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[Snowcat]

Hi everyone. My gynaecologist has just recommended that I try coconut oil for the vulval soreness - just wondered if any of you lovely ladies have had any success with it.

I’ve tried so many things and they all sting (I’m also using estrogen cream & vagifem) but I suppose anything would sting what she described as red raw skin!

I’ve used coconut oil for many other things - so I know I won’t have a reaction to it - it just seems not as thick as some if the emollients - I only use the raw virgin coconut oil … any opinions gratefully received, and if you use it how often do you apply it please.  thank you!

[bombsh3ll]

I personally wouldn't put food products on my genitals because of the potential to alter the vaginal microbiome which could lead to yeast infections.

My preference in descending order would be
a) sufficient systemic levels of estrogen and androgens to avoid GSM 
b) topical estrogen products used liberally every day as needed to avoid GSM
c) non hormonal topical moisturisers specifically designed for intimate use, with the least number of ingredients possible.

However of all the things people do put down there, and the ones presenting to urgent care are almost certainly the tip of the iceberg, coconut oil is probably one of the most benign agents and might just give you a bit of relief.

[Snowcat]

Thank you Bombsh311 - I was wondering about the possibility of yeast as I do get thrush occasionally.

I dread to think what that list of topical products used by people in urgent care consists of!

I’ve tried most things I can think of or that gynae suggested - their favourite is hydromol ointment but it’s like trying to spread lard and pulls the skin a bit.  I’ve tried YES products too but I’m thinking maybe I should use nothing except the ovestin cream.  I’m now on Estraderm 75 patches too and hoping these will kick in sooner rather than later as this whole thing is so very painful.  I just don’t know if the estrogen cream alone will be enough to repair my sore torn skin …

[Shirazette]

I use the hydromol ointment (in the big tub) for washing and it does mix with water. You could try putting a drop or two of water into the tub, mix a little with your finger and it will be easily spreadable. I do this after washing and it works well. I must say it's lovely to wash with in the shower, soothing and leaves you feeling moisturised. A tub lasts for absolutely ages too.

[SundayGirl]

You can't get much with fewer ingredients than coconut oil 

It's just that. No sugars, no carbs just pure fats. There is no way it can cause thrush.

A little goes a long way and is an excellent moisturiser for the whole body.

It's that safe and inert that many GP's advise using it as a vulval moisturiser. It's even suitable to be used as a lube if you feel a little frisky.

Hope that helps 

[LittleClaire]

Sorry to hear you’re having this annoying symptom, something which by far I’d say is one of the worst peri symptoms. I swear by Aveeno daily moisturiser, but the one with colloidal oatmeal on the front of the bottle. I also use Ovesse oestrogen cream but I put some Aveeno on the sides of my vulva/groin and around the back passage and it helps a lot with dryness. If you google it it says it can be used in the genital area too as I know some products won’t be recommended for down there.

[Snowcat]

Thank you so much for replying everyone.
It’s tricky trying to find the right thing when you’re scared to try something in case it makes things worse!

Shirazette, that’s a great idea to ‘water down’ the hydromol - I currently use the hydromol cream in the shower but gynae did say people find the ointment better and less likely to cause a problem so I did buy a tub of that.  I’ll give it a go!

Littleclaire, thank you - I’ll look out for the aveeno with oatmeal - I think my pharmacist recommended it to me once but I didn’t know it could be used on the vulva - I know oatmeal is meant to be soothing so that might be an option to try.

Sunday girl, thank you - that’s what I thought - if you’re not allergic to coconut then what could possibly go wrong! 😁 I already use it on spots of dryness elsewhere so I know I’m fine with it - my gynae suggested it when I told her that I’d tried everything else on her list! I think that maybe I’m just being too impatient and expecting to find something that’ll help with the pain but maybe it'll just take time until the HRT stuff works and I’ll just have to put up with the soreness.  I was just thinking that maybe I could add a little hydromol to the coconut oil to make it ‘stick’ a bit better as the coconut oil is quite funny - but then that’s what I like about it - it goes on easily! I think I’m beyond help now lol! I just wish someone would bump me over the head and knock me out until the HRT works!!

[Snowcat]

Oh and Sundaygirl - as for feeling frisky - I wish!!! 😂

[SundayGirl]

"Frisky" keeps going in holiday. Maybe mine and your's have met up somewhere and are having a whale of a time in some sun kissed far flung country together 

[Snowcat]

That’s a possibility - in which case I wish them well - not sure I want them to come back just yet! 🤣