Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: Lynda07 on March 29, 2023, 10:54:25 AM
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Hi
I posted recently about needing to wee more often and had a few replies suggesting this could be VA. Thanks for those.
I took a sample in yesterday and my GP rang me and said it was clear but asked me what issues I'd been having. I explained mainly the frequent weeing but also slightly sore and very mild, occasional pelvic pain. I mentioned the VA and she agreed it could be this; she's made me an appointment for this Friday so she can examine me/check my tummy but said she can give me something for it if its VA.
Urine sample is now also being sent off to the lab just for further checks.
It's all new to me - so - I just wondered if there were any questions I should be asking and also - would you consider treatment if your symptoms were mild - I'm tempted just to take what she offers, I'm guessing it will be cream or pessary? Or does it come with unwanted side effects?
I'd just like to go to my appointment with a bit more knowledge so thanks for any replies.
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The thing about VA is, if it is not treated then it gets worse. I would definitely start treatment now to prevent it from getting worse. Some members use a pessary for the inside and cream for the outer area but sadly many GPs will not prescribe this. It is really up to you if you wish to try a pessary or a cream. The good thing about a cream is it can be applied all over but it is very individual. At first it can sting but this is due to the skin being tender. Once the skin improves then there should not be any side effects.
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Thanks so much Flossieteacake, that's very helpful.
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Thanks so much Flossieteacake, that's very helpful.
My pleasure. :)
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If you go to the menu, blue box right hand corner, then Treatments, HR preps, vaginal treatments, it will give you the list of meds to choose from.
I have Vagifem for internal and Ovestin for external or internal but both work alone too.
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I had no idea about that search feature Dierdre - thank you.
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If your GP seems reluctant to prescribe 'too much', then suggest that she contacts Dr Currie who runs this Forum, for clearance. I use 'ovestin', delivered in a syringe-type applicator so I can smear it round the labia if required.
Some find that 'vagifem' pessaries less messy so if necessary, use 'ovestin' around the other labia or other moisturisers, i.e. Yes or Slyc products.
When I get the need2P symptoms I swallow 2 Nurofen 3 times a day until the nip stops. [I may have said already :-\]
Let us know how you get on.
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Thank you CLKD.
I think my GP is actually aware of this forum and she is very good and very thorough so hopefully I'll be sorted on Friday.
I was pleased she is sending my sample to "the lab" after reading previous comments of yours saying this should be done.
I will let you know how I get on and thanks again for replying.
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You're so lucky you are getting in early with treatment for VA, I hadn't a clue what was happening to me and I had progressed to the chronic stage, and believe me you don't want to go there!
Don't do what I did at your appointment, it's ok doctor I will try a moisturiser first! Grab whatever treatment she offers and if you need extra, you now have the opportunity to buy treatment over the counter.
Don't let Vaginal Atrophy take over your life, nip it in the bud! :)
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Gina from Boots is for via a Pharmacist 4 ladies over 55 who haven't had a period for 12 months so the advert on TV is misleading.
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Gina is for ladies over 50. Ovestin can easily be obtained via Superdrug Online Pharmacy.
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Ayesha, thank you so much for replying. I'm really sorry to hear you've suffered as it sounds like you have.
This is exactly why I posted, for advice like this. My GP was lovely when she rang with my sample results and literally invited me in. )Actually we are really very fortunate with our surgery, they are fantastic).
Thanks for the Gina advice too.
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Great you are being listened to, do let us know how you get on! :)
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I will do Ayesha.
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Hi again
I saw my GP today, she examined me and has prescribed Vagifem and I’m to go back in 4 weeks.
Out of interest-does anyone have any success with non hormonal treatment for VA - does such a thing exist?
Lynda
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It is good you have vagifem. Why does your GP want you to go back in a month? I hope they will not try to get you to reduce it as it needs to be taken for life. Localised oestrogen is the only thing that can reduce VA. Things like vaginal moisturiser and seabuckthorn capsules can help with the dryness.
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Why non-hormonal :-\.
There are moisturisers which some use as well as either 'vagifem' or 'overtone' i.e. 'sylc' or 'yes' products. They won't replace the loss of oestrogen which is the cause of vaginal atrophy. Personally I use 'ovestin' and if necessary 'KY Jelly' on the outer labia. It's a small amount of active ingredient and must be used every night for at least 2 weeks.
Some then manage with occasional use each week, many ladies require nightly use. Otherwise the condition returns with a vengeance! >:(
When I get the need2P feelings I swallow 2 Nurofen 3 times a day until the nip sensation eases.
Let us know how you get on. Be prepared to use 'as necessary' until symptoms are under control.
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Thanks Flossieteacake. I think it’s just a belt and braces thing to see how things are going on although she also asked me if I thought things had changed visibly “down there” as if she’d seen something but I couldn’t answer that. She didn’t seem concerned either way, thankfully.
CLKD - I just wondered what else was out there to be honest. I had a very bad reaction to Everol Conti and whilst I realise that the Vagifem is totally different, it’s still HRT and therefore, I’m wary but that’s me all over. I would also be interested in trying some of the moisturisers.
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I don't think non hormonal will help, I went 6 months without local estrogen and nothing really did. I use balance active gel the nights I don't use Vagifem but nothing is more affective than the estrogen xxx
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Thanks Cara999. I guess that last line of yours says it all really xxx
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Hormone 'replacement' therapy. We forget to break it down into what it means. VA treatment is to 'replace' the lack of oestrogen in the vaginal area. Other replacements are designed to do a 'different job' for other symptoms.
I don't think of VA treatment as 'replacement' but as a 'booster' to keep my vaginal area as healthy as possible. As U know HRT is delivered differently to VA - although this may sting a bit initially if so, don't push it too deeply. Gently gently .......
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Very well put CLKD. I need to remember that.