To miss my more youthful vulva

[OptimismvsRealism]

I did not expect this bit of ageing at all (esp as I don't have kids so nothing controversial has ever really happened down there)

But I miss it feeling moister and bouncier and just generally more resilient and upbeat

And I miss not needing to pee every half hour

And then when you do pee it feels like there's more to come

Feel quite bummed out (was going to do a front bum pun but decided too shudder) to contemplate the next four decades with a buzzkill down there

Yes, your original comment was all about how vulvas look to men, completely misreading the tone and intent of this thread. Then you doubled down and said you said that because the OP brought up shagging her way through tinder. The OP was commenting that other women must not have these issues with dryness, soreness etc because they <enjoy> shagging lots of men. You linked that to what men think of our vulvas. Nobody else did that.

Constant peeing: have you ruled out diabetes?

That is a very good point, Holluschickie.

A blood test would show if the op is diabetic, or pre-diabetic.

Hahahahahahah ok you keep spewing your narrative

'Spewing your narrative' you sound illiterate but go off

I can understand your update. I hope what I said was "helpful" or not unhelpful anyway! Kegels are useful especially when it comes to controlling your urethra; I find they are anyway.

Made me cry with laughter, nice work

Wow, what a big word. Well done!

I was a physio until a few years ago, and so I have done pelvic floor exercises since my early 20s - at physio school it was drummed into us! I had literally no vulval changes until past menopause, and even now the changes are minimal (some thinning of the labia). I also have no incontinence and will be 60 next year.

I put this down to those exercises (and also exercise in general), and it is never too late to begin them. They will improve things, often dramatically re the incontinence - but please get a referral to a women's health physio, because they will fully assess exactly what exercises and program are right for you.

"Me and my Menopausal Vagina' by Jane Lewis is excellent and it arms you with the information you need to get somewhere with your GP etc.

Can you use the NHS self referral for physios or is this more specialist?

Specialist women's health physios are very thin on the ground in the NHS. I'm currently seeing a private one. First appointment (hour long thorough assessment) was £85, subsequent appointments £65. She's amazing!

Yes, obviously, I wouldn't have made the link myself.

See another pp who got migraines from it.

It's irresponsible and dangerous for random unqualified people on the internet to tell women they should ignore the published safety information that comes with medication. I'm going to start reporting posts on here that do it. (Not yours - the original one who told a woman with increased risk of cancer that this medication was OK to take.)

The fact that consultants have been trying unsuccessfully for years to have that warning changed should tell you something.

Been on HRT patches(oestrogen only) since 45 done pelvic floor exercises for years, drink plenty of water. Important to use a water based lubricant Boots do a good one bluey/green bottle, KY Gel avoid like the plague not good for older vaginal tissues. I am 70 years next birthday and still happily shagging at least once a week, don't give up trying to get it sorted.

The nurse at my GP told me I cannot be on HRT patches and vagifem, she said it will be too much estrogen, I think she is wrong, can anyone clarify please ?

Thanks - this is motivating!

@Bella7819 she was talking bollocks. I think it would be worth a complaint as she is confidently giving incorrect advice.

https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/04-BMS-TfC-HRT-Guide-01-AUGUST2022-A.pdf

It's in the section on vaginal oestrogen 'Vaginal oestrogen may also be required in addition for some women taking systemic HRT'

I can’t help but imagine your gym induction when they ask your goals/areas you’d like to improve 🤣

you’re 36 according to other threads

way too young for what you’re describing and not having birthed

sorry wrong poster!

still…. 43 and not birthed and what you physically describe sounds… well unusual

Oh I hope so, I was totally menopausal at 44 and on hrt until diagnosed with breast cancer at 48, 8 years later it's still bloody miserable and no lube in the world makes it better😬

@helly18 @SheldontheWonderSchlong

Have you tried CBD lube?
CBDBristol.com Worth a punt x

@SheldontheWonderSchlong I think the opinion on vaginal oestrogen has changed as the dose is so low.

It would be worth asking for a menopause clinic referral - a quick google suggests it depends what breast cancer hormone treatment you are on but it is not an absolute no.

I can't take hrt because of the same, but she told me the cream for down there is fine, as it doesn't go into the blood stream

I also use a oestrogen cream vaginally once a week prescribed along side my HRT if this helps anyone. x

Yep totally wrong. You can definitely use vaginal oestrogen (Vagifem or Ovestin) alongside systemic HRT.