Painful sex

[ohdearnotthisnow]

Hi all, I'm 53 and had my last period about 6 months ago. The last 3 or 4 times I had sex it was painful, not because of vaginal dryness as I have been expecting but my vagina seems to be smaller or not expanding as it used to. Before that everything was ok. Is this to be expected? I have read about vaginal atrophy and I'm beginning to worry now. Is it usual for it to happen so quickly, within a couple of months and this soon? No other symptoms or problems, I don't have sex very often but don't want to stop entirely. Thankyou in advance.

Read the thread here somewhere about vaginal atrophy or buy the book called My Menopausal Vagina- written by a woman called Jane about her experiences.

Briefly- you need to see your GP for vaginal estrogen cream- use it daily for 2 weeks then 2 x a week for life or the symptoms come back,

A wealth of info here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/menopause/3429137-Vaginal-atrophy-Lets-mention-the-unmentionable

It's very normal, and for most women very treatable (alternative to cream is vagifem pessaries). Don't put up with it!

That's what it is then? (subject to medical opinion, obviously) I was hoping to hear something else, it's a bit of a shock. Better get myself off to the docs and buy the book. Can I just ask, once you start on the pessaries does regular sex help or doesn't it make a difference? Feeling very grateful for modern healthcare.

Sex is helpful as it keeps it all stretched and lubricated. some women who can't have sex if the VA has got so bad, have to start with medical dildos.