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Vaginal Atrophy. When will it go away

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Started out as burning then went to feeling like I was sitting on sandpaper now it is just miserable discomfort.  Occasionally lightens up but never goes away.  Been using Premarin cream  for a few months.  Feeling very discouraged.  Can not live like this forever.  Anyone have any thoughts?

0 likes, 107 replies

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  • shelia22921
    shelia22921 Guest

    Posted

    Estrace made me burn worse, Vagifem is like a pill form melts not hitting the tissue all at once it worked for me. hang on it will get better everything has a beginning and end.
  • lorrie70
    lorrie70 Guest

    Posted

    I'm in the same boat.  The burning started nine months ago after having IV antibiotics and using two doses of Monistat, two of Terconazole and one of Metrogel.  I was told by one gyn that I had vulvodynia.  I recently went to a pelvic floor specialist and he prescribed a pea size amount of estrace applied to the vulva nightly.  He did not tell me whether I should apply this to the urethra as well as the labia.  It does not burn when I apply it at night and go to bed, but I burn most of the day.  I called to have him order the compounded cream and he said I had to try this for three weeks first.  I hear you about not being able to live like this.  I've been to three gynecologists and a dermatologist and tried various prescriptions, OTC creams, Replens, coconut oil, olive oil and everything that touches the vulva burns.  Looking forward to hearing some advice.

    • sheila46003
      sheila46003 lorrie70

      Posted

      hi lorrie now I am trying vagifem again the gynecoligist said that is the only way to get relief And she also said I have to persist I guess that means keep on trying it in between I use olive oil organic estra virgin

      sheila

    • lorrie70
      lorrie70 sheila46003

      Posted

      Hi, Sheila,

      My insurance doesn't cover vagifem.  I even called Canada to see if I could get it, but my doctor wants me to use estrace for now.  I used olive oil the day after estrace and I burned and itched.  When I was at my worst, I could not use coconut oil, but I tried it today and it relieved the itching.  I think the trick is to use the estrace at night after a shower, rinse it off in the morning and apply coconut oil.  I am trying everything and anything!  I'm not sure if I am posting correctly, so someone please let me know if I'm not.

    • wendy62425
      wendy62425 lorrie70

      Posted

      Hi Lorrie

       does your insurance cover Yuvafem?  It's the generic for Vagifem and should be covered. Yes use Vagifem or ( Yuvafem ) or if you use Estrace cream, always use at night before getting into bed....works best. Before I started the Vagifem my GYN had me use the Estrace cream for 2 weeks then started Vagifem.

      Yes, if Vagifem or Yuvafem is not covered on your insurance...Canada is rhe way to go costing less. It could take weeks to get meds.

    • wendy62425
      wendy62425 sheila46003

      Posted

      Hi Shiela

      Your GYN is so right about Vagifem.  You have to keep using it or you will not heal.  Yes it does take a few weeks but you will feel normal again.  As mentioned my GYN had me use Estrace cream for 2 weeks first then had me start the Vagifem 2xweekly.  If you have Atrophic Vaginitis you have to keep taking it as if you stop the discomfort will come back.  The Vagifem is a blessing to feel normal again!

    • lorrie70
      lorrie70 wendy62425

      Posted

      Hi, Wendy,

      I just checked and my insurance doesn't cover Yuvafem either.  The only estrogen it covers is Estrace.  I called the pelvic floor doctor and requested an rx for the compounded estrogen cream and he will not prescribe it until I try Estrace for 3 weeks.  I have a follow up at the end of July and if I am still having problems, I am going to insist on the compound.

    • wendy62425
      wendy62425 lorrie70

      Posted

      Hi Lorrie

      The Estrace should help you.  My doctor got an authorization with insurance company to cover Vagifem.  They approved it.  Please use Estrace at night at bedtime.

    • wendy62425
      wendy62425

      Posted

      The doctors need to fight with these insurance companies for us women that suffer with AV.  To get the Vagifem or Yuvafem we need to feel normal!
    • lorrie70
      lorrie70 wendy62425

      Posted

      Wendy,

      I do use Estrace at night right before bed.  It doesn't bother me all night while I'm asleep but the burning and itching happens during the day.  Today is the first day I used coconut oil and it was a better day than most.  Also, I changed my soap for the fourth time.  I am now using Neutrogena fragrance free for sensitive skin.  It's made for the face, but it is better than all the others:  Dove, Basis, glycerin.  I think the glycerin was the worst.  It's labeled as unscented, but it's made with essential oils which have a fragrance.

    • wendy62425
      wendy62425 lorrie70

      Posted

      It does take time for the vaginal walls to heal with Estrace and with Vagifem....but when it heals you will have normal life again.  
    • lorrie70
      lorrie70 wendy62425

      Posted

      Wendy,

      I've only been using Estrace for about two weeks.  I don't think I have atrophy in the vaginal walls, but mostly externally.  Two gynecologists and my dermatologists said I have "irritation".  Well, it has lasted eight months.  This is why I'm thinking I have vulvodynia along with VA.

    • wendy62425
      wendy62425 lorrie70

      Posted

      Hi Lorrie

      i have the Atrophy and not good with intimacy with my husband.......Good if you do not.  I hope you are able to find out what is going on soon!

      us ladies have so much that can go wrong health wise!  Ugh!

      have a good day!

      Wendy

    • lorrie70
      lorrie70 wendy62425

      Posted

      I had a "not so bad" day yesterday, and today has been one of the worst.  I started using coconut oil yesterday which at first I thought it helped.  I itched and burned so bad today that I am ready to stop Estrace and the coconut oil until I see the dr. in two weeks.  I was doing pretty well on hydrocortisone 1% and was told I could use it with no bad effects.  I am going to stop the Estrace tonight and begin using the hydrocortisone twice daily until I see the dr.  I'm worse off now than I was when I went to see him.  I don't know why he just won't prescribe the compounded estrogen.  I need to get better before our road trip in ten days.Wendy.  Rarely intimate since this started.

       

    • wendy62425
      wendy62425 lorrie70

      Posted

      Hi Lorrie

      Im sorry sorry to hear this......I wouldn't wait for two weeks to see your doctor.  Can you call his office and share what is going on with you with your symptoms......especially as you have a road trip in 10 days.  By your symptoms he should be able to know what is happening and to tell you what to do now.  For me if I stopped the Vagifem I would go back to the discomfort. I so hope you will be able to call and get help sooner.

    • lorrie70
      lorrie70 wendy62425

      Posted

      Wendy,

      I'm not sure where my post went!  I went to "start a discussion" and now I can't find it.. I did call the dr. about half an hour ago.  He replied instantly.  He wants me to call the office tomorrow and come in to see him.  He asked if I was any better, and I told him that I was worse since starting estrace.  It pays to call on the weekend to actually call a dr. and not a medical assistant.

    • sheila46003
      sheila46003 lorrie70

      Posted

      I am on vagifem again 

      thank you for caring it is so nice to have women in the same boat as us

    • lorrie70
      lorrie70 Rhiannon_5000

      Posted

      I'm OK with Neutrogena fragrance free soap for sensitive skin.  I use that at night at rinse with warm water and a hand  held bidet in the morning.  Sometimes, just the water burns though.

    • lorrie70
      lorrie70 Dotsie

      Posted

      I don't feel clean washing with just water.  I only apply soap for a few seconds and then rinse.

    • Dotsie
      Dotsie lorrie70

      Posted

      Use the hydromal ointment and see if that improves. I totally understand how you feel about soap. I do use abit of Sanex briefly on the outside. Giving up smoking really helps if you smoke...for the blood 😊

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