Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Tamara]

Hi everyone,

New joiner here - hoping for some advice on Vagifem and bladder issues.

I’m 59, post-menopausal for 8 years and have severe vaginal dryness for which I’ve been using Yes VM.

I’ve recently started to have vaginal burning and my GP prescribed Vagifem which I started 5 days ago. On the 1st day, it took me quite a while to insert it high enough and as I was about to release the pessary, I felt as if I’d been flooded and realised I’d wet myself. I’ve never been incontinent before so I was really shocked by it and pulled out the applicator. I then tried again with another applicator, this time I managed to release the pessary but then got wet again! I’d been to the toilet just before I started trying but I guess my attempts to insert took so long that my bladder must have filled up again.

I was really confused by what happened and spoke to my GP the next day - she said she’d never heard of anything like this! She did say that I might have a prolapsed bladder but that it would be better to carry on using the Vagifem for a few weeks before she saw me because she wouldn’t be able to examine me if I was very sore.

Inserting the applicator on day 2 and 3 were uneventful and successful but on day 4 and 5, just as I released the pessary I was incontinent again (although there was much less leakage than on day 1).

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Searching online, I don’t appear to have symptoms of a prolapsed bladder. Have never had children. No penetrative sex for quite a while. Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s had a bladder prolapse as to how it started and how you’re dealing with it.

Thanks

[Taz2]

Hi Tamara. Sorry to hear of your bladder problem. I have a bladder prolapse (cystocele) and didn't realise I had it until it was proving difficult to insert tampons. It can cause problems with insertion as the cystocele bulges into the vagina. There is also a different condition where you can develop a slight kink in the urethra. Some urine collects here and when you put any pressure on the vagina the kink straightens out and it can then release more urine. I would say carry on with the vagifem as this strengthens vaginal tissues but if the problem continues then ask your GP to refer you to a pelvic floor specialist clinic. There you can have the problem accurately diagnosed. Do you insert the pessary standing up or lying down?

Hope this is helpful. 

[CLKD]

Hi!  it's a nuisance ain't it!

Have U tried to insert the 'vagifem' on the end of the finger, as far as is comfy?  Crack open the capsule - if U are over the loo too it will be less messy if the bladder is kinked as Taz suggests.  Do ask to be referred to a women's physiotherapist for advice. 

U could also use the YesVM on the outer labia to keep that area less liable to itch.  If you feel a nip at the end of passing urine, try 'nurofen' or similar which can ease the spincter as it shuts off.

Let us know how you get on.  You are on the right track but if there is a kink it may well take longer to sort.  Let us know.

[Tamara]

Taz2, that’s such useful information, thank you!

I find it much easier to insert the pessary while lying in bed. I was able to insert it today without the flood probably because I avoided drinking anything for a couple of hours before, also getting a bit better at inserting it more quickly. Hopefully I’ll be feeling less sore in a few weeks time and will see the GP then.

CLKD, I find the applicator easier to insert because it’s narrower than any of my fingers. Also I thought it’s best not to do it over the loo in case I dropped it in there! I have some old towels on the bed ready to catch the flood when it comes!

Thanks both, shall update you when I’ve made some progress!

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on!  As the tissues become supple the pessary should go up easier.  Don't try to put it too far for a week, gently, gently ;-)