1. < Women's Health

Vaginal Atrophy

Posted by daisysocal @daisysocal, Sep 27, 2022

Seems like vaginal atrophy is a taboo topic, yet so many women are suffering with this. I had breast cancer and was on anastrozole for 7 years. I’m not sure if my Intercourse pain is due to lack of estrogen from the estrogen blocker or from menopause or both. I have opened up about this with female acquaintances and have found there are so many women who suffer from this. It’s a subject so difficult to discuss with your husband, partner, doctors, etc. Many women have told me estrogen creams don’t work, Mona Lisa type treatments don’t help, and our sex lives are non-existent. I was a very sexual woman, wife, enjoyed sex so much. I am very active, attractive and fit at 60 years old. But quite honestly I feel almost worthless when it comes to being intimate. It’s really sad and I wish I could have normal sex again without feeling like I’m being stabbed by a knife, hiding my face crying, and swollen. In fact, I stopped having sex altogether about 2 years ago. It just really stinks.

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ladonnaa | @ladonnaa | Feb 11 5:47pm
In reply to @lhesse "I use coconut oil as a lube during intercourse, but am interested in hearing how you..." + (show)
@lhesse

I use coconut oil as a lube during intercourse, but am interested in hearing how you use it with a vaginal applicator. Since coconut oil starts as a solid, but becomes a liquid when it warms up, do you have a lot of drainage after application? How much do you use? Have you found coconut oil in a tube that you can attach to the applicator to fill it? If not, how do you fill the tube?

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I purchased Vaginal cream applicators from Amazon. 15 in a bag singly wrapped.Just plunge the applicator into the coconut oil,, it is forced up into the applicator. May have to put the oil in the refrigerator for about 20 min. I use about 11/2 in. And plunge into vagina as far as possible. I wear a pad for about 1/2 to 1 hr. Most vaginal creams can be ridiculously expensive if you use often enough.

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1 reply
sbrown293 | @sbrown293 | Feb 11 8:10pm
In reply to @sbrown293 "I asked my primary care doctor to write an order for it. Apparently my Gynecologist is..." + (show)
@sbrown293

I asked my primary care doctor to write an order for it. Apparently my Gynecologist is not aware of Pelvic Floor Training. My annual appointment is this Tuesday, and I’m going to bring it up. It’s such a better choice than surgery.

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I did have an appointment with my gynecologist. I asked his nurse why the doctor did not refer me to PFT. She said everyone he had referred for PFT said it was a joke, some said it didn’t help. All I can say is, I was and still am sold on PFT. Yes, I have to continue the exercises. I can skip a few days when traveling. I just get right back in my routine asap. Much better than surgery. There are risks associated with surgery. All I get from exercise is a stronger pelvic floor.

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lhesse | @lhesse | Feb 11 10:32pm
In reply to @ladonnaa "I purchased Vaginal cream applicators from Amazon. 15 in a bag singly wrapped.Just plunge the applicator..." + (show)
@ladonnaa

I purchased Vaginal cream applicators from Amazon. 15 in a bag singly wrapped.Just plunge the applicator into the coconut oil,, it is forced up into the applicator. May have to put the oil in the refrigerator for about 20 min. I use about 11/2 in. And plunge into vagina as far as possible. I wear a pad for about 1/2 to 1 hr. Most vaginal creams can be ridiculously expensive if you use often enough.

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Thanks for the info ladonnaa - I will try that.

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brandysparks | @brandysparks | Feb 12 4:24am
In reply to @roch "If you have not seen a specialist, I suggest you talk to someone about options. Mayo..." + (show)
@roch

If you have not seen a specialist, I suggest you talk to someone about options. Mayo Rochester has a Menopause and Women's Sexual Health Clinic. I have not been seen at clinic, but did see a provider in Rochester Mayo Gyn section who had excellent suggestion. Check if a local clinic provides specialist in Women Health.

I am 67, with history of breast cancer. I had a total hysterotomy in my 40s due to endometriosis, so been post-menopausal for long time. My primary provider mentioned Vaginal Atrophy in a clinical note but never said anything to me. I decided to follow up with a gyn appointment, and discovered I had lichen sclerosis that primary missed.

Because of history of ER+ breast cancer, any estrogen cream was not recommended for me.

This is Mayo Q&A on subject:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/vaginal-dryness/faq-20115086
It is funny that there are so many commercial about male sexual problems, but never anything about women sexual problems.

