Vulval symptoms

[Spudulike3]

Hi all

I've had an immensely sore vulva for about a week now. This may be thrush but I'm treating for that and it's not going away. I'm aware it could also be a symptom of vaginal atrophy / GSM. However it came on quickly.

If anyone did have this and it was treated with vaginal estrogen, how quickly did it come on?

Any other wisdom also appreciated!

Thanks xxx

Very quickly. One day I was fine the next I wasn't. Took months to realise what it was as I was 45 at the time. Oestrogen cream and hrt patches helps but still get a slightly niggly, uncomfortable urethra leading up to a bleed. Kind of mild uti symptoms without the uti.

Me too, very quickly. Get a swab done just to make sure though.

Is it itchy? Use a mirror to have a look and if your normally red skin is white and slightly scaly go to your GP(!) and gey to a Dermatology clinic in case its Lichen Sclerosis.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. @Mahoosivesalad I also had the 'thought it was a UTI but it was VA' thing so I'm kind of suspicious that this could be the same thing but for the vulva. Will the fun never end???

I did go to the GP yesterday and she thought thrush and did a swab but she was very young and probably has no idea about the fun of this time of life.

@Iloveanicegarden - she did say looked ok and that I was too young for lichen sclerosus (I'm 45)

If it’s VA estriol cream will replace the depleted hormones x

Thanks @Cattery . Unfortunately I can't cope with Ovestin or the other estriol cream as cause irritation. My next in line is Blissel and god knows if that doesn't work. I guess I'll have to give the thrush treatment a fair go first. It's so shit that there are so many variables. I'm a scientist I think why can't we just test for this stuff and work it out in a logical way. But no of course...

@Spudulike3 Oh indeed. I was misdiagnosed for years. Given antibiotics, swabs taken, referred to a gynaecologist; all to no avail. I researched vaginal atrophy and requested the GP prescribe me estriol cream. I’ve been very lucky. It worked for me straight away and I’ve never looked back. We are all different. Not all medicines agree with us. I was unable to use the estradiol pessaries as they caused me terrible discomfort. I hope you find something that works for you x

Emollient ointment or other oil based genital moisturiser like Yes OB can help with vulval inflammation. There are lots of brand names like Epaderm or Hydromol, available OTC from pharmacies or online. It is thick and protective against irritants like bleach/perfume in toilet paper or pads or other products touching the vulva (body wash, shampoo etc). It will also help prevent friction which can sometimes cause skin splits.

For increased vulval inflammation, your Dr might prescribe a steroid ointment. After using these for a few weeks ((2-4) you might find you tolerate estriol cream better. Estriol cream could also be mixed with a small amount of moisturiser you know you tolerate before applying

Thanks @over50andfab all good ideas

Can I just add that Ovestin (now Ovesse) often does sting a bit but it passes.

It's something in it that is mildly irritant for some women. If you possibly can, don't rule it out. It actually changes the cells so they become thicker, and more resilient, whereas other creams and moisturisers don't.

Have you persevered with it for a few days to see if you get some improvement?
I've used it for about 18 years and was disappointed at first as I thought it made things worse (externally) but after a while there was a real improvement.

It's because your skin is so thin and 'raw' that you get the stinging but it usually does settle down.

Rather than Blissel which is a gel, you might want to consider Gynest which is 1/10th the strength of Ovesse . The idea is to use more (to bring it in line with Ovesse) but externally you may find it's not so bad for you.

Just to clarify Ovestin on prescription is now called Estriol 1mg/g. The same product available to buy from Boots pharmacies after going through more stringent health screening is called Ovesse (much like Vagifem from a GP has Gina as the equivalent from a pharmacy). Gynest (brand name) is called Estriol 0.01% (contains peanut oil).

@over50andfab Maybe some pharmacies work slightly differently? I was given Ovesse (as a prescription) - it's the same box and colour scheme (purple and white) as the old Ovestin and the same manufacturer, but it's lost its patent name. It is available OTC (with some questions asked first.)

That’s interesting to hear that. Sounds like it’s going the same way as Gina,
which is sometimes substituted on prescription for Vagifem despite it getting MHRA approval to be offered as a POM (pharmacy only medication) as opposed to prescription only.
As you say Aspen made Ovestin, now called Estriol 1mg and then trademarked Ovesse as a POM. I wonder if it’s down to being provided whatever is available or cheapest at the time. https://femtechinsider.com/first-vaginal-oestrogen-cream-now-available-over-the-counter-at-uk-pharmacy-boots/

Sorry ignore the reference to POM which means prescription only - have discovered the new app is glitchy on editing

@over50andfab Actually ignore that previous post! The one I was given is Estriol but the carton is exactly the same as Ovestin (purple box same writing etc) but without 'Ovestin' on the box. The cost issue wouldn't have applied as it was a private prescription so I'm charged whatever it costs.

Also def not too young for LS - I got a diagnosis at a similar age. Just glad the very on it doc knew what it was as many go undiagnosed for years. Good luck.