Vaginal atrophy and painful intercourse: What helps?

Yes, I saw a physical therapist who trained me in the exercises I needed and how to do them. I noticed a difference within 3 weeks. (No undressing). She gave me printouts of the exercises. I leave them in plain sight as a reminder to do the exercises.

Did you see a physical therapist for the training? I’m not sure if I need the therapy, but would like an evaluation. Maybe, I’ll try the intercourse to see how it goes.

So glad you had good results with that therapy! My mom has had 2 surgeries for prolapse years ago. I have done kegel exercises before. I became concerned that I might be hypotonic, since I’m such an anxious person and discontinued them. Perhaps, I’ll resume them.

Did you need a referral and did insurance cover it?

I asked my primary care person if she would write an order for pelvic floor training. I probably went to 4 sessions and she printed out the pages of exercises with instructions and told me to continue them at home. I am scheduled to see my Gynecologist on Tuesday and I am hoping to have a discussion about why he didn’t recommend PFT. The therapist I saw said he probably wasn’t even aware of it. I am so thankful I didn’t have surgery to correct because there can be pretty bad side effects. Good luck!

So, did your primary just prescribe it, or did they have to examine you to determine if you needed it. I have a feeling, they will require me to come in.

Did you need a referral and did insurance cover it?

@marjou I agree with you that vaginal atrophy is not addressed in the medical community. I was told in radiation oncology to use a vaginal moisturizer because of the radiation therapy. I also use a dilator a minimum of twice a week as this keeps the tissue healthier because the radiation therapy both scars and shrinks tissue. The main reason for doing this in oncology is to make sure the vagina can be easily viewed during exams. There are apparently women who do not do this after gynecological radiation therapy and then tissue at the top 1/3 of the vagina becomes constricted.

With all that said the nurse practitioner in the Menopause and Women's Sexual Health Clinic at Mayo told me that all women, sexually active or not, should use vaginal moisturizers to prevent vaginal atrophy. This allows the woman to feel more comfortable because sometimes vaginal atrophy can cause pain and discomfort. She compared it to moisturizer any part of your body. She asked me if I apply moisturizer to my face? I answered, yes (of course I do). So now I moisturize inside and out.

Do you think you might like to try this @marjou? If yes, I can post some links to products that were recommended to me and tell more about what I like to use (This post is already too long!).

@marjou I agree with you that vaginal atrophy is not addressed in the medical community. I was told in radiation oncology to use a vaginal moisturizer because of the radiation therapy. I also use a dilator a minimum of twice a week as this keeps the tissue healthier because the radiation therapy both scars and shrinks tissue. The main reason for doing this in oncology is to make sure the vagina can be easily viewed during exams. There are apparently women who do not do this after gynecological radiation therapy and then tissue at the top 1/3 of the vagina becomes constricted.

With all that said the nurse practitioner in the Menopause and Women's Sexual Health Clinic at Mayo told me that all women, sexually active or not, should use vaginal moisturizers to prevent vaginal atrophy. This allows the woman to feel more comfortable because sometimes vaginal atrophy can cause pain and discomfort. She compared it to moisturizer any part of your body. She asked me if I apply moisturizer to my face? I answered, yes (of course I do). So now I moisturize inside and out.

Do you think you might like to try this @marjou? If yes, I can post some links to products that were recommended to me and tell more about what I like to use (This post is already too long!).

I had ovarian cancer, so, total hysterectomy. I also have Sjogrens Disease, (dry eyes, dry mouth, dry skin….dry everything). I was so uncomfortable when I went to my gynecologist. I had not seen her for awhile, as, I saw my oncologist for checkups. My gynecologist diagnosed me, knew I could not take Estrace because of the cancer, so, suggested coconut oil. I have been using coconut oil for about 4 years now. It is wonderful. I purchased vaginal applicators online, and use it everyday, am & pm. No pain ever.