Do not give up.

Laurie

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Hope this isn't reaching back too far to you to respond to your Sept. 28, 2022 post.

I have just had laser ablation surgery (Feb. 8, 2024) and without going into specifics yet, wonder how your 'journey' with lichen sclerosus (LS) has been, as this has been with me for 40+ years, and has led to this current precancerous condition (VIN II/III) that necessitated this procedure, and must be followed every 6 months for 5 years. I've been following the LS condition regularly with each GYN I've had along the way, having lived in many locations across the country.

I read (in scientific journals that I can access, along with the NIH and Am. Can. Socy sites), that it has a high recurrence rate (the VIN level) - of up to 75% - even within the first year after the first procedure. LS is a life-long condition, very poorly known in the general population (esp. among women), and yet can lead to this serious state of being precancerous. Obviously I hope it doesn't ever go beyond being precancerous.

Hope all is well.

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brandysparks | @brandysparks | Feb 12 4:36am
In reply to @siosal "Hello A few years ago my gyno said i had lichen planus treated it and forgot..." + (show)
@siosal

Hello
A few years ago my gyno said i had lichen planus treated it and forgot about it. My newest gyno never noticed anything.
That was unfortunate bec i actually have lichen sclerosis which apparently has been festering a long time. Untreated it can turn into squamous cell cancer.
My dermatologist left her practice in july. She asked if there were any other skin problems i wanted to discus before she left.
I had her look and watched her shocked face. I immediately went on clobatesol the same as with lichen planus. That was followed by tacrolimus ointment. There is definite improvement but its something that doesn't go away.
During the last appt i had the dr told me of two vulvar centers. Never even heard of such a thing.

Over the last year or two many of my drs have left for other opportunities or left medicine. It takes many months to get appts. So i am on my own fow awhile.

Wishing you all the best.

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Posting this in Reply to your comment in hopes it may be of some help...

"In reply to @roch "If you have not seen a specialist, I suggest you talk to someone about options. Mayo..." + (show)
Hope this isn't reaching back too far to you to respond to your Sept. 28, 2022 post.

I have just had laser ablation surgery (Feb. 8, 2024) and without going into specifics yet, wonder how your 'journey' with lichen sclerosus (LS) has been, as this has been with me for 40+ years, and has led to this current precancerous condition (VIN II/III) that necessitated this procedure, and must be followed every 6 months for 5 years. I've been following the LS condition regularly with each GYN I've had along the way, having lived in many locations across the country.

I read (in scientific journals that I can access, along with the NIH and Am. Can. Socy sites), that it has a high recurrence rate (the VIN level) - of up to 75% - even within the first year after the first procedure. LS is a life-long condition, very poorly known in the general population (esp. among women), and yet can lead to this serious state of being precancerous. Obviously I hope it doesn't ever go beyond being precancerous.

Hope all is well."

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Feb 12 5:36am
In reply to @brandysparks "Posting this in Reply to your comment in hopes it may be of some help... "In..." + (show)
@brandysparks

Posting this in Reply to your comment in hopes it may be of some help...

"In reply to @roch "If you have not seen a specialist, I suggest you talk to someone about options. Mayo..." + (show)
Hope this isn't reaching back too far to you to respond to your Sept. 28, 2022 post.

I have just had laser ablation surgery (Feb. 8, 2024) and without going into specifics yet, wonder how your 'journey' with lichen sclerosus (LS) has been, as this has been with me for 40+ years, and has led to this current precancerous condition (VIN II/III) that necessitated this procedure, and must be followed every 6 months for 5 years. I've been following the LS condition regularly with each GYN I've had along the way, having lived in many locations across the country.

I read (in scientific journals that I can access, along with the NIH and Am. Can. Socy sites), that it has a high recurrence rate (the VIN level) - of up to 75% - even within the first year after the first procedure. LS is a life-long condition, very poorly known in the general population (esp. among women), and yet can lead to this serious state of being precancerous. Obviously I hope it doesn't ever go beyond being precancerous.

Hope all is well."

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@brandysparks

In response to your question, I am still struggling controlling my lichen sclerosus (LS). This is partially my own fault, I am not consistent with the medication, Clobetasol Propionate. I had flare up few months ago and went in for recheck. Was scared it had progressed to something else. First, it took months to get an appt with gyn provider. Like most speciatitis, it is hard to get appt. When finally got into to see someone, she confirmed it was LS flare up and told me to increase ointment for few months.

