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[LDP]

hi all, I’m 62 and post menopausal.  Last year started to experience a vaginal infection/discharge/itching and basically have had a year of real ups and downs.  My GP kept saying “I don’t know what this is” and “definitely not VA” and test kept coming back “indeterminate” and GP said she wasn’t sure what that meant!  Eventually after two infections and a lot of clindamycin with no end in sight I saw a lovely private consultant who specialises in thrush and infections.  Of course all infection gone by then but he suspected Aerobic vaginitis and said NHS test would not show positive for that.  Put me on vagifem and confirmed I had VA.  Huge relief. 
All good for a while Then out of nowhere another infection.  Wrongly diagnosed myself and two lots of clyndamicin which did nothing but make it worse.  GP just prescribed over phone.  Eventually had a test done and could not believe it was heavy thrush.  Took 4 weeks and multiple (I’m talking about 9 tablets)  flucozanal tablets to get rid of it.  Actually found combining the flucozanal with ibuprofen was the breakthrough for me.   Now back on vagifem having done reloading and a nervous wreck at any slight twinge.
I’m reaching out because I feel like I’m only person who does not experience terrible dryness (yes some pain at times when sitting on hard chair) and some irritation (I am not sexually active although smear test was agony) and no cystitis but my problem is these infections …I can’t find any good info in how I can prevent them?  have been ultra cautious using dermol to shower, not swimming, cotton underwear not tight trousers and become quite obsessive about washing and keeping clean.  I’ve also upped the vagifem to every 3 nights.  I can’t face another infection.  Any thoughts or anyone out there with similar problem?
Thank you
PS reading threads on this forum has been a real help on dark days

[Flossieteacake]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I am so sorry to hear of what you are going through. My first thought is, you are using Vagifem for three days a week. Many members need to use VA treatment daily, myself included. You may find that increasing the Vagifem will help your condition a lot.

You said you are obsessive about washing and keeping clean. Washing too often can also cause VA to worsen as the skin will dry out and be sore ( I know you said you do not experience such symptoms)

I can understand how fed up you are feeling. It is awful to be in so much pain. I am glad you posted as you will find lots of support on here.

[LDP]

Thanks so much.  Yes I try hard to keep washing morning and night.  I was considering vagifem every other day so might try that as during the re loading things really seemed to feel right

[Flossieteacake]

Thanks so much.  Yes I try hard to keep washing morning and night.  I was considering vagifem every other day so might try that as during the re loading things really seemed to feel right

You could use it everyday until your symptoms improve, then you could see if you could use it less. Do not be afraid to use it daily if you need to. VA is so painful and the most important thing is that you feel better.

[CLKD]

Your GP is another who needs their head pushed down a loo and flushed lots of times.  If he/she didn't know what was causing your symptoms he/she should have referred you to a dedicated menopause clinic for advice.  How any GP can suggest that symptoms ain't VA beggars belief!

Get that treatment up there every night for at least 3 weeks.  Some find that adding a moisturiser: Sylc or Yes : or 'ovestin' around the outer labia helps a lot to keep the vulval area from becoming itchy and sore.

Also: do get a copy of "Me and My Menopausal Vagina" written by a member of the Forum: read and pass to your GP Practice manager.  Avialable on Amazon ;-)

[LDP]

Great idea! my GP surgery really needs a shake-up!  She had me thinking I was a freak but all the time this was a common condition for my age!  Thank you 

[CLKD]

Her turn will come  ........

[Ayesha]

There are great posts in the link below from women who have suffered badly from Vaginal Atrophy, their stories are inspiring.
I'm sharing the link to help any woman out there who is at a loss as so many suffer in silence.

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,64837.msg895647.html#msg895647