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[UnsureOfOutcome]

Hello lovely ladies,

I came on a few weeks ago trying to work out whether what I was suffering from (burning; feeling like I had the start of thrush; dry, sensitive vulva with friction when I walk) was VA - you were SO helpful and I've since seen a menopause consultant who said she could see signs of atrophy, and now has me on vagirux internally and ovestin externally (which is where the problem seems to be for me). I'm about two weeks into treatment now and think I can see signs of improvement - the burning seems to have ebbed, certainly when I'm not trying to do too much. But I'm still very much feeling the dryness externally, especially when walking around - everything feels papery, and I can feel my labia rubbing and generating friction. I feel so sensitive down there that even my pubic hair feels like it's prickling and irritating the skin. I was wondering whether a) this sounded familiar and b) whether I can expect this symptom to subside too?! To be honest it's the most troublesome one, because it means I'm sort of stuck on the sofa unable to get around!

Would be so grateful for any thoughts/experiences. It's a rough ride!!

[Jenty]

Hi UnsureOfOutcome, I use SLS free aqueous cream ( my doctors suggestion) it's very soothing. You can use it as many times as you need to, you only need a small amount. I buy mine on Amazon and get 6 tubs at a time, it can also be used as a soap substitute.

[Ayesha]

It took four months for me to feel normal again, it can be a slow process but you will find with time things will improve for you too.
Adding a moisturiser with your regime will help with the dryness, I find it essential in my routine every day.

 

[UnsureOfOutcome]

Thanks so much all - I just feel so at sea with it all! The dryness when walking is the hardest thing; I use moisturiser (Yes) but still end up with soreness and friction if I go any distance   

[Joaniepat]

Thanks so much all - I just feel so at sea with it all! The dryness when walking is the hardest thing; I use moisturiser (Yes) but still end up with soreness and friction if I go any distance   

You can try applying an emollient such as Epaderm or Hydromol on the labia, small tubs of either are readily available from Boots or other pharmacies. They are thicker and more protective against friction than Yes products. They might tide you over until things improve.
JP x
JP x

[SarahT]

I found ovestin on my labia made it feel irritated, though really helps me internally. My Dr out me on to YES lubrication to use throughout the day as much as I need to for the labia. Seems to be gentle and enough for me. But I do use it frequently.

[UnsureOfOutcome]

Honestly, thank you so much. I'll try both of these options! Haven't heard of hydromol; off to do some (more!!) research...

[Ayesha]

Thinking back to when I first started VA symptoms I do recall the soreness and friction felt after a long walk.  I applied Sudacream and by the next day I was ok.
With 2 years of using Vagifem, Ovestin and moisturiser every day I no longer get the soreness after a long walk.
VA treatment is all about patience, trial and error, but you will get there eventually.

[CLKD]

KY Jelly
Sudacrem
Ovestin

All helps my dryness on the outer labia.  Yes or Sylc products are worth looking at too. 

[UnsureOfOutcome]

Thanks @Ayesha, it's weirdly reassuring to hear that, as it doesn't seem to be a very common symptom. Really glad you've found relief from it. For me at the minute it's any walk at all - just went for a walk around the block and I felt like I had a hedgehog in my knickers!!!

[CLKD]

You will know when treatment begins to work ;-)

Use plenty of your regime, if necessary add an extra dose in the afternoon.  When my symptoms niggle I put ovestin up as well as a dose at night.  Some require vagifem two at night until the area feels more comfortable.

[Jenty]

I used sudacrem once, it was like spreading peanut butter! 

[Ayesha]

Yes, it is thick but it worked. I've always had a tub in the cupboard, I remember how good it was for nappy rash 

[Minusminnie]

I remember how good it was for nappy rash 

You’ve got a good memory Ayesha 

[Ayesha]