Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: groundhog on August 19, 2022, 09:49:50 PM
-
Hi ladies,
I had surgical menopause 7 years ago when I had a hysterectomy and removal of ovaries. I had catastrophic complications nearly died so no one remotely interested in meno so never been on HRT, I’m now 62.
My bladder was damaged in the op and I have frequent burning and occasional infections. I’m thinking should I start using vagifem for bladder health ? I’m nit sexually active as I’m disabled since the op but do have itching and discomfort down there, do you think all post meno ladies should be on vagifem
-
I am 59, post meno and will fight if my Vagifem is taken away! Before i started it i had a couple of urine infections and none since. My cousins, all similiar age to me and who are not using anything seem to always be on antibiotics for urine infections.
I do have a sex life but even if i didn't i would still use it. Give the Vagifem a try.
-
I agree with Tinkerbell. Its made a lot of difference to me and I think you will benefit
Taz x
-
I agree with the others, definitely try the Vagifem, plus a moisturiser on the labia if not already using.
JP x
-
Morning. Give it a try. Nowt to lose and it will help ease symptoms. Ring your Surgery and ask for a script to be left, U don't need an exam. or blood tests ;-)
-
Yep, I agree too I'm 59 and not on HRT but need vagirux/vagifem and it's such a low dose, I don't have concerns using it :)
-
Vagifem is available for any woman that needs it and will be available for women over 50 to buy over the counter from September.
It sounds like you may have the beginnings of Vaginal Atrophy and the sooner you start treatment the better, it can become a chronic condition. Feminine moisturisers are very important to use alongside the treatment and never use soaps to wash, Aqueous cream is very good or there are other alternatives.
Definitely suggest you start the treatment, you have all the symptoms therefore there should be no problem getting a prescription!
-
Just to clarify it will only be available without prescription to women over 50 who have not had a period for over a year. I think this is a shame as I needed vagifem aged 52 while still experiencing periods.
Taz x
-
I would definitely try it. I am 65 and not on any other form of HRT but could not be without vagifem and ovestin, which I use externally.
-
Thank you ladies. It’s difficult to know what to do as my medical history has been totally complicated by my surgical complications. But it seems no harm in trying and who knows it may help,
A few more questions if I may 🙏
What is it about meno that causes bladder infections? Is it the general thinning of tissues ?
Haydo, is ovestin always prescribed with vagifem or is it a personal choice.
What type of moisturiser do you recommend ladies ?
Does Dr Currie still answer questions ?
Thanks everyone . Really grateful
-
Thank you ladies. It’s difficult to know what to do as my medical history has been totally complicated by my surgical complications. But it seems no harm in trying and who knows it may help,
A few more questions if I may 🙏
What is it about meno that causes bladder infections? Is it the general thinning of tissues ?
Haydo, is ovestin always prescribed with vagifem or is it a personal choice.
What type of moisturiser do you recommend ladies ?
Does Dr Currie still answer questions ?
Thanks everyone . Really grateful
I like Yes VM as it is gentle. For some people they find it too watery though. I have Yes OB but it is a lot thicker. Ovestin is not always prescribed with vaigifem. I find many GPs do not understand they can be used together and you have to be firm with them to get both.
It says on the contact form Dr Currie is away until tomorrow.
-
UTIs : yes, thinning of bladder and urethra lining. There are many oestrogen receptors in this area, so they need some E to keep healthy.
Ovestin: not automatically. You might have to ask. Vagifem is good for the insides, but doesn't always help the vulva.
The Yes products are popular, either the VM or oil based. If oil based preferred, Olive & Bee is also very popular. An emollient applied externally is another option, eg Hydromol, Epaderm, Cetraben.
Dr Currie still does email consultations, but is away just now.
JP x
-
With me, I was prescribed vagifem by my GP and was later prescribed ovestin to use externally as I was still suffering with burning and dryness on the vulva area which moisturisers were not alleviating. I use Olive & Bee moisturiser. I tried Yes and Sylk and many others, but they did not suit me. It’s a case of trial and error to find which one suits you best. I never use any scented products and wash with hydromol and use it as an emollient as well. I also take two sea buckthorn (omega 7) capsules a day, which has helped with the dryness.
-
With me it was first Vagifem, after two weeks of taking it twice weekly It soon became apparent it wasn't enough, I now use it every day.
The pessary wasn't helping matters on the outside, with help from the ladies here I knew what to ask my doctor for and she prescribed Ovestin, I use a half pea sized amount twice daily.
Moisturiser is one of the most important ingredients in your armour, Sylk was the first one I used and have kept with it, it suits me fine.