understand that . I don't want to grow old alone . Has anyone had any success with dilators ? I've found them too painful and creams haven't worked. Any advice/ support would be wonderful.

I have suffered from atrophy for a number of years ( i am now 61 and in a new relationship !) . I am really benefiting from taking both vagifem , twice a week , but also a fantastic range of British , organic , highly effective range of lubricants from a company called YES (Google Yes lubricants). They offer an oil based and a water based lubricant . I seem to need both and for the first time in years can enjoy pain free intercourse. Please check them out - there are many many wonderful testimonials from professionals and sufferers . They a world apart from KY jelly , Replens , or Sylk - believe me i`ve tried them all .

June, I have read that only a certain % of menopausal women (I think 20) develop atrophy. My doctors have suggested that vaginal disuse adds to the problem, but I hardly consider finding some one to have sex with as the solution...especially as it seems many women with partners are also experiencing the problem. When HRT was recommended at menopause I chose not to use it and have had no problems other than uncomfortable exams since.

My current doctor has prescribed hormonal cream (Premarin), but as their own ads state it should be used only short term as there are no long term study results I can't see the sense of my using it as the benefits disappear once one stops using it. My doctor's theory is that using it could prevent (down the road) misdiagnosis because of increased atrophy symptoms that would involve invasive testing. Again, I can't follow the logic.

Perhaps if women were to write letters to the heads of departments of hospitals & clinics there would be a response. I'm not sure what else we can do. After placing 2 calls to my dr. I wrote a letter to her & she finally contacted me. Perhaps the system is broken and it is up to us to heal ouselves.

I couldn't agree with you more !! I had a male doctor and I personally feel it's better to have a female . A man can only understand the clinical aspects of a.v. . A woman is more likely to emphasize with the ramifications of our condition. And the emotional and psychological aspects . Only another woman truly can I feel. If it wasn't for this forum and the personal experiences all of the women here share I'd still be going through this feeling like I was a freak of nature . I'm sorry that anyone else has this but at the same time I feel relief. I can't understand why I isn't addressed more or why insurance won't cover the Mona Lisa . There is a big problem when the men have all these treatments for impotence but their wives or partners don't. I have a feeling this has been a huge problem in many relationships . Possibly the cause of infidelity . I hope that will change , and soon

I am 40. And for 1 whole year now I have struggled with vaginal dryness and Thrush every 3 weeks. I feel beaten... depressed... and really heartbroken that I cannot be intimate with my husband. I cannot remember the last time we had sex. But I do remember that it was painful and as usual I ended up with fissures and and ensuing bout of thrush.... my breasts have also lost all density. I feel ugly, asexual and useless as a woman. I am too young for this...