Post Pap agony x 6 months

@paddleboard1 Your medical history sounds so painful and very sad to me. You went from being a happy and very active person to chronic pain that is so affecting your life. Like you, I have vaginal atrophy and no one locally where I live was even remotely helpful with what to do. I did not go through what you are going through since your pap was done 6 months ago. But something is definitely not right. Here is my suggestion and what has worked best for me.

I was already a patient at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. In talking with my gynecology nurse practitioner, she suggested that I go to the Mayo Menopause and Sexual Health Clinic. This was and still is a game changer for me. This clinic offered me consults with physicians, nurses, and a psychologist who are trained in women’s sexual health. They showed me vaginal lubricants to use and suggested that I use one of these every night to the outer labia just as I apply facial lotion. They showed me how to correctly use the Estradiol vaginal estrogen cream I had been prescribed. I could go on and on but I think you get the idea. Suddenly I was surrounded by caring and knowledgeable providers who know and understand what we women need.

Mayo Clinic Menopause and Women’s Sexual Health Clinic:

— https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/menopause-womens-sexual-health/overview/ovc-20487915

If you cannot go to Mayo Clinic I hope this information will help you to find a similar clinic closer to where you are located.

Finally I’d like to say something I thought when I first read your post. I hear you.

Will you have a look at the Mayo website and see if that helps you figure out next steps?

So sorry to read about your experience. Were you diagnosed? Is it vaginal atrophy? I only found out about the potential symptoms when I researched it on my owm, though I had no symptoms. If I had known, I’d have taken HRT for sure. Thankfully, I went on local estrogen last year. I’m considering oral.

I hope you can find a top expert to help. I’ve found some videos on YT by female urologist, who are trying to get the word out. Why none of my gynecologists or female primaries ever mentioned anything about atrophy, I’ll never know. It’s outrageous.

I’ll look forward to seeing what you find out. Sending warm, well wishes your way!

Ty so much for responding. Mayo Rochester is one that I have had on hold in my mind. I am in Virginia , however , I need more… I will reach out on line today. Debilitating in every way….there is a clinic in DC , however your initial visit is 1650$ as they do not file insurance. This issue is so misunderstood … by anyone that has not experienced pain like this ..

Ty🙏

Not sure where in VA you are. I use Duke for a lot for my specialty treatment now. It’s near I-85, not too far from NC/VA state line and easy to get to.

I am not far. About 3 hrs from Duke. Can you share who you would recommend …I did reach out on line to Mayo but would welcome any suggestions. I believe we suffer in silence often ..

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. What a nightmare you’ve been through. Hopefully others will share their similar experiences with you. Hope you find answers soon.

paddleboard1,
I am sorry for your ordeal.
I went through something similar and finally found a female uro-gynecologist who helped me. She performed a painful pelvic exam and said that the tissue was so white that she feared a serious problem.
After a week of estrogen cream and starting pelvic floor exercises, I was 90% better. So, I do keep up with estrogen cream and PT.

I don’t use Duke for my gynecology needs, because I’ve been really fortunate with that, but I do for Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, gastroenterology and ENT.

They have several gynecologists who are certified Menopause specialists and a uro-gynecologist in their site, I’ll pm you her name.

You can check it out and do what seems best for you.

I feel your pain! I, too, have vaginal atrophy. I had UTI after UTI, burning pain, miserable…couldn’t “fix” it. Went to my gynecologist and she put me on Estradiol cream. Burned even worse. Stopped taking that. She seemed to be at a loss too.

Long story short, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, I went back to gynecologist when the nurse and I were casually discussing my situation. Told her I was going crazy with burning, itching, pain, UTIs, etc. That’s when she asked if I use vaginal moisturizer (NOT lubricants unless you are going to have relations). What?! No. Didn’t know about vaginal moisturizers, only lubricants for relations.

Went home and did my homework about vaginal moisturizers. I selected Ah Yes! vaginal moisturizer. It made 100% difference the first week. I started inserting the moisturizer every 2 days and used the tube of the same moisturizer on the labia. After a month, I now use the vaginal moisturizer only twice a week. 100% relief…wonderful!

Since I started using this vaginal moisturizer I’ve had NO UTIs, no burning, no itching. It sure worked for me without having to use Estradiol cream.

Perhaps you could look into trying the vaginal moisturizers…seems you’ve tried everything else as I did. Worked for me. Would be great if it worked for you too.

Best of luck…I know how frustrating your situation is. I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt.