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[Teresa]

Hi,
I posted earlier about embarrassing noises and wind coming from my vaginal area and a watery discharge ( I’m also on HRT, but I have a history of poor eostregen absorption) and I was advised that it sounded like VA.

I don’t have any other symptoms apart from ‘wind’, discharge, dryness , slight itchiness now and then with a little bit of soreness. I have no urinary issues or UTIs like some have with their VA.

I do have Vagifem already prescribed by a private menopause specialist, but I’m unable to use the applicator that comes  with the pessaries, or insert them. I’ve never been very good with inserting anything into that area and I never even wore tampons because of that very same issue.

When I was given Vagifem, I had the option of other VA treatments, but I chose that, as she said it was less messy, but perhaps I should have gone with a ‘messier’ option after all. I feel I don’t need anything strong, just something that would ease the symptoms above if poss. Please can any of you advise what I could ask for instead that is easier to use? I was thinking of sending her an email and asking fir a new prescription, as my follow up with her isn’t due until September.

Thankyou,

Teresa

[Hurdity]

If it is still available what about the vaginal ring, called Estring? I think it is only put in and taken out occasionally and releases estradiol continuously for about 3 months. Reading the particulars, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1083/smpc#gref  it may not be suitable for everyone though.... if you go to the home page and do a search you may come across others who have used this successfully?

Hurdity x

[Flossieteacake]

I use Ovestin which is a cream. Some people prefer to insert it using a finger rather then the applicator. You can also put a little bit on the outer area. I mix mine with Yes VM to apply to the outer area.

[Teresa]

Hi Hurdity & Flossie tea cake,

Hurdity - it’s the whole process of inserting things that I have trouble with unfortunately, I think it stems from having a lot of medical problems below  I’ve got a very tilted womb that’s very high up and a history of nurses rooting around painfully, over the years, not finding my cervix for smears etc ….plus various investigations/ painful hysteroscopies ( two in past year) ….I think it’s traumatised me! I know I couldn’t insert a ring. But Thankyou.

Flossie tea cake,
I will ask for that and get some of that Yes cream too. I feel I don’t need. Dry much as it’s not severe like some get, but it’s the other symptoms that bother me, so that might do the trick. Thankyou.

Thankyou both,

Teresa
X

[CLKD]

What ever you use it goes 'up there'  but U don't have to insert too highly until your vulva and vagina are more supple.  'vagifem' is a pessary, 'ovestin' is inserted via an applicator of on the end of your finger.  As far as is comfy.

[Teresa]

Thanks CKLD,
I’ll be using a finger I think with the cream - Vagifem is a no from me unfortunately, I did try  I could only bring myself to go about half an inch 

[Teresa]

Him
I hope someone can help, the Ovestin arrived today ( my consultant used Pharmacierge and it’s taken a long time to arrive) and I’ve been looking at the instructions. I didn’t realise it had a very long applicator, like the ovestin. It’s the applicator I struggle with and I cannot physically go higher than 2 inches….will that be high enough? The instructions always show to go up at least 6 inches 
If using a finger, do I just measure into the applicator, the correct dose and then, push it up a little way? Will it still work?

Thankyou,

Teresa

[Cara999]

You don't have to use the applicator provided with vagifem or the cream. It also doesn't need to go that far up either, use your finger and go as high as you feel comfortable. Hope you soon get some relief xx

[CLKD]

Vagifem is a pessary which is inserted gently into the vagina

'ovestin' is delivered via a plastic applicator - a measured dose to the line.  It's not much so can be put onto the finger and put in as far as you are comfortable with.  Every night ........  as far in as possible initially then a little deeper after a few nights.  The vagina will absorb the preparation.

Laying on the bed and relax.  Breath deeply.  Insert.   Some ladies don't like touching down there, which is fine.  It's how we are raised.  Once you develop a technique it will become OK.

[Teresa]

Thankyou CLKD & Clara 999

I feel much better after your replies. I could never wear tampons for the exact same reason  I just wish I was braver, but hopefully I’ll get better over the coming days or weeks. I’ve think I’ve been pulled about down there too much in the past and it feels like an unknown area as well lol,

Yes, deep breaths 😊

Thankyou,
Teresa
X

[CLKD]

Apparently my vagina is 'short'  though DH has never made any comments.  I could never hold 'tampax' up there ....... but as my periods were heavy++ they weren't appropriate anyway.

We are advised to have a lookC at the vulval area too  so that we know what is normal for 'me'.  However.  Life's too short to stuff a mushroom  .  It might work for you, to lay on the bed with a large mirror [not one that magnifies ;-) ] to get familiar with what is yours.  It's not about being brave as such, but little steps ;-)

[Teresa]

Thankyou CLKD,

I might just do that you are right, we are bought up not to talk about ‘down there’ aren’t we? I’ve had so much pulling about over the years, which I think  hasn’t helped. The last smear I had took 45 minutes, a nurse I’d never had before, who couldn’t find my hiding cervix. She was in and out with that bloomin’ speculum 5 times before I begged her to give up  Even my GP couldn’t find it. I was referred to hospital for it in the end. I was sore for a few days after & I think I’m just a bit traumatised by it all  xx