I think LS is under diagnosed. My primary stopped doing pelvic exams years ago and when I asked specifically about a problem, he missed the LS. I self-referred myself to gynecology dept and glad I did. Now I do yearly gyn appts.

Most women have no idea what it is or results of untreated LS.

Hope treatment goes well for you.
laurie

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1 reply
brandysparks | @brandysparks | Feb 12 5:49am

Thanks so much for your Reply - glad to hear you're keeping up with the appointments and following up.

It is SO true how many women don't know what it is, and in reading more about it, esp. through the posts here on MayoClinicConnect.com, there are so many that seem to be struggling with the LS condition (if they've even been able to get a diagnosis!)- (even my LCSW therapist didn't/doesn't know what it is).

BTW - check out the "Gynecological Cancers Support Group" here on MayoClinic Connect because TONIGHT (5:30 PM EST?) is their monthly Zoom group call. You can register - no charge, but you don't have to participate (speak or have your Webcam/image visible); I did it for the 1st time last month, and I didn't use the Video portion on my end, which is fine, as it still feels a private subject that I don't want my identity linked to in public or even medical forums.

I plan to be in on the call tonight. Most of the participants - at least the last time - were dealing with endometrial/internal cancers, as I recall, but one woman did Direct Message me that she had dealt with LS for 10 years herself, and was able - fortunately for her! - to manage it with Chlobetasol. The participants came from as far away as Hawaii, and it is moderated by a Mayo Clinic staffmember, though not a medical professional, as she clearly stated up front.

Best wishes!

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rashida | @rashida | Feb 13 4:13pm
In reply to @cashemire "@naturegirl5 Many thanks for your feedback! Actually, I brought up the subject of dilators when I..." + (show)
@cashemire

@naturegirl5 Many thanks for your feedback! Actually, I brought up the subject of dilators when I recently had to undergo the attempt to get a uterine biopsy, asking one of the gynecologists attending the procedure (they did not get a sample so I have to undergo a hysteroscopy soon). She didn't sound too hopeful about dilators saying something to the effect that since they are rigid it could cause things to tear. But it sounds like you had some success so that is hopeful.

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@cashemire I would go the dilator and coconut oil as suggested, anyway. You have nothing to lose and more to gain. I recently had a hysteroscopy - ended up being a failed attempt at one, because it was extremely painful!

Unfortunately where I live no hospitals do hysteroscopies so if I still have to go through another attempt I will ask to go to any hospital outside my city so I can be sedated - or at least be given local anesthetic!

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rashida | @rashida | Feb 13 5:01pm
In reply to @roch "@brandysparks In response to your question, I am still struggling controlling my lichen sclerosus (LS). This..." + (show)
@roch

@brandysparks

In response to your question, I am still struggling controlling my lichen sclerosus (LS). This is partially my own fault, I am not consistent with the medication, Clobetasol Propionate. I had flare up few months ago and went in for recheck. Was scared it had progressed to something else. First, it took months to get an appt with gyn provider. Like most speciatitis, it is hard to get appt. When finally got into to see someone, she confirmed it was LS flare up and told me to increase ointment for few months.

I think LS is under diagnosed. My primary stopped doing pelvic exams years ago and when I asked specifically about a problem, he missed the LS. I self-referred myself to gynecology dept and glad I did. Now I do yearly gyn appts.

Most women have no idea what it is or results of untreated LS.

Hope treatment goes well for you.
laurie

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Unfortunately in Canada a referral is a requirement. No one will accept an appointment without a referral from a doctor.

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minnette | @minnette | Jun 25 3:53pm
In reply to @leeosteo "Is anyone experiencing vaginal atrophy post menopause? Are you taking vaginal estrogen (or other forms of..." + (show)
@leeosteo

Is anyone experiencing vaginal atrophy post menopause? Are you taking vaginal estrogen (or other forms of estrogen) for this an associated symptoms (dryness, urine frequency, etc.)?

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I am postmenopausal and beyond the age of 60 so I can't use estrogen to help with vaginal dryness and atrophy. Also, I can't hold onto an estrogen ring so that doesn't offer a viable solution. Estrogen cream 2 times a week is not sufficient in my case. Does taking DHEA help other women with this issue. Are there other options? Minnette

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