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vaginal atrophy

Posted , 21 users are following.

beverly52803
beverly52803

 I am a 66 yr old American not suffering from any of these problems currently as I am not attempting to have sexual relations and have not since menopause. My new gynecologist has very strongly recommended that I use a hormonal cream because of vaginal atrophy despite my not suffering in any way other than during a pelvic exam. She is afraid I may develop problems as only 20% of women seem to develop atrophy and apparently problems can follow.

I would like to offer details re my experience at the time of menopause (age around 50) when I suffered with extreme vaginitis. I took many antibiotics and tried various creams prescribed by my then gynecologist. I had requested Flagyl (metronidazole) as it had worked for me in the past, but the doctor insisted there were no indications that it would be appropriate. I suffered terribly for 5 years before discussing it with my GP who prescribed the Flagyl and I was cured. I mention this in case there is any chance that any of you suffering with vagintis coud be helped by Flagyl (even if your doctors say you won't).

I now have to decide if having a diminishing vagina is actually a danger to my well being (as strongly suggested by my current doctor) and  requires using a vaginal hormonal cream.

Has anyone had  atrophy that did not lead to further problems?

3 likes, 43 replies

43 Replies

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  • beverly52803
    beverly52803

    Posted

    netmouse, yes it's frustrating that they have this rule. Certainly we as adults can discern who is advertising and I haven't seen one post yet that is. Interesting that all drug names are acceptable. Don't drop out. It takes a while for them to remove the posts. You can also make reference to a product without naming it exactly.
  • yvonne81394
    yvonne81394 beverly52803

    Posted

    Since you are not sexually active currently, I have heard that there could be a problem with the vagina actually growing shorter and the sides fusing together then if in the future you decide to become sexaully active, it could be problematic.  I call it the ol' "use it or loose it"  theory.  It's sometimes recommended that you try vibrators (sex toys) etc., to keep the old hoo haa open for future business even if it's closed right now and that could be the reason doc suggesting the cream.
    • beverly52803
      beverly52803 yvonne81394

      Posted

      Well, that ship may have sailed. I think I used up my quota in my younger years and don't really mind not having a man in my life (I'm 67). Doctors seem able to somehow create vaginas for men; maybe they could make one for me if need be! Seriously, I'm not very worried about possible sexual complications. My concern is the potential extreme discomfort that women discuss here. Wonder what women did before there were hormones to take. I'm sure there are couples that no longer have sex in their "golden" years putting those women at risk also.
    • yvonne81394
      yvonne81394 beverly52803

      Posted

      I hear ya!  i think what women did back in the day was probably deal with it or maybe didn't live long enough for it to be a concern.  I'm in the same place you are.  Thanks for responding.
  • marl68639
    marl68639 beverly52803

    Posted

    I have been told I have vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal wall) so my doc just prescibed Etrace. I'm afraid to go on it because I understand that it's a forever commitment. I would like to try something natural first to see if makes a difference. Can someone please tell me if there is a particular Vit E capsule that you use?

    Any brand name...or any over the counter Vit E capsule inside the golden outside? I'm confused becasue theres a mention of a Vit E suppository? 

    • Pjdahling
      Pjdahling marl68639

      Posted

      Keys has a vitamin e suppository you can buy online. I used it for years but my atrophy got really bad over a month ago.

      Just started estrace.

      Really bad this time, urinary issues etc

      So upsetsad

    • beverly52803
      beverly52803 Pjdahling

      Posted

      Pjdahling, I don't recognize your name so I'm guessing you are rather new to the site (though I was off for a while and may have missed you). If you haven't read any of the discussions re the Mona Lisa laser treatment you should read up on it. I also do not want to use hormones if at all possible. My latest gynecologist prescribed Premarin cream for me, but I never filled the script. Since then I learned of the Mona Lisa procedure and plan to go that route if the atrophy starts to cause me serious discomfort and problems.

      Marl, re the vit E you can just buy capsules at the drug store and pop one in. They melt with your body heat. May need to use a pantyliner the next day. Some women have had luck with it.

      If you don't mind my asking how old are you both and are you still sexually active? I am 67and not active so I've been able to function with just slight discomfort in the form of burning. Coconut oil is soothing and acts as an antibacterial as well, I think.

