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[cg163]

Hi Ladies

I have been using the vag cream for a couple of months now. This is all very new to me. I am 60 later this year and thought that i had breezed through menopause without any issues whatsoever! I also have MS and have recently realised that my brain turning to mush and suffering hugely from anxiety and depression is possibly not MS, but maybe menopause - i'll probably never know the answer to that.

Anyway, I digress. I have severe issues with my bladder, basically having to get up during the night up to 10 times (yes 10), and given that i am now in a wheelchair, each time is bloody hard work, anyway, it appears that the estradiol does help - yay! but here's the question. Can the cream be applied anywhere else on the body because given my disabilities, an applicator ' up the vag' is actually really difficult for me, and if it worked just say applying by finger to the opening of the vag, that would be doable. Apologies for being so explicit but i'm sure you have seen worse! 

[CLKD]

Nowt is silly or OTT on here  .   

What ever is comfy in delivery or VA treatment, the important issue is to get into a routine of using every night for at least 3 weeks then as necessary.  Some find that they can use every 3rd and 5/6th nights without symptom returning, some find that every night is essential for months.  It's about getting relief.

Your symptoms are probably peri-menopause.  Browse round.  Make notes ;-).  If estriol is difficult vagifem is a pessary if that's easier?

[Minusminnie]

Hi cg163
Are you able to lie on a bed on your back and use the applicator to make inserting easier ? I have some prolapse and it is no good trying to push against it so leaning back is easier.

You do need to apply the cream locally in the vagina not elsewhere.
There are oestrogen receptors in the vagina and you may find that just applying to the opening may not be enough to address your bladder but i guess may be worth trying.

Someone really should of thought of a universal appicator not being suitable for everyone...

Are you in the US as we only can get Estriol cream not Estradiol cream here in UK ?

[cg163]

Ahh, i'm in the UK, its probably estriol then  I have read so much literature recently, i'm so confused! Yeah lying on my back is easier, but the logistics of getting there and not falling over or dropping the applicator, then  trying to put the 'used' applicator somewhere - you would not believe the issues! lol (i have to laugh, otherwise i'd cry)

[sheila99]

If you're not already on systemic hrt I would ask for it. Your brain fog and anxiety might just resolve and it might possibly help your mobility ( my hip pain went). And it can help or possibly resolve your va symptoms so that might avoid using the applicator at all. You might find it easier with pessaries instead of cream as you can use your fingers instead of the applicator.

[cg163]

If you're not already on systemic hrt I would ask for it. Your brain fog and anxiety might just resolve and it might possibly help your mobility ( my hip pain went). And it can help or possibly resolve your va symptoms so that might avoid using the applicator at all. You might find it easier with pessaries instead of cream as you can use your fingers instead of the applicator.

Ok thank you x i'll look into that - systemic hrt. 

[CLKD]

Sometimes we need to be contortionists!   systemic HRT can be delivered in various ways, i.e. a patch ........ to be absorbed by the skin to ease symptoms.

MayB think which symptom U would like to ease first to discuss with your GP/Nurse Practitioner.

[AmandaJR]

If you're not already on systemic hrt I would ask for it. Your brain fog and anxiety might just resolve and it might possibly help your mobility ( my hip pain went). And it can help or possibly resolve your va symptoms so that might avoid using the applicator at all. You might find it easier with pessaries instead of cream as you can use your fingers instead of the applicator.

Snap! I’ve avoided a hip replacement due to using systemic HRT. It also stopped the V.A, brain fog, anxiety, depression and getting up 5 times a night for a wee. Ten times a night for a wee - my heart goes out to you. Sending hugs, systemic is really worth trying and don’t be afraid try different doses.

[CLKD]

AmandaJR - R U able to let us know which regime U find of use?

[Minusminnie]

Ahh, i'm in the UK, its probably estriol then  I have read so much literature recently, i'm so confused! Yeah lying on my back is easier, but the logistics of getting there and not falling over or dropping the applicator, then  trying to put the 'used' applicator somewhere - you would not believe the issues! lol (i have to laugh, otherwise i'd cry)

I’ve looked on Amazon this pm & you can get syringe applicators which reviewers say are softer.
They look shorter but may be enough to reach the bladder area rather than higher up.

I can’t advise on systemic but at 60 you may have to go private to get what you need …..from threads on here that have I’ve read.

[Kathleen]

Hello cg163 and welcome to the forum.


I think you have had some good advice from the ladies regarding hormones but I wonder if your MS is also affecting your bladder.

I ask because I know someone with MS who had similar issues and I think she learned a special technique to help empty her bladder. This  was a long time ago and unfortunately I don't remember the details. I actually still know this lady but I've never thought to ask her about her MS, partly because she seems to be doing very well.

I hope you find a solution to your problem and please keep us posted.

Wishing you well.

K.

[chopsuey]

Ahh, i'm in the UK, its probably estriol then  I have read so much literature recently, i'm so confused! Yeah lying on my back is easier, but the logistics of getting there and not falling over or dropping the applicator, then  trying to put the 'used' applicator somewhere - you would not believe the issues! lol (i have to laugh, otherwise i'd cry)

Hi
What time of day are you using the cream? I'm assuming that you sleep in a bed?  Can you not insert the applicator last thing at night and then put the used applicator in a mug on a bedside table, ready to be dealt with the next day?

Estriol cream helped a lot with my bladder issues, long before I went on systemic HRT but as others have said, that may also help with  the bladder problem and some of your other issues (assuming they are menopause related and not down to your MS, of course).