Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Kia2626 on March 22, 2021, 03:22:51 PM
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I have for the last year had a itchy sore vagina nothing helps it and I have had a few things of the doctor anyone recommend something please
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Hi! Has your GP not offered appropriate vaginal atrophy treatment?
Have a look at the 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy' threads on the Forum. Some ladies find that 'vagifem' inserted into the vagina and 'ovestin' or similar on the outer labia works well.
:welcomemm: browse round.
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Hi ,
Join Jane Lewis vaginal atrophy FB private group . Lots of advice there.
You could also go to the local GUM clinic to be tested for , thrush, cytolitic vaginosis, lactobacili overgrowth, aeorobic vaginitis which all cause issues. Also YES VM can help.
There is always a cause - atrophy ,skin conditions , or combination.
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/media/files/GSM-for-BSSM-FINAL-version-with-links.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2ofCoBbiypAurljVgZaG8x0eFru4rBkIox0nvx7V3rx2J_D-K4e4-ihhM
The above may be helpful also.
Pepperminty
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Is it definitely inside the vagina and not just the vulval skin?
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Hi it’s worse on the lips and just inside I’ve tried vagifem no good
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So swap to 'ovestin'? How long and how often did you use 'vagifem' 4?
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If it's primarily external then you should get checked for Lichen Sclerosis - it's an auto-immune skin condition that affects the vulva, more common in menopausal women. Left untreated it can lead to tearing and scarring of the skin which can build up and cause narrowing of the vaginal opening, plus a slightly higher chance of vulval cancer. It needs to be diagnosed by biopsy, but can be treated successfully with steroid cream.
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Ive had steroid cream helps a bit but always comes back
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I've had lichen schlerosis since my 20s and it sounds very similar - I do think you need to get it checked x
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Hi,
Steriod cream can cause thinning if incorrectly used for the wrong thing, may be useful short term for vulval eczema , and long term fro lichen sch'. I would ask to be reffered to my local clinic specialising in vulval concerns. I would also ask for an appointment with a vulval dermatologist.
PMX
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I agree - you need to be careful with steroid cream. I have Lichen Sclerosis and I have to use it regularly (once a fortnight or so) to keep my symptoms at bay. So if you're also suffering from LS it would make sense that steroid cream works but it always comes back. But it probably would work short term for other things too, so you really do need to get it checked to be sure.
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Just wanted to add- that worrying and stress has a big effect on everything, so the most important thing is to get a prper diagnosis. The Vulval pain society has video's and recently did one with a vulval dermatologist , I think it is on FB.
Good luck
PMX
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Thank you for your reply’s talking to doctor today but I’ve talked to them before and seen them they always seem to fob you off with something that’s not necessarily going to help ❤️
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If that happens ask for an appt at a menopause clinic, not a gynaecologist because they don't know much more than GPs. Let us know how you get on.
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I was very lucky that when I was diagnosed with LS my GP recognised it immediately and referred me to a Womens Health Clinic - I was about 44 at the time. Many GPs are still shockingly ignorant about this condition so you may have to ask specifically.
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Thank you I will do :-*
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Doctor prescribed demovate
And derma I think that’s what’s it called for when you shower
I won’t hold my breath for it to work
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I think some have success with these. Was this over the phone or did he/she take a look-C?
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She had a look but asked me what had helped before and yes some cream has help but comes back or is worse
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If you are on FB , join Vaginal atrophy closed group. Everything you need for info is there . They are great.
PMX
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Bit puzzled by that prescribing - Dermovate is quite a potent steroid cream, it's what I'm prescribed for LS. She shouldn't really be giving you that unless you have an official diagnosis. How often did she tell you to use it?
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Hi
Twice a day she said
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A very small amount? When I had a steroid cream I was told never to put more than a 5p piece size onto my breasts.
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I asked the doctor today about it obviously it’s phone call only
She wouldn’t give me estring or the estriol cream only the ovestin I spoke to Jane on the menopause page on Facebook and she advise me to get the estring so annoyed 😠 really