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[Tulip256]

I have had ongoing bladder pain and need to wee at night since January. The GP recommended trying a vaginal cream although said she could see any apathy (I have been on hrt for 2 years).

I first tried the vagifem pessaries but got really bad internal burning pain. I then switched to estriol cream. This was fine when applied outside but if inserted produced the same burning pain.

Should I persist with these products? I am not sure if the burning is things healing or whether they are making things worse?

[Arya Underfoot]

Sounds like atrophy, even if your doctor couldn't see it. I had a major flare up in January, I was only able to get it under control using Vagifem and Ovestin. When I first used the Ovestin cream I did notice a burning sensation, I think this was because my vaginal walls were so dry it was irritated by the cream. I took a 3 week loading dose of Vagifem and then started alternating between the cream and pessary and noticed I no longer had that burning sensation. You could try applying the cream by hand rather than using the applicator or consider using a non-hormonal moisturiser like Yes or Olive & Bee before giving the hormonal treatments another go. It really is worth it, I no longer have peemergencies and I can wear jeans again. Hope things improve for you.

[CLKD]

Tnx Arya Underfoot - good advice! 

[Tulip256]

Thanks Arya, I think I might try using the vagifem in the morning as hopefully the burning will wear off before I go to bed.

Does anyone know if it is ok to insert a pessary and then a tampon if I am on my period?

[CLKD]

U shouldn't need a pessary if you are bleeding 'well' as the vagina will be lubricated.  As the bleed lessens then certainly use VA treatment, I would suggest asking for 'ovestin' which can be squeezed onto the finger to apply as far up as is comfy.  Can the 'vagifem' capsule be broken easily?

KY jelly works for me or 'savlon' when I'm away from home if the labia become dry.  It's a bit Trial and Error!

[Tulip256]

I am not using it to improve lubrication though, that doesn't seem to be an issue.  I am questioning a bit whether atrophy is the issue as the GP said all the tissues looked plump and I don't have any vaginal pain. 

My main issue is the bladder pain which I have had since January (uti tests all negative).  The GP thought it might be worth trying for this. I do have a mild bladder prolapse, would it help with this?

[CLKD]

MayB ask to get the prolapse sorted which may relieve pressure on the bladder. 

[Ayesha]

My main issue is the bladder pain which I have had since January (uti tests all negative).  The GP thought it might be worth trying for this. I do have a mild bladder prolapse, would it help with this?

From reading other posts on here, yes local oestrogen does help with a prolapse. Perhaps someone in the same position will be along soon to help you further
I can't see any reason why you couldn't use the pessary during a period, if its comfortable to do so why not.
When I first started to use topical oestrogen it burned and the advice of using a moisturiser solved the problem, I think the body has to get used to the treatments, hopefully yours will in time.

[Ayesha]

Can the 'vagifem' capsule be broken easily?

Only if you use a hammer and chisel. Its a very hard tablet, almost impossible to crush, I've tried!

[Tulip256]

Thanks both. Yes trying to get the prolapse sorted but there is no quick fix.

I will continue with the pessaries for a bit and see how things go.

[joziel]

The burning will be because it is sore and raw and you're putting something on it. If you can bear with it, it should get better as the skin barrier heals.

[SaraUK]

I’ve been using vagifem and ovestin externally every night for 4 months and my external burning is still unbearable. Plus constant daily bladder issues, feeling like a uti without a uti, burning internal bladder feeling. Nothing is helping. Ultrasound hasn’t detected any issues with bladder. 

[Tulip256]

Sorry to hear that Sara, did you have the burning before you started the treatment, I would have thought that if va was the issue 4 months of treatment would have sorted it.

I am also about to start a pelvic floor relaxation course by Dr Bri which is meant to help with pelvic pain. She has a 1 week free trial on her website if you are interested.

I am still using the estriol but have noticed a small lump (cyst?) appear on my labia. Does anyone know if that is a side effect or if it means I should stop applying it. Maybe I should just use it internally?