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Is this Atrophic Vaginitis?

Posted , 10 users are following.

Guest
Guest

A year ago I saw a Urogynaecologist for vaginal soreness and urinary frequency. He diagnosed atrophic vaginitis and gave me vagifem. I used them for about 4 months and the problems went away. I stopped the vagifem because they began to irritate.

Now, 5 months ago the symptoms returned and are much worse. I've tried ovestin cream and ortho-gynest pessaries without success and am now back on vagifem but it isn't helping. This time I have noticed that the tissue just inside my vagina is red, sore and broken - almost like little ulcers. I have been checked for all infections etc - all negative.

Please can anyone tell me if they have the red, sore, broken skin there. I have seen Gynae and Dermatology specialists and they say probably atrophic vaginitis but so far nothing they have suggestsed works.

Any replies welcome.

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • karichimaka
    karichimaka

    Posted

    We have the same symptons, mine I know for a fact it's atrophic vaginitis, I can relate to the urinary tract infection, red, sore, broken skin plus itch, lots of it, my problem is that I had hysterectomy I requested to keep my ovaries, but, Doctor perform a total hysterectomy, I developed breast cancer underwent chemo and radiation that contribute to the atrophic vaginitis, I'm presently taking Tamoxifen which brings my estrogen level even lower, I live in constant agony, my urinary tract infections last for months same thing with yeast infections my gynecologist claims it's due to lack of hormones, wich I can't take because I can't risk my cancer to come back, my doctor said if I would have at least my ovaries it woldn't be so severe; I use extra virgin olive oil to aliviate the dryness and to hydrate at least the outside of my vulva.

    Another thing I used is vitamin E suppositories, I found that olive oil works better for me.

    • Bell_pepper
      Bell_pepper karichimaka

      Posted

      I have so much of the same issues as you. Breast cancer, hysterectomy. No estrogen. I've done the Mona Lisa treatment and it does help but I deal with irritation, urethritis, my bladder doesn't cooperate. I tried Replens and I seem to be allergic. I'm always uncomfortable in that area. I'm a widow so not in any sexual relationship. Would just love to get complete relief. Do you internally apply olive oil? If so how ?

  • evangielia
    evangielia Guest

    Posted

    Olive oil extra virgin cold pressed is very healing.
  • fitzroy
    fitzroy Guest

    Posted

    I don't know if the following will help but - so far - it has helped me.

    I have Atrophic Vaginitis and cannot take any hormonal remedies. I tried various home remedies and eventually found that Replens MD (a vaginal moisturiser applied by syringe) began to improve my condition. For 3 weeks I used it every 3 days (in the mornings, as recommended) and a lot of the damaged, broken skin came out (but not painfully). After three weeks, when all the discharge had stopped, I began using a syringe full of ordinary lubricating jelly (like KY) on the 2 mornings in between. That is, I use Replens, KY, KY, Replens, KY, etc. I've now been using this for over a year and, so far, it's working for me. I have even been able to resume sexual intercourse, although additional lubrication is necessary and long sessions are no longer possible! Give it a try - I do hope it will help you, too.

    • Maggieee
      Maggieee fitzroy

      Posted

      Will definitey be trying KY jelly after I'm clear again am on canesten for a few days vagifem twice a week but your idea sounds good 
    • fitzroy
      fitzroy Maggieee

      Posted

      I think your doctor is right about not mixing Vagifem and Replens. Before I developed a severe allergic reaction to it, I had two courses of Vagifem (each lasting three months) over a period of about three years and it was fantastic. If it works for you then I'd stick with it - I wish I could do the same. The trouble is, once you develop a bad reaction to these things it takes a long time to recover as your poor genitals are raw, abused and confused with too many chemicals. I found that, in the end, I just had to stop using everything and give my body six or eight weeks to rest before I began the Replens/KY regime I wrote about.

      What I forgot to say previously was that, for the first five months or so after I started the Replens/KY method, I also used a little KY at night, just using my fingers to gently smooth it around the entrance to the vagina and the external genital areas. This would stop the skin that is more exposed to the air drying out too much in the night. (During the day these areas are moistened by the syringe of Replens or KY gradually running out - you do need to wear a pad). 

  • Maggieee
    Maggieee Guest

    Posted

    I seem to be the same am trying vagifem twice a week now a nurse put me on replense as well but had to stop that as I had like an allergic reaction Dr said she wouldn't have put me on the two at the same time so at the moment it's all trial & error, the last week have had to resort back to canesten as have been really red & raw, but if you haven't tried replense do try because on its own I think I would have been OK,Atrophic V must be one of the most painful problems I'm now 78 haven't been sexual active for 10 yrs thank God, GOOD LUCK...
  • Maggieee
    Maggieee Guest

    Posted

    Thanks for that will try the the ky jelly for a while this is a brilliant forum 
  • marcy05547
    marcy05547 Guest

    Posted

    I've had vaginal atrophy for 12 years & can't find relief.  I've been on & off of vagifem and replens without success.  
  • fitzroy
    fitzroy Guest

    Posted

    The red, broken and blistered skin you describe is the same sort of reaction I had to Vagifem. Whilst, therefore, I'm no expert, I would suggest this is an adverse reaction to the treatment and not necessarily the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
  • maggie58
    maggie58 Guest

    Posted

    I have had breast cancer and experienced sudden menopause wirh the chemo and hormone treatment.  Painful intercourse follwed and no one seemed to be able to help until a gynaecologist recommended pjur med silicone lubricant.  Compared to replens, KY or anything else, it is streets ahead.  You can apply to the vagina and the vulval areas and it rehydrates and makes everything much more comfortable.  I would give it a go and see how you get on.
    • fitzroy
      fitzroy maggie58

      Posted

      Thank you very much for that suggestion. I've never heard of this lubricant but I shall certainly give it a go.
  • maria76995
    maria76995 Guest

    Posted

    Hi Guest, I wonder if I got the same thing itchy dry feeling down below and I had a for a while now...when having a bath don't help because the water is drying too,another symptom of meno,maybe put bath oil in the bath to sooth it and see what happens 

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