Vaginal atrophy and painful intercourse: What helps?

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.

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.

Thanks for the info ladonnaa - I will try that.

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.

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."

@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

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!

@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!

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

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