VAGINA RED AND SORE ? VAGINAL DRYNESS OR CANCER?

Hello Dotsie,

Thanks for your reply, I dont know what to do with myself, I am just sitting here feeling sore and really upset and worried.

I dont have any other symptoms other than feeling uncomfortable and sore with a slight burning sensation.

I am really worried about using Vagifem every day for six weeks as everything I have read says every day for two weeks and then twice a week. I am also worried about the side effects of using Vagifem especially if I get any bleeding.

I did ask about using a soothing cream but he said I didnt need any.

Basically I am a 65 year old wreck and finding it difficult to do anything except sit about worrying and crying which I know wont help.

First of all, STOP WORRYING, you have all the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, red and burning are typical symptoms. He is most likely to want to do a biopsy to make sure its not lichen planus or lichen sclerosus, both of which cause vaginal burning, and redness with lichen planus. I have both atrophy and lichen planus. Its highly unlikely to be cancer, plus unlikely to be either of the lichens. just sounds like atrophy.

I saw a gynaecologist last year as I had some worrying symptoms. He put a camera inside and discovered my cervix was thin and bleeding he saw no traces of cancer as they did a test where they squirt a solution inside and they can tell by how it reacts. I was given Ovestin cream. Please dont worry it happens to a lot of us.

lynn, I've been using a small amount of hormone cream nearly every night for a year now. Following doctor's orders. I have seen her several times since I began and no problems have developed. I do not use it internally, just externally.

I don't know why your doc would say you don't need anything to sooth you unless he feels using the cream internally will solve the external problem. Don't forget, much of what goes up will come down.

If there was any sign of cancer your doctor would certainly have been suspicious, done tests, etc. Try not to sit around focusing on it. Do things that take your mind off it. Atrophy is not all that uncommon and different women experience it in different ways.

Thank you for your reply Laura especially regards why I may need a biopsy. How is lichen planus or lichen sclerous diagnosed and what is the treatment? Sorry for so many questions.

Thank you for your reply Louisa. I think I would prefer a camera instead of a biopsy. I know you said it happens to a lot of us and not to worry but I cannot stop worrying.

Thank you for your reply Beverly. Vagifem is a pessary used internally and not a cream. I think a cream might be more soothing but when I asked he said I didnt need any. I am really worried about using the Vagifem every day for six weeks when most people only use it every day for two weeks and then twice a week.

lynn, that's probably the standard dosage for women who don't have as much soreness and irritation as you have. If the pessary is like a tablet it will dissolve and also make it's way down, I'm sure. The doctor would not be prescribing a dangerous dose. This is a common problem which he doubtless has treated many times. If you hadn't seen the doctor I could understand worrying, but you've seen a specialist and you will be treated.

Why not have a glass of wine and relax. You have not been diagnosed with anything life threatening. You need to keep things in perspective. Do something fun and try to be grateful you are dealing with a sore area that is now being treated rather than feeling sick and wretched as many ill people are. All of us on the forum have issues and those on this thread have the same one you have. Why not do some research to reassure yourself of what atrophy is and that one way or another it can be treated?

Life goes on and we can still do our best to enjoy it. At our age worry is a waste of time and energy. Bottoms up!

Thank you so much for your reply Beverly. I do realise that there are lots of people far worse off than me. I would be the first person to tell another person what you are telling me. I totally agree that worry is a waste of time and energy and I will try really hard not to worry and enjoy living but right now it seems impossible. Perhaps if I can get some sleep tonight everything will seem better in the morning.

Hi, both of the lichens are either diagnosed by a dermatologist visually, or a biopsy. But they have certain distinguishing features that are obvious. I dont think you have anything more than atrophy. While you are waiting and using vagifem-- you can use it every night forever by the way, its so weak and is the equivalent of two hrt tablets a year, you can use Aveeno, or cetraben cream, they are both soothing, and your dr wont object to you using them as they are just moisturisers. you can use on any sore skin, if your vulva is red and sore, try it, it will help with atrophy as well. You may be passed on to a vulval defmatologist if you dont improve, but vagifem should help. Dont worry if the tablet is still there the next day, your body will absorb enough of it, even if it comes back down!

Why not call your dr's office and ask the nurse for a recommendation of what to use topically until the hormones kick in. Maybe the dr thought you were asking for another prescribed medicine rather than something harmless to soothe the skin. I would use chilled coconut oil myself as I know it does not interfere with anything. My dr who is a vulval skin specialist highly approves of it. This discomfort will pass, hang in there. Look at pictures of puppies on the internet if that makes you happy. You need to redirect your focus.

Thanks for your reply and help Laura. It is really appreciated.

Thanks for your reply Beverly, it is really appreciated. Unfortunately you cannot speak to our practice nurse on the phone, you have to wait at least two or three weeks to see the nurse or doctor. I will try chilled coconut oil or the others than Laura suggested. I am trying to be positive and redirect my focus.

Yikes! If you have a question no one is available?? We have to wait for appointments also, but not if it's a serious problem. They will try to fit you in as soon as there's an opening. But a nurse is always available to speak with. If they can't answer the question they will contact the doc and call you back. There are good aspects to our system but for the most part it is the insurance companies who control our lives. Most people don't realize it till they are without coverage or have a serious problem that those companies don't want to cover.