Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Macdonz76 on October 28, 2018, 11:22:21 AM
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I use vagifem 2x a week and I use silk lubricant but I'm still spotting after intercourses, I had a hysterectomy a year ago kept my ovaries but I'm only just 41 any advice would be great
Thanks
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Hi and welcome to MM
How long have you been using the Vagifem? How often are you using the Vagifem? It can take some months for Vagifem to plump things up and restore the health of the whole vaginal area. Why did you have the hysterectomy? I assume you have been examined to see why you are getting the spotting?
SYLK is a moisturiser ( it does provide some lubrication) but for sex I always use something more lubricating - I like 'Durex Perfect Glide'.
I do hope you are on systemic oestrogen as well? If not, why not? If you are on systemic oestrogen what dose are you on and do you use transdermal or pills? DG x
I beleive the ovaries often die off more quickly falling a hysterectomy so you could be in need of more oestrogen generally.
DG x
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Hi I am not on anything else apart from the vagifem. I have been on it for about 2-3 months. And yeah they have looked to see but I don't have any reasons to be spotting. I seem to feel like I am tearing where I had children and I was cut. Oh I thought the sylk was a lubricant how silly. I really don't know what to do to help I'm constantly at the gp.
Regards
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Nowt is silly! Maybe put the product names into the search box on here, read and make notes. Use another lubricant such as KY Jelly prior to intercourse. Then the vagifem. Keep the area as damp as possible.
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I get tearing too from my old episiotomy scar unless I am on full HRT. Vagifem alone is not enough to stop it in my case.
Dancinggirl has asked some good questions. It is well known that although you have kept your ovaries these often fail after hysterectomy so it could be you need full HRT in order to protect your heart and bones up till the usual age of menopause. Do you have any other meno symptoms?
Taz X :)
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Macdonz 76- I would get your oestrogen levels checked just in case - you may well need some systemic oestrogen.
Have you tried massaging your perineum with coconut oil? Gently stretch the area a bit as you do this to help the skin stay elastic. You haven't been using Vagifem very long and you might need some oestrogen cream alongside to help with the external area.
You can get The Durex Perfect Glide online - I find it great.
DG x
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Thank you so much for your swift response, unfortunately my gp doesn't think my ovaries would give up so fast after my hysterectomy, but I think otherwise, I can sometimes get hot sweats no often kind you. I suffer from anxiety and this is getting worse, I'm very moody very tired but I was putting that down to being busy, I've gained lots of weight, and I have been going off sex only cause I'm fed up with this spotting. I just want a better sec life with my husband as before the hysterectomy all I did was bleed so we was hoping once the hysterectomy was done we could get back too it. Alas it's not working this way
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I'm afraid you need to insist they do a blood test to look at your FSH and oestrogen levels. The ovaries often die off after a hysterectomy and you may have been peri meno even before the hysterectomy anyway. Early menopause is more common than most doctors think. Weight gain is common when meno hits so try adjusting your diet (cut out as much sugar as possible and eat smaller portions) and getting more exercise (10minute brisk walks 2-3 times a day can work wonders as a starting point) as this will help everything - plus boost your mood and build your confidence. The sex life can often improve if you become more active generally to get you mental and physical health in better shape. You also need to feel desirable - so do things that make you look and feel good e.g. a new haircut or a pampering session. DG x
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I had a vaginal polyp that would bleed on contact. Disappeared at meno. ;-)
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Thanks, obviously with having all my bleeding problems before my hysterectomy I've had all checks etc and before o got the vagifem I got another internal and they couldn't see why I was spotting hence them
Giving me vagifem, I just thought with having theses little pessaries my spotting would discontinue, but nope. I do seem to think it's cause I'm tearing because of my epistomy (spelling) and I feel that is where the pain is. I'm just feeling down about it all
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Of course you feel down. I would advise 2 weeks re-load of the VA treatment. As well as looking on here for Sylc and Yes products [put names into the search box]. Make notes. Some find that regular moisturising of the outer and inner labia is important as well as using VA treatment. That is, moisturising as often in the day as possible to keep the areas supple.
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Thank you, I'm going to get an appointment for the dr also to get my bloods checked,
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Get the moisturiser on ........ little and often ;-)
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Can you all recommend a good moisturiser to use. Just spoke to my husband and he has just said he was thinking the same but didn't want to say anything just in case I got snappy (oh dear)
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Give him a hug .......... what would he suggest ;)
I use KY Jelly or Savlon as necessary. Have a look-see at Yes and Sylc ..... mentioned on here .
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I will and see those moisturisers and see, thanks for all your help, they don't tell you any of this before your surgery, they really should
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Try asking for Ovestin cream and gently rub on your episiotomy scar I find this helps you can use the cream along side the vagifem.
Unless there is a reason why you can't use systemic oestrogen you really should be using it until the normal menopause age at least.
Lanzalover x
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I agree with the others that systemic HRT may be a very good idea. Months since I looked at the forum so I am out of touch with what's been said recently, but if you have a menopause clinic nearby they are often a better source of advice than GP surgeries unless you are lucky enough to have one with a really knowledgeable GP interested in Menopause. But I'm guessing they might not refer you there unless your bloods show you are menopausal.
Vagifem just twice a week may not be enough, with or without systemic HRT. As already mentioned, I would ask for Estriol 0.01% cream (the weaker preparation) to use externally in addition to the Vagifem & perhaps ask whether you can increase the number of Vagifem you use per week. Even after 2 years on systemic HRT, 2 a week were not enough for me. It was suggested I use up to 5 per week - equivalent to the former 2 x 25mcg strength, together with the weaker Estriol cream applied thinly externally. It took several months after increasing to 5 a week with Estriol on the same nights, before I really started to feel comfortable & robust.
If it's approved for you to increase the number of Vagifem & you are happy with this, the advice I had from the Menopause Clinic was to either double up to keep the total number of nights' use to a minimum - i.e. inserting 2 a night - 1 high, 1 low, or carry on with just one a night if you prefer (either way up to a total of 5 per week if approved), but try varying the positioning. Vagifem can have quite a localised effect, so inserting one lower down helps ensure more of the canal is effectively treated.
The Estriol cream is very soothing - I can feel a difference in comfort immediately after applying, but both Vagifem & Estriol take time to return the whole area to good condition & it may need up to 3 months at a higher dose, so don't give up hope.
Also, after showering & gentle towel drying, maybe try gently pressing soft tissues onto the external area to soak up any residual dampness, that can otherwise lead to soreness & cracking when the skin is so delicate.
Just a thought - you said they checked & there's no obvious reason for the spotting - if you kept your cervix, is your smear up to date?
I hope you get some good, sympathetic advice from a Meno Clinic or knowledgeable GP & soon start to feel much better. Good luck with it.