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[Brownie]

Hello Ladies
Looking for some help please.
So diagnosed with vaginal atrophy nearly 2 years ago. Gp prescribed estriol cream(previously Gynest) which did take a time to work. Was told to come off it but back on it again not long after. Had several flare ups, was told to use vagifem but felt this didn't agree with me so back to estriol. I also have a mild bladder prolapse + one urologist told me I had inflamed bladder but second one said all ok ? I have just started on Everol conti but the razor blade pain is doing my head in. I wanted to ask you ladies for your advice. I would have thought that after 2 years there would have been some improvement (I am now using the estriol every night) I do try to drink loads of water every day but just to ask when will this get better ? Will everol conti help with vaginal issues? Do you think alternating nights with vagifem/estriol cream is a good idea ? My main pain appears to be internal not external.
Thank you ladies xxx

[Tinkerbell]

I am on Oestrogel, Vagifem and Ovestin to keep VA under control and i still get flare ups.

[Dierdre]

I use Vagifem internally and Ovestin externally and around the bladder/urethra every night to just about manage this but it's never 100% all the time. Full HRT in the mix as well may improve things but most people have to use local estrogens also for atrophy even if they use systemic HRT for other meno symtoms. Are you using moisturiser too? YES products are good.
Asked for a physiotherapy referral for the prolapse while its mild so it can be rectified before it gets worse. I'd use Vagifem every night and place on the bladder wall, high one night then low the next to get the oestrogen where it's needed most. The therapist will show you how to strenghten the pelvic floor and how to do the exercises correctly. It should take a few months to improve but it will make things more comfortable.
Atrophy is for life so don't ever stop taking the estrogen or it will return and it's not a quick fix to sort out again.
It is managable, I've had it seven years now and am mostly fine but still have the occasional blip.

[Brownie]

Thank you for the reply ladies.
Yeah I've been to a physio but after I was told I had an inflamed bladder was told not to do the kegels but I do still try + do other strengthening/relaxation exercises for the pelvic area.
To be honest I prefer the estriol cream to the vagifem as I felt the vagifem made everything down there even drier, that's why I wondered about alternative nights ? As I said my outer bits seem to be ok. I have Yes and the multigyn ? Gel, do you use yes internal/externally ?
Thanks x

[Alice]

Hello Ekgirl,
I use imvaggis which is a pessary for internal use that contains estriol. It's waxy and melting rather than being like a tablet.
I originally requested it from my GP as I didn't like the look of all the disposable applicators that come with vagifem, when I saw a menopause specialist later she said it's the one she likes to prescribe but a lot of GPs aren't aware of it.
I'm expect you could still use the cream externally too.

[Brownie]

Thanks Alice
Yeah washing the applicators every day is a bit of a pain so that sounds good.
I also meant to ask do any of you maybe insert a vagifem during the day ? and if so do you think that helps ?
Thanks x

[Dierdre]

I tend to insert at night as it's come out during the day sometimes, gravity and moving around I suppose. Also if you're very dry it can drop out during the day. It sticks to the vagina wall better at night.
Vagirux is another Estradiol pessory the same as Vagifem but with a reusable applicator. 
Imvaggis (estriol) sounds ok if you can tolerate the waxy pessary (Butylhydroxytoluene) I'm sensitive to some additives and can't use oils and coconut oil etc.
Also I like the fact I can apply the Ovestin externallly where needed. I think it helps having both estrogens too, estradiol in Vagifem and estriol in Ovestin as they target different receptors. I've tried both separately but get better results using both together.
That's a shame you can't do the kegels, I found yoga helped, especially the cat cow exercise, I could feel the prolapse pulling in.
You can use YES internally and externally.

[Flossieteacake]

I use Ovestin as I cannot tolerate anything else. I apply it inside and on the outer area. If you struggle to insert vagifem then you can apply something like Yes or Sylk. I apply Yes to the applicator when inserting Ovestin. I used to wash with water but a menopause specialist told me this was making me even more dry and to use an emollient. I also switched from baths to showers to avoid the area being in prolonged contact with water.

[Dierdre]

I always wash with Cetraben, it protects from the water, I think it's worse if you have hard water. I haven't had a bath for years, always shower. I do miss a nice soak in bubble bath though.

[Flossieteacake]

I always wash with Cetraben, it protects from the water, I think it's worse if you have hard water. I haven't had a bath for years, always shower. I do miss a nice soak in bubble bath though.

I do too. I used to have a nice hot bath and read as a way to relax. 

[Brownie]

Thanks for all the suggestions ladies.
To be honest I prefer the estriol cream (not ovestin the old Gynest) as I find it's quite soothing but I feel I'm needing more as feeling sore/uncomfortable during the day. Also as I said didn't know whether it was better to alternate nights (vagifem one night, estriol the other)
I know it's all a matter of trial + error to see what works best grrrrr
Xxxx

[Dierdre]

It's the only way to find out, I've tried all sorts over the years. If it stays in all day do Vagifem in the morning and estriol at night.

[Ayesha]

I've been on my VA regime for a year now and am still able to have a bath but being very careful what I put in it. With my muscle problems I loved soaking in Epsom Salts but that would be a disaster now. It can get depressing when bit by bit your old way of life gets taken away from you, but I allow myself a bath treat now and again and now I am prepared for and able to treat any flare-ups which I am happy to say are rare! (Probably wishing myself a flare up by just mentioning it) 

Ekgirl, once you get into your routine it means sticking to it for life, you will get there but needs lots of patience, takes ages for the treatments to work, unfortunately!
I can't add anymore to all the great advice you have received from the other ladies, good luck! 

[Brownie]

Yeah who would be a woman !!!
I had thought that after nearly 2 years things would have improved. I realise estrogen keeps declining as you age but some days I want to tear my hair out. I'm going on holiday in 3 weeks involving a long flight + just want to be as comfortable as poss🙏
Thanks for your suggestions especially the one about using emollient whilst showering, my GP told me just to use water !
Most of my issues are internally + I like Estriol cream + I  know this sounds bizzare but does anyone use estriol internally morning + night ? I realise there might be an issue for it staying in place 🙈 I think I read on another thread + I'm sure it was Mary Jane that said she used estriol morning+ night ? I assumed she meant externally but I might give it a try + see what happens !!!
Xxx

[Flossieteacake]

Yeah who would be a woman !!!
I had thought that after nearly 2 years things would have improved. I realise estrogen keeps declining as you age but some days I want to tear my hair out. I'm going on holiday in 3 weeks involving a long flight + just want to be as comfortable as poss🙏
Thanks for your suggestions especially the one about using emollient whilst showering, my GP told me just to use water !
Most of my issues are internally + I like Estriol cream + I  know this sounds bizzare but does anyone use estriol internally morning + night ? I realise there might be an issue for it staying in place 🙈 I think I read on another thread + I'm sure it was Mary Jane that said she used estriol morning+ night ? I assumed she meant externally but I might give it a try + see what happens !!!
Xxx

What a shame your GP told you to wash in water. Water alone is very drying. When I am sore I insert ovestin morning and night. It can help.