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[sprush1]

I’ve been reading various posts about how useful an appointment at a GUM clinic could be.
I’m a bit of a numpty but how does one make such an appointment?
I’ve looked up where my local clinic is and it says appointments are booked online but there is no link to be able to do this.
Also when looking at the services the clinic provides I don’t seem to come under any of the categories.
I’m not sexually active and I don’t have any vaginal discharge that could indicate an STD.
I just feel that it would be useful to get a definitive opinion on what I’m sure is vaginal atrophy.

[Taz2]

I'm not sure that a GUM clinic would cover this to be honest. The advice via google that it does treat vaginal atrophy is the AI generated information which is experimental and definitely not accurate on a lot of occasions. If you actually visit the NHS website on GUM clinics it's not mentioned. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/visiting-an-sti-clinic/#:~:text=A%20sexual%20health%20clinic%20(SHC,as%20free%20contraception%20and%20condoms. I have checked the advice on my local clinic and atrophy isn't mentioned. Have you had a GP consultation as this is how mine was diagnosed and it does need sorting as soon as possible so that you can get it under control.

Taz x 

[Ayesha]

If your surgery are not giving you answers then the GUM clinic will help. A friend and a member here got brilliant advice from them, if you are having issues down below then that's what they are there for.

[sprush1]

Taz2 thank you.

Ayesha, I haven’t had a face to face GP appointment. When I mentioned my symptoms and suspicions I had VA, he prescribed Vagifem.
As you know from my other posts that’s a work in progress for me.
I wonder how your friend got the GUM appointment? Maybe in London there is a walk in facility?

[Ayesha]

The GUM clinic is attached to our local hospital and she just made a phone appointment with them. That was a few years ago but I know of a member last year made an appointment at her clinic. 

[CLKD]

In the meantime sprush1, use the VA treatment that has been prescribed, every night for at least 3 weeks.  It won't do any harm and U may find benefit.

[Blot]

I went to the GUM clinic when I was having problems when I first starting using vagifem. I was really sore and my GP was a bit useless and didn’t even examine me.
They were great and the doctor gave me good advice and knew all about VA.
We have a walk in and also an appointment system where I live.

[sprush1]

CLKD I’m waiting to hear how Northerngirl is getting on.

Blot. That’s interesting. Can I ask what initial problems you had with Vagifem and what advice the GUM clinic gave you. Are you still using Vagifem or did you change to something else?

[CLKD]

Of course it's your decision but why wait?  The sooner VA treatment is applied the sooner the condition begins to ease.  The mayB stinging initially due to very dry skin internally so inserting a little way first then as the vaginal walls become moist, further up.  I never hesitated when my GP prescribed treatment All Those Years Ago  12 and counting.

[Blot]

I was really sore and stinging when I first used them.  Worse than I had been before I started and had a bit of pain too.
I stopped using them and ended up going to GUM clinic and the doctor there advised me to carry on and gave me something to wash with instead of shower gel/soap.
I think it took me a good 6 weeks until I noticed much of a difference but things continued to improve and I don’t have any problems now.

[Ayesha]

Blot, that is great feedback. Its all about patience with the treatments, they can take four months to start having any effect, its not a quick fix unfortunately.

[SundayGirl]

sprush1 -- please start using the pessaries your GP has prescribed. The sooner you do, the sooner you'll feel the benefit.