    • pat29582
      pat29582 Pjdahling

      Posted

      I'm so sorry.This has started with me also 4 months ago .very painful and time consuming 😦

  • andree55719
    andree55719 beverly52803

    Posted

    Hello, I'm new to the discussion, and this forum, but suffering similar problems. I've been on vagifem for nearly a year, with a 3 month break, and whilst this has improved lubrication to some extent, I am still suffering from extreme tightening of the muscles. This is making intercourse very painful, and virtually impossible. I'm considering trying vaginal dilators to improve the situation, and hopefully be able to enjoy sex with my husband again.

    has anyone tried using dilators? Did they work? Any recommendations? Should I go through my GP or just buy over the Internet? 

    • beverly52803
      beverly52803 andree55719

      Posted

      Can't speak to the dilators because I have never tried one. There have been women who have posted that they have had (slow) success with them. No harm in trying. I don't think the muscles are tightening, but instead shrinking. I thought that didn't happen if you actively engaged in sex and it sounds as though you have. This is an old thread. One thing that is confusing about this site is that the conversations branch out. There is a new laser treatment for atrophy called Mona Lisa and people are reporting great success with it. It is not covered by insurance, however, and costs $2,500-$3,000 according to posts. If you would rather something that actually improves the production of collagen which rejuvenates the skin that is the way to go IMO. Put Mona Lisa treatment in the search box. People with severe problems are being helped. Maybe you would require only minimal treatment.

      Good luck!

    • mindy93747
      mindy93747 andree55719

      Posted

      Hi Andree ! I have tried the Dr. prescribed dilators . They are plastic and hard with no 'give' to them and I found them EXTREMELY uncomfortable !! I googled vaginal dilators and found a vibrating one with differant sized sleeves and it was MUCH better !! I can't remember the name of the site but it should be easy enough to find . Best of luck lady !!

  • marl68639
    marl68639 beverly52803

    Posted

    I don't see how I can "reply to all" on this site, so I'm replying to beverly although this isn't intended specifically for you..

    I just want to add that I went to see my gyno about 8 months ago after very painful sex. My boyfriend and I were on the outs as it was ( for other reasons), but I then learned with him that I had this Atrophy. Gyno was quick to prescribe Estrace after painful exam . I bought it ,but knew that if I used it I would have to be on it for life which was the part that scared me- even though she did say that it was very effective and safe.

    I called the docs office again and spoke to the nurse this time. The nurse told me that some women have had good results with over the counter vitamin E capsules. 

    So I bought "natural" Vit E capusles--and inserted one a night whole (you don't puncture them -they just dissolve while you sleep ) inside my vag, and honestly--so far 4 months later-- I'm much- much better.

    I have since met someone new--had sex with him with no issues at all. The Vit E is amazing. Also, it might be keeping me more lubricated in a way. 

    I was completely messed up over this notion of painful sex from here on, but that seems to be gone for now.

    Please, try the Vit E every night for several months. If you are not active sexually then stay sexually active with yourself in whichever way that works. All of this has helped me. I don't think it's only the intercourse thats needed, but maybe it's the orgasm--but I'm not sure --Im not a doctor. All I know is that the extreme pain for me is completely gone using these two methods. 

    I have had sex with my new boyfriend at least 6 times and have not had any problems. Sex was so painful before that I thought for sure I was bleeding internally. Never felt pain like that before.

    So my point is, try the Vit E. Get a good quality one that says "natural" on the container. Its very easy to use. The way Vit E heals the skin after a cut, I think it actually heals the walls inside! Also, I can't imagine how it can hurt so there's no downside.

    I hope this helps someone the way it has truly helped me. 

    • beverly52803
      beverly52803 marl68639

      Posted

      Marl, everyone who is following the discussion will see what you posted. Has taken me a while to figure out how this works also. If you want to respond to a particular comment made earlier you can click "reply" to that person and your reply will show up right under the comment you are replying to and will also be seen by all. If you want to send a message to one person only click on the little envelope looking thing & it will be sent as a private message to that person. 

      So...you have inspired me to use the E on a more regular basis. I sort of petered out. Can't hurt other than the cost. Thanks for the reminder.

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