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[Snowcat]

Hi everyone.  Just wanted to see if anyone has an opinion on the necessity of vulval moisturisers.  As many of you may know over the years posted a few times regarding the pain I’m experiencing with vulval (but not vaginal) atrophy.  The burning and stinging etc.  when I originally saw a gynaecologist 2 1/2 months ago she told me to go on the patches and use hydromol as a barrier for my thin, torn skin. 

A few weeks later she wrote to me, as I’d been in touch with her secretary, to tell me to add in estriol cream every night, plus a moisturiser of my choice.

The estriol cream stings but I know it’s at least doing its job (at least I’m assuming so!) so I can cope with that, but anything else stings like mad - even simple coconut oil - Vaseline isn’t quite as bad but there seems to be some disagreement as to whether it should be used on the vulva.

This morning I forgot to put anything on it as I was busy taking phone calls and it felt a lot better but as soon as I had a shower and put some coconut oil on, the pain started.  I’m wondering if I should just forget about the moisturiser and just rely on the nightly estriol cream - I’d be grateful for any thoughts as I just don’t know what to do anymore having tried most available moisturisers! Thanks all!

[bombsh3ll]

I personally don't think we should routinely need to put products on our genitals if we have healthy levels of estrogen and androgens.

Many of them contain long lists of unpronounceable ingredients - I only use things down there that I can spell ie Soap and Water.

I also do not know what evidence, if any, of either safety or clinical benefit needs to be produced by the manufacturers to sell something as an over the counter moisturiser vs a food or a medicine.

[Ayesha]

If it works for you to not use the moisturiser then don't, this is the stage of trial and error, whatever works best for you. I would say though, don't attempt intercourse without being well moisturised.

Just to say, any woman suffering from chronic atrophy would be mad to use soap to wash with and moisturisers definitely have their place in a regime, I would not go a day without using YesVM, its been part of my treatment for five years and I wash with aqueous cream. If I have been tempted to use a product that contains soap, I pay the price with symptoms returning. 

[Summer-sky]

Hi Snowcat,
Miserable for you. You've probably got this covered already but what are you using to shower with?  I can't go anywhere anything scented anymore or use shower gels in that area etc

[sheila99]

I use estriol cream after a shower. There aren't many times I have to use it now systemic oestrogen has increased but showers seem to dry it out. And water only in the shower, no soap or rum off from shampoo/body wash.

[Snowcat]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply.

Sheila and Summer-Sky thank you - I only use emollients like hydromol (unless I run out then I’ve used Sanex zero sensitive skin) in the shower, but only water in that area.  I might try a little estriol cream after my shower too as it does feel worse after a shower.

As for intercourse Ayesha - that’ll be the day! I can’t even bear to think about that yet but I get your point.  I think I’ll try leaving the moisturisers for a few days as I know estriol cream is meant to moisturise as well as repair.  I agree I could never use soap - the thought of that makes me wince.  A lovely gynae years ago told me that we are self cleaning and onky warm (not hot) water is needed.

Bombsh3ll I agree that when we’re fully estrogenised we shouldn’t need anything else - I just need to get to that point.  I’ve only tried things with natural ingredients and as simple as possible like the YES products and coconut oil or Vaseline but everything stings so on top of the estriol cream I’m stinging all day long .. I’m going to give the moisturisers a rest I think and see how I go.

[Mary G]

Sorry to jump in late on in the thread Snowcat but my gynaecologist said it looked like I had dry skin down there and recommended a vaginal oestrogen but it made things worse and caused irritation and urinary problems so I had to stop using it.

I now use a moisturising gel a couple of times a week and the problem has gone away.  I'm on two pumps of Oestrogel every day so I'm probably getting enough systemic oestrogen.

Our water gives both of us dry skin so that was probably the cause.

[Snowcat]

Thank you Mary.  It’s a tricky one because I can’t tell whether the estrogen cream is helping or not because it does sting but then again it would because the skin is so damaged.. hopefully I’ll find out when I see the gynaecologist in a couple of weeks.

My problem was that skin already thin due to low estrogen was made even thinner by use of a steroid cream.  I was told the ovestin was the answer.  I was also given HRT patches and I’m hoping once they kick in I won’t need the local estrogen as well, although I’m fine with that if I do - whatever it takes really.  I’m glad the systemic HRT is working for you - it did for me too until 2 years ago when I had to come off it and rely solely on vagifem pessaries. I just want to get back to where I was!

[Snowcat]

BTW, Mary, would you mind telling me what urinary problems you had with the estriol cream please? I have a lot of bladder problems not directly related to HRT but I’d like to know just in case I can relate to that in any way :-)

[Peggles]

Hi, I’ve just been given patches to help with VA (vulval and vaginal) and my GP recommended washing and moisturising with Epaderm. Also not to use water alone for washing, as it can be drying. Both have really helped.

I also questioned whether the Vagifem was causing further irritation as symptoms were worse the following day.

They also forwarded me some info from Liverpool Womens NHS regarding general care of vulval skin. I found it quite helpful. You should be able to find it online.

Hope you get some relief soon.

[Snowcat]

Thank you Peggles.  I’ll have a look at that info on line.  Glad you’re finding things that are helping - hope the HRT patches kick in soon!

[Mary G]

BTW, Mary, would you mind telling me what urinary problems you had with the estriol cream please? I have a lot of bladder problems not directly related to HRT but I’d like to know just in case I can relate to that in any way :-)

Snowcat, it was the same horrendous burning sensation I had previously experienced 35 years ago when I used a cap and spermicidal gel which caused me endless problems.  I was up all night with endless burning and urination and had to call the doctor out - you could do that in the 1990s.

This time I also had a sensation of incomplete urination.  I'm obviously allergic to something in that type of substance and had horrid after trickle a couple of times.  Fortunately I got over it quickly this time around.

I hope that helps. 

[Snowcat]

Oh Mary - that sounds horrible! Glad you sorted it quickly this time! It definitely sounds like a reaction to something in the product.

I remember when the doctor would come out too - now you can’t even get through to the surgery on the phone!