Chafing from STs, not getting better?

[SinkGirl]

Ugh, well this is an unpleasant topic but I’m sure others have experienced it!

I have really heavy periods due to gynae conditions - can’t wear anything internal due to pain, and sanitary towels usually aren’t absorbent enough, cause severe chafing by about day 2-3 and then I have 6-8 more days of damage. Managed to cut out most chafing using a different kind of pad which are so much better but generally it starts to happen by about day 6.

A few months ago I had a really bad period and quite bad chafing along where the outer edges of the pad sit. Not uncommon but it’s just not getting better. Was still there when I had my last period so obviously got worse and I’m shortly due again and it’s still there.

No signs of infection, thrush etc - the skin is just really sore.

I’ve tried nappy rash cream and emollients with no joy.

Anything else I can try or do I need the embarrassment of seeing the GP about adult nappy rash? FFS!

What about incontinence pads instead of sanitary towels? I used to use these- think they were called tena comfort before I got a load of washable pads custom made for me. That was a costly option though.
I found that the tena pads had much more coverage than a sanitary towel and much softer sides as well. I know Tena used to send samples out if you rang their careline, not sure if this still happens.

Gynae wants to do a hysterectomy and I’m about at the point where I agree

If you're not intending to have any more children, this is the best option. I had a hysterectomy at 35 for this same issue and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. No more dreading the onset of the next period, no more chafing, excoriated skin, bleeding through onto my clothes. Honestly, if you go with this option you'll never regret it. Good luck.

Oh my word you poor thing x I had the novosure ablation which sorted me out so I can totally Sympathise. (You have prob already tried it from what you have did or it's not suitable). Not having those type of periods changed my life & if you do go through with the hysterectomy you will prob wish you had earlier x sorry your having to deal with this

Have you tried the Kotex pads? I used them after birth and they were so soft and cushioned. Quite chunky though. Also I'm sure you've tried it but metaium as a barrier and to heal the skin.
Sounds miserable, I hope you find something that works.

You could also try a specialist fanjo wash, just in case soap is worsening the irritation. I'm perimenopausal, so not coming at discomfort from the same angle as you but this wash really helped to ease itch and discomfort.

I know it's not for everyone but I have very heavy periods and cups coupled with washable pads are what works for me. Cups hold so much more than tampons and then the pad acts as a barrier for any leaks but I change regularly to try and prevent that. I'd also say yellow metatanium is the best cream but sounds like you may be using that? Maybe that plus a barrier cream on top (like brepanthan).

I second the Weleda. It is wonderful for all kinds of sore skin. Their Weather Protection Cream would be a good barrier to use too, on the edges where the wings rub.
I don’t have heavy periods but I find a few days of wearing some towels, especially those with wings, leaves my skin sore. I find washable towels (Charlie Banana) and period pants much better. I also use Bodyform as Always really irritate me.

Has anything helped with the blood loss though ? Bleeding this heavily will leave you anaemic, it needs addressing in itself.

Sorry I had somehow missed your post about your gynae.

Please do see your GP. They are very used to dealing with embarrassing and intimate problems and they shouldn't make it a big thing. Ask for a woman if that would make you feel better.

Please be careful with the steroid cream, the skin there is delicate and it can cause problems. Also, if there is any fungal or bacterial problem they will also get the steroid and multiply too! I had a patch of chapped skin behind my ear that wouldn't clear up and the GP gave me some antibiotic with steroid cream for the morning and some antifungal and steroid for the evening cleared it up in a few days.

If you need it to be dry for few days more can you ask for something to delay your period? I don't know anything about your problems and so if it will make the bleeding and pain worse in future I appologise.

Try to keep the area dry and well ventilated like you would with nappy rash. Lots of 'unladylike' man spreading

It all sounds very uncomfortable and I hope it is sorted soon.

Have a look at Orabase or Orahesive. These are used by people with stomas to help heal skin damaged by moisture.

I cross posted about the hormones so I appologise for that.

The only other thing i can think of is when my chub rub is bad i cover it with a huge plaster so the plaster rubs and protects the skin underneath. If its right in your panty line this probably isn't practical, but creating a mechnical barrier in someway might stop what is essentially chaffing on the wet material.

Thanks so much everyone for the suggestion. I did discuss endometrial ablation with my gynae as it would reduce / stop the bleeding but i would still have all the pain so a hysterectomy is probably best. My only concern is some women I know with endo end up worse off after a hysterectomy, with the disease spreading like mad. There aren’t any easy answers unfortunately.

Will definitely try your suggestions. A cup is absolutely not possible - the pain is so severe that inserting even the tiniest tampon is out, I tried a cup once in desperation, smallest one I could find and I couldn’t insert it, my pelvic floor goes into overdrive during periods so just can’t do it unfortunately.

Will try some thrush cream first just in case it is fungal - need to speak to GP soon anyway about my painkillers so will mention it then.

hi i have the same issue. I have a heavy cycle too and the issue is the pad . switch to organic / vegan products/ pads like Honey Pot and Saba -( Sensiti -V ) I was using always infinity and the material on it pressed against my vulva cut me soo bad one time it hasnt healed since or been the same and so far the skin keeps reforming . i tried vaseline , so many things . having hair down there doesnt help so try to keep it minimal . Desitin Multi Purpose Healing Ointment . THE CLEAR ONE . i found it in Walgreens . so far it has helped but it hasnt gone awah completely and i have to keep up ontop of it . my cycle just finished . we are gonna be okay ! im glad im not the only one going thru this ! peace and love girl ! hope this helps !!