Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: JennyP on February 01, 2024, 06:10:48 PM
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So I’ve been reading lots of the articles on here over the last few months and can see how supportive you all are so here goes!
I’m 43 and have been having excruciating burning after sex for around 3 years now. I’ve tried endless oils, creams, gels and am at my wits end!
I have been tested for BV and thrush twice via the NHS and paid for a broad range of infections privately a while ago - all tests came back clear.
Sex is fairly pain free with some slight dryness at first. I do thé usual pee after sex routine and keeping things clean. Almost every time after - around 8-12 hrs later I am in agonising burning pain. The only thing that seems to bring me any kind of relief is thrush cream - even then it’s minimal. The GP thinks that might be because it has an emollient effect.
I’ve tried oil and water based lubes which don’t help at all. I ended up with a UTI at the start of this week. Antibiotics calmed things down but I’m still left with a niggling burning sensation. I’m heading back to the GP in a few weeks and will be asking about local estrogen cream.
I have endometriosis and a 6cm endometrioma cyst diagnosed end of last year - more of a side note and something to consider for any of you out there who also have endo. Due to see a specialist in March to find out next steps.
Have any of you used hormone testing - blood or saliva to find out where your hormones are at and if so did it help when you went to the GP? Can anyone recommend a good online testing company?
Would appreciate any advise you can offer :-)
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ATROPHY! and it doesn't surprise me though it makes me mad that non of the professionals has recognised the symptoms :bang:
Was the urine sample sent to a Lab for growing to check which bug might be present? GPs still don't think of vaginal atrophy even though urine infection-type symptoms mimic VA really really well. A sample for thrush should be taken - Canestan made me burn so badly that I sat in a cool bath for 2-3 hours.
In the morning: ring your GP surgery and ask for 'vagifem' and 'ovestin'. U don't need any blood tests or examinations. Some GPs son't prescribe both because they believe that we can 'overdose' on oestrogen :-((( >:(
Don't waste your time with on-line tests. If your GP is reluctant to prescribe, go to Boots and buy 'gina' over the counter as a starter. The idea is to insert gently into the vagina every night for at least 2-3 weeks to replace the oestrogen loss = dryness. I use 'ovestin' successfully. Others insert 'vagifem' and use 'ovestin' around the vulva/labial areas to keep it soft and less itchy.
Any resistance from the surgery, refer them to MM Forum. Tell them to get a copy of 'Me and My Menopausal Vagina', written by a Member here ........ a booklet that should be given to every medical student as they Graudate ;-).
Let us know how you get on. Don't wait, the sooner that you get treatment up there the better. When I get the need2P feelings I swallow pain relief to ease the nip as the urine flow shuts off.
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You're only 43 and probably why your GP hadn't thought of suggesting topical oestrogen, its bad enough most of them don't think about in much older women and send us away with antibiotics first.
Vaginal Atrophy is a nasty condition that will only get worse if not treated, its for life and the sooner you start treatment the better as it can take months to start to feel the benefits.
I wouldn't waste any more time and money looking for answers but ask your GP for appropriate treatment.
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Thanks so much to you both. I’ve got an appointment to discuss with my GP and will be armed with the info you’ve helped me with. I have the book on order!
Will let you know how I get on. Helps a lot to know there are people out there to help. ;D
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How long do U have to wait for the GP appt.? Let us know how you get on.
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Definitely sounds like atrophy...I was only 45 and got fobbed off for months. I had to research myself and beg for estrogen. Don't delay like I did xxx
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I have an appointment in just over a week but mainly because I wait for a particular GP. I’ll keep you updated.
I’ve spoken to a couple of friends recently who are having peri menopause related issues so have let them know about this forum.
Such differing stories from their experiences with GPS/Nurse practitioners. Sounds like there’s a lot of work to do in the NHS to ensure women are heard.
Interestingly there’s another GP surgery in my town with a menopause specialist nurse.
The mental health issues I and I’m sure many others are dealing with because of symptoms of something that is still misunderstood by must take a huge toll. I’ve been at my wits end for a long time and understand the fight that so many people endure.
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When we shouldn't have to fight? Perhaps the Menopause Nurse at the other Practice would like to hold an open meeting once a month? Might be worth suggesting it?
Let us know how you get on.
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Just to let you know I have been prescribed Ovestin which is already working wonders!
My GP is reluctant to prescribe HRT at this point as I am dealing with a large endometriosis related cyst on my ovary.
I’m seeing a consultant early March - in her words - they don’t really deal with menopause (!) but she encouraged me to mention my symptoms (the more I read the more I realise my body aches are likely related to peri menopause) and the fact we have briefly discussed HRT.
I’ve read me and my menopausal vagina - thanks for the recommendation. Definitely worth a read. Got a few other titles on loan from the library so I will be well equipped when I see the consultant in March.
Thanks for your support :)
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Well done! If your GP thinks that the gynaecologist isn't au fait with menopause, then she should have sent you to a dedicated menopause clinic ::) though there are waiting lists both NHS and Private.
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A few of us on here had no idea what was happening to us and the VA diagnosis came as a huge surprise, not to mention shock of a condition we had never heard of before.
So glad you are way ahead of the game and will be armed with all the info needed when you see the consultant in Marsh.
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Absolutely- I had over a year of wondering what on earth was wrong with me. Spent £100s on tests and products. If I’d have had an awareness that VA can start in my late 30s early 40s (actually, thinking back I’m sure I’ve been slightly dry all my life!?) things would have been much easier and less scary.
The more women who speak out about it the better. Thank goodness for my friend who was open about it all and this forum!
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The more women who speak out about it the better.
I try to but not always easy in a conversation that might touch on health. Easier to say any other part of your body might be playing up.
How many do talk openly?
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It does depend on who I am with :-\. I do advise ladies to buy 'me and my menopausal vagina', a very good book written by a Member of the Forum. Read and pass to your Nurse Practitioner ;-) or hand to friends.
I wouldn't discuss with BinL as I don't like the guy much, he's always with his wife so no chances of discussion other than when he raises the subject that she isn't drinking enough. We then follow on with her symptoms may be due to VA. To my knowledge she's never taken my advice to try appropriate treatment :-\
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Hmm, we are our worst enemies. I was at a huge family gathering and mentioned in a large group of mainly ladies, anyone on HRT. It was made obvious by the looks I received that this subject was not up for conversation.
There is a reason why some of us get to over 70 and wonder what the hell the burning and peeing is all about!
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I can remember seeing Teresa Gorman talking about HRT on tv that was enough to put me off it !
Just got to keep breaking the taboos. At least there is more written information now in all the various forms of communication.