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Vaginal atrophy and painful intercourse: What helps?
Women's Health | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (146)Comment receiving replies
Greetings everyone.
I've been reading all the postings and thank you all for discussing this very difficult, sensitive topic. I had an early menopause at 43 and have been on estradiol vaginal cream ever since but I still had painful intercourse from time to time. I experimented with moisturizer/lubricants (because my doctors were useless) and started applying Vitamin E before intercourse. Then when I felt that was no longer enough, I started using Vitamin E suppositories before intercourse, which helped. Last fall I noticed increased pain and observed a crack/fissure in the perineum which healed but have had recurring fissures in between labia occurring after intercourse and sometimes for no reason at all. My female GYN (my age) recommended Hyalo-Gyn, which I tried but burned terribly. I called the company and got my money back. They said they were using a different preservative. My GYN has nothing else to say. I'm so disappointed, I thought she would have more/better recommendations.
Last night I tried my first application of VMagic - an all-natural vulvar balm. The good news is, it didn't burn and seems to have already helped alleviate the chronic, daily unrelenting itching I experience. I also ordered and am going to add Meno Moist suppositories, another all-natural product to see if I can stop estradiol cream completely since I don't think it's working and I think it's time to stop with the hormones already.
I'll post again when I know more about how this regimen is working.
Replies to "Greetings everyone. I've been reading all the postings and thank you all for discussing this very..."
You are speaking my language. I have tissue health issues post early menopause from total hysterectomy. I too am 43 yrs young. I've gotten to point where I can no longer even manage intercoarse for very same problems plus vaginisum (pelvic floor muscle tension/spasms. Possible bladder drop, causing complete inability to even penetrate period. I've struggled since 2018 when I had hysterectomy through vaginal. Following this. Also, I'd love to share what I'm doing for help and what I experience w extremely painful intercourse, vulva tears, burn, etc
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I plan on trying the Viveve procedure in the near future and will report back to everyone. I am 65 and have severe vaginal dryness and atrophy. In my case it has caused a prolapse of my bladder into the vaginal canal which causes other issues. The Viveve procedure may help that. It is considered 'cosmetic' by insurance but I plan on fighting with them and Medicare to see how far I can get with that (it is expensive, $2,500) and works differently for every woman. For some, a year....some five years, some one treatment and done. I figure that with all the creams and a possible pessary in my future, the investment may be a good one. Also, if it gives me relief after all these years....it will be worth it for any length of time. Something to consider perhaps. It's still on the 'newer' side and there is a little controversy about it but it seems very safe. Different than Mona Lisa it uses both hot and cool to make the procedure more comfortable during and following. (and I will close with this, and I don't want to offend anyone but....there sure seems to be a lot of support for men's sexual health but women, well, we're still in the dark ages with the medical community, sigh). Hugs to all.