@cashemire I had external pelvic radiation therapy and two sessions of vaginal brachytherapy for endometrial cancer. I was advised to use a vaginal moisturizer to encourage healing and reduce scar formation. I was also advised to use a dilator because scar tissue from brachytherapy can occlude the vagina. This is a problem whether a person has a sexual partner or not. The reason is that with periodic pelvic follow-up appointments (I just had one this morning) the medical provider needs to be able to look in the vagina with a speculum. Since I've been using a dilator for over a year I learned that the moisturizer and the dilator both helped to expand tissue.

I found it difficult to get up-to-date medical care in my community for vaginal atrophy when I first became post-menopausal. What I have learned came from radiation oncology, and in-person appointments with the Women's Menopause and Sexual Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Do you feel comfortable talking with your primary care provider or your gynecologist about this?

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