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[Florence69]

For the past 3 weeks I've been suffering dreadfully with “my bits”! I thought at first it was thrush so used canestin duo which seemed to help for a couple of days then it returned so used canestin combo,again a few days relief until it came back. I invested in some multi gyn and vagisil but I feel like I could rive my bits off the itching and soreness is unbearable. Passing urine is like passing battery acid. I restarted my sandrena gel a few days ago in the hope that this will sort it but I don't know if I should contact gp or nhs 111 and what can they offer me to help
Flo x

[Katejo]

Have you ever had  an examination/treatment for VA (vaginal atrophy)? Get a GP appointment. For temporary relief, try drinking a glass of water with bicarb of soda dissolved in it (a small teaspoon). It reduces acidity/burning. Also a Nurofen (or other ibuprofen) dose should help.

[racjen]

IT could also be lichen sclerosis, although that would only affect the outer areas ie labia, clitoris etc. but not the vagina itself. It just reminds me of when I was diagnosed with LS - went through quite a few unsuccessful thrush treatments first.

[CLKD]

Get yourself to a Practice Nurse - in the mean time, take a pain relief tablet and keep the area as moist as possible.  I use Savlon - do read our vaginal atrophy thread and make notes!

[Dancinggirl]

Florence69 - Do look at 'The Burning Club' thread - you are not alone with this awful problem.

Drink lots of water.  Try putting half a teaspoon of bicarb of soda in a glass of water morning and evening. Avoid caffein, fruit juices and alcohol.  Avoid any scented soap of other products (like shampoo) anywhere near your ‘bits'. Use the Multi gyn sparingly to restore you flora balance and once the itching has stopped just use vaginal moisturiser ( SYLK or YES Products are best - don't use Vagisil).
Ask for a prescription of Vagifem local oestrogen from GP and do the 2 week daily dose and then ongoing use at least 2-3 times a week.

It's a horrible thing to cope with.  Keep us posted.  DG x
 

[Florence69]

Thank you for all your responses
I ended up at out of hours doctors where he tested my urine and prescribed me nitrofurantoin 50mg and told me to make an urgent appointment to see my own gp for an examination and cause investigated.
Regarding the bicarb I remember my mam going through loads during her menopause now I know why.
It really is unbearable I feel like I'm on fire down there!! I'm going to read the burning club thread
Cheers ladies
Flo x

[CLKD]

Another GP who doesn't know what he/she is up to  .  Antibiotics will ease symptoms short term but if it isn't he correct one .......... vaginal atrophy mimics infections and a dip stick DOES NOT show infection.

How R U this evening?  Get some pain relief down you too.  Sit in a cool bath ..........

[Florence69]

It seems a bit calmer at the moment took a couple of paracetamol and had a glass of water with bicarb. I've ordered some Sylk too
Flo x

[Dancinggirl]

The dip stick test the doctors do doesn't necessarily mean there is infection - I hope the urine sample was sent off to the lab for proper testing?
You may not actually have an infection - I suspect there was just trace blood in your urine and this is classic for urogenital atrophy.
It would be good to see a urologist to have proper investigations.
Pleased the good old bicarbonate is helping.
Keep us posted. DG x

[Florence69]

The gp said my urine showed blood and protein and it was very cloudy and I've noticed white particles in it
I'm having a horrendous time through the menopause and now this as an extra symptom  I feel like my life is over !!
Flo x

[Nicky71]

Hi Everyone

I have been suffering with Vaginal Atrophy since last July but only diagnosed 3 wks ago, shortly after I started getting palpitations and hot flushes during the night.  I have had no energy and my brain is not working.  I was prescribed Vagifem by the gynae but 2 days later I had such pain and burning along with weeing 20 times a night so stopped and went to my GP.  Doctor treated me for a water infection although it turned out i didnt have one and I also had a fsh blood test which was borderline (although i am on the POP for mood etc).  Anyhow the doctor prescribed Kliovance HRT and a couple of weeks later Ovestin cream which I have been using for about 10 days, after 4 days I felt great and had now symptoms whatsoever, but yesterday all the symptoms have come back.  Is it too early to lose hope that I will improve seeing though I am on HRT and Ovestin?

Thank you

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Nicky71

I'm afraid you have typical urogenital atrophy symptoms. The local oestrogen will help ‘eventually' but it can take some weeks or even months and you must use local oestrogen forever to keep things healthy. Initially Ovestin or Vagifem may well cause some side effects like burning, soreness etc. (probably due to the fillers in these products) but this should subside once the area is pumped up with oestrogen and healthier generally.   Vaginal moisturisers is also essential - SYLK or the YES products are best.

Drink plenty of water - avoid caffeine, fruit juices and alcohol. If burning is bad (and the need to pee) try having a glass of water with half and teaspoon of bicarb of soda morning and night to neutralise the urine ( this can sooth the burning) - only do this for a 2-3 days at a time.  Investigation by a urologist would probably be sensible so ask for a referral.  Make sure you clean really well after opening your bowels - bacteria from the bowel can easily trigger imbalance in the vagina which will then cause burning in the urethra.

Avoid tight trousers, don't sit for too long and don't use anything scented near your intimate area - so scented soaps or shampoo - these will irritate things.

Here is the section from the NICE guidelines that you could show you GP:

Urogenital atrophy
1.4.9
Offer vaginal oestrogen to women with urogenital atrophy (including those on systemic HRT) and continue treatment for as long as needed to relieve symptoms.
1.4.10
Consider vaginal oestrogen for women with urogenital atrophy in whom systemic HRT is contraindicated, after seeking advice from a healthcare professional with expertise in menopause.
1.4.11
If vaginal oestrogen does not relieve symptoms of urogenital atrophy, consider increasing the dose after seeking advice from a healthcare professional with expertise in menopause.
1.4.12
Explain to women with urogenital atrophy that:
symptoms often come back when treatment is stopped
adverse effects from vaginal oestrogen are very rare
they should report unscheduled vaginal bleeding to their GP.
1.4.13
Advise women with vaginal dryness that moisturisers and lubricants can be used alone or in addition to vaginal oestrogen.
1.4.14
Do not offer routine monitoring of endometrial thickness during treatment for urogenital atrophy.

In time you will get things under control but it is about managing it so symptoms don't flare up.
DG x

 

[Florence69]

Is there anything you can put in bath that will help ? Or should I avoid adding anything
Flo x

[Dancinggirl]

Don't have baths - just shower. Lots of hot water around the intimate area can unbalance the vaginal flora.  I went swimming in a pool when I went on holiday and chlorine really triggered a bad flare up of the burning. DG x