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Painful sexual contact

Posted , 7 users are following.

lynne29584
lynne29584

I am 69 years young and have had a n active and enjoyable sex life. After my husband died I was alone for 5 years but then I started a new relationship. I found sexual penetration impossible as my vagina seemed to have shrunk to nothing. I tried lubricants but these did not help. I saw the doctor who diagnosed atrophic vaginitis. I was given Estriol cream to insert every night for 2 weeks and then twice week. This has not really helped and sex is still difficult with the penis only able to be inserted a short way. I am so embarrases at this that I am avoiding any contact with the opposite sex and have broken off the budding relationship. I have no irritation, burning or problems peeing and feel very well. Can anyone give me some advice? I did see reference here to a dilator and various pessaries and tablets. I neeed help as I do not want to think my sex life is completely over.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Sus28
    Sus28 lynne29584

    Posted

    Oh dear Lynne I feel for you, Could you see a consultant.?
  • Jayneeliz
    Jayneeliz lynne29584

    Posted

    Hi I have been diagnosed with atrophy and am just coming to the end of my current treatment programme. At first I was told to use the cream every other night but not just for 2 weeks but until it felt better and less uncomfortable, or if  there was no improvement to use every night. I have been using the cream for nearly 8 weeks every night and the atrophy is now about 75% better. I am going to see my gynecologist this week coming to see what the next step is. On my last visit he said that the instructions in the packet are not always relevant to each individual person and that you need to get the skin back to its original state and that 2 weeks is hardly never enough. Most gp's don't have a clue and they think its just vagina dryness when its much more serious than that. Do you see a doctor or a gynecologist ? I would ask to see a specialist who knows much more about these things. I was suffering for nearly 7 months before I finally found out what it was. I still get the odd day when its a bit uncomfortable but I've finally had many good days when all that horrible sensation is not there. Hope you get relieve soon and don't give up hope.
    • marykelly
      marykelly Jayneeliz

      Posted

      Hi  Jayneeliz ,I am following with interest your story .Please ,can you tell me hpw long are you suffering from VA and what wereyour symptoms ? I have a not too good gyn as she did not gave me a proper treatment for my condition ,I mean she prescribed me Estriol but just for a week. I cannot believe what she was thinking . I read a lot about this condition and following here nice ladies stories but I am conserned how long should I take the treatment. I am not going back to this gyn as she gave me lots of problems .Although before my consult I had no simptoms ( I had just the dryness ) ..after that I had burning,urge to visit toilet ,hard to sit on a chair ,after

      a month I started to be better ,so on ,so on . I am curious how long they will tell you to continue the treatment . How do you know that you are improved 75 % ? Thank you .

  • marl68639
    marl68639 lynne29584

    Posted

    I have a question...Does anyone know the difference between Estriol cream and Estrace Cream? My doctor prescribed Estrace - to use every night for 3 weeks, and then only 3x per week, but I am trying vitamin E first to see if it will work or not. I'm afraid to get started on these hormone creams. She said that this is the only thing that actually works. I just am afraid. Does anyone know this cream versus Estriol?

    Thanks!!

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