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[Janidali]

Have had soreness and burning and gyny prescribed Dermovate ointment which made the redness go away. Using Vagifem once week also.  Now after several months gone to new gyny, as last one unfortunately retired, she examined and put me on 7 day antibiotic cream then 1 week rest and then to see her again for a colposcopy as she saw red area up in vagina. I have never had a suspicious smear and last one said I didn't need now for 3-5 years as no sign of HPV. So why a colposcopy? I am so scared and anxious. Wish old gyny was around as she knew me and I could talk to her. Anyone shed any light please? Help.

[Joaniepat]

Hi Janidali, 
For vaginal atrophy, one Vagifem a week isn't enough. Try a 14 day reload, and then use at least twice a week. The current BMS recommendation is that you can use it every other day or up to 5 times a week, and several ladies on here use it daily. Others prefer Ovestin (a cream) which is used in the same way, but can also be rubbed into the vulva. The soreness and burning is perhaps due to friction from the tissues being dry. Are you using a vaginal moisturiser?

Gynaecologists don't necessarily know much about menopausal issues. Can you see a menopause specialist?

JP x

[Janidali]

Thanks, yes maybe that would have been a better idea but she has seen redness up there which is what worries me as to why she thinks she needs to do further testing. I use Replens but it doesn't seem to help.
So sore today. Not happy.

[Joaniepat]

Replens is horrible stuff, full of irritants.  Could I suggest you use one of the Yes products, such as Yes VM? Have a look at their website. Their products match the osmolality and pH of the vagina, so much kinder. In some areas you can get it on prescription, but if not its easy to buy online.

If it were me, I'd want further discussion about the colposcopy and why they think it's necessary. If you have VA it's bound to be red up there. Also, the Replens is probably making things worse. Perhaps the gynaecologist doesn't know much about VA?

Sorry to hear you are feeling sore, I  know it's horrible.

JP x

[Janidali]

Thanks will do that.

[Dierdre]

I would stop using Replens, there are a lot of nasties in it that will not help. When I was first diagnosed with atrophy I was red raw outside and inside right up to my cervix and had lots of tests, mainly to rule out infections etc. Have the tests to rule out things anyway for peace of mind and then start using the vagifem and/or ovestin every day to start and then at least every other day. Try the YES and Sylk products for moisturising, these are recommended by most as being the best.

[suzysunday]

Yes, atrophy is very distressing. I use Ovestin alternate nights and a vaginal moisturizer the other nights.  You really have to keep on top of it.

[CLKD]

Do a 2 week reload and hold off on any surgical investigations until the VA is sorted, by which time the redness should have gone ;-).

Some ladies require 'vagifem' every night!

[Janidali]

Thanks so all replies. Good ideas so thankful.

[CLKD]

Some can be sensitive to the fillers in treatments.  Some need nightly application.  Some can do a 2 week loading then go onto a few times a week.  It really is Trial and Error.