Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  

News:

Menopause Matters magazine ISSUE 81 out now. (Autumn issue, September 2025)

media

Author Topic: Vaginal atrophy ache  (Read 5329 times)

SundayGirl

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 325
Vaginal atrophy ache
« on: April 27, 2022, 05:26:42 PM »

Sorry for another thread on va but I can't seem to find anything that relates to what I'm experiencing.
I started using Estradiol pessaries and Estriol cream (Ovestin) in January and did a 4 week loading dose as per my GP advice. This seemed to ease my symptoms IE tummy ache stopped, runny discharge stopped and sex was once again enjoyable and not something to be dreaded. It stopped feeling like my bits were being rubbed with sandpaper.
Went down to using every other day with the pessaries/cream but seemed to get an aching lower abdomen on the second day. Had a short break away and decided to use the Estradiol and Ovestin every day as I didn't want to feel "off" on holiday. Came home and went back to alternate days. A week or so later the aching got worse. Upped my dosage to daily again last week and the aching seems to not want to go away. On top of this when I sit down, especially on a hard chair, I feel like I'm sat on a pole  :o

Please tell me that this will go away. My health anxiety is currently running on overdrive.
Logged

Flossieteacake

  • Guest
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2022, 05:56:07 PM »

Hello SundayGirl. I am so sorry to hear how much pain you are in. I personally use ovestin every single day and have no intention of stopping. I know the guidelines is to start reducing it but I have found that makes symptoms worse. You say you felt some relief using the treatment daily so I would continue with that. I think it is so positive your symptoms reduced after a month. :)
Logged

SundayGirl

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 325
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2022, 06:07:42 PM »

Thanks @Flossieteacake It's really nice to be able to talk about stuff like this with someone who's been in the same boat. My main issue now is the aching which seems to be worsening rather than lessening  :(  and it's driving me mad.
I'll give things a couple of weeks to work and then reassess. Hopefully things will settle down and I can sit down in comfort again.
Logged

Flossieteacake

  • Guest
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2022, 06:14:45 PM »

What I have found helpful is to use Yes VM to help prevent dryness. I now wash only with E45 cream and can apply some for dryness too. I also had to stop having baths and now have showers. I found sitting in water made things worse too. I am hopeful your symptoms will improve. It is still early.
Logged

Joaniepat

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1791
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2022, 06:38:35 PM »

I think the ache will go away when you get back on track. The discomfort of VA is probably causing a guarding reaction at the moment, causing tension in the pelvic floor. This produces all kinds of problems, including aching and discomfort sitting on hard surfaces. If it doesn't diminish after a while you can see a women's health physio who specialises in pelvic pain, and she will be able to help you relax the area.
JP x
Logged

CLKD

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 78787
  • changes can be scary, even when we want them
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2022, 07:12:33 PM »

Use it nightly ;-)
Logged

SundayGirl

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 325
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2022, 08:21:06 PM »

I have some Yes VM in my bedside table so I'll dig it out and give it another try. I also never have baths as I can't abide the faffing around trying to get it ready. Showers are soooo much easier. ;D

Joaniepat - I think you may have just hit the nail on the head with the guarding thing. It makes so much sense now you mention it and the aching could well be down to tense muscles.

CLKD - will do   8)

X

X
Logged

Busylizzie

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 197
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2022, 09:33:03 PM »

Hi SundayGirl,
These are exactly the same symptoms I am going through right now, things are improving albeit very slowly.  I am convinced the VA has triggered/annoyed the pudendal nerve as mine is mainly all on the right side.  I had an episode of this a year ago but not as bad as this time.  After a 4 week loading dose of Ovestin, am now doing a 2 week loading course of Vagifem and Ovestin on outer areas.  By the afternoon, if I sit down then the deep inside ache often starts.  I too think my pelvic floor is in spasm and have been looking on You Tube for exercises for pudendal neuralgia.  I have found a few yoga poses like Frog stretch and Happy Baby that do seem to ease the pain.
Hope yours settles soon!
Logged

SundayGirl

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 325
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2022, 03:02:18 PM »

I went out for a long walk this morning and the achey tum eased a bit while walking but my lower back was killing me.

On a positive note, I feel more comfortable this afternoon. Maybe the gentle exercise has helped thing loosen up. (Although just the thought of exercise brings me out in a cold sweat!!)

Busylizzie - sending healing thoughts and hugs

Xx
Logged

Floradora

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 128
Re: Vaginal atrophy ache
« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2022, 06:59:23 PM »

Oh please use every day until you are really really on top of your symptoms. I use Ovestin and vagifem on alternate days and have done for some time now. As soon as I reduce I get symptoms again  x
Logged