Acutely sore vulva

[omega4ever]

May be a dumb question but here goes...

Can i use somevof my oestrogel gel ln my sore vulva??

Im on continuous hrt 10 yrs . Vaginal atrophy and irritation / soreness becoming more of a problem last 12 months. Im already using vagifem tablet every other day and feel its stopped working.

Tried yes yes vaginal moisturiser... bit of relief.

I was on my bike at weeken and its flaired up terrily. Using simple emolients atm

Have put in an e consult to Gp to request script for vagibal oestrogen cream but it may take 5 days for a reply!!!

Can i just dab a bit of normal oestrogen gel down there meanwhile??

Thanks

No! It’s systemic and that would be too high a dose.
Ovesse is available over the counter at Boots -life changing!

I;m having the same problem! Use the Gina pessaries twice a week but horse riding and cycling are making my vulva itchy and sore. I'm also going to look into some padded underwear to help prevent the issue.

I’ve also been having the same problem. I’m on Hrt and use Vagifem twice a week Saw the nurse practitioner and she said vulva was very dry and sore. She prescribed Zerobase and it has been amazing. I use it every time I go to the loo and it has made a massive difference.

No. You need vaginal oestrogen.

Emollient might help temporarily but only the oestrogen will strengthen your skin barrier and support your bladder/vagina wall.

Thanks ladies. Good to know its not juzt me.

Locum Gp phoned at 6.30... shes prescribing oestrogen cream and ill start it tomorrow... all chemists close here early otherwise id start tonight.

Its another joy the menopause has thrown at me... hope it eases quickly cos its really umcomfortable down there. I thought tgat being on hrt already and using vagifem already i had all bases cpvrred. Appears not😪

Horrid isn't it x

@omega4ever when you start, use as much as you can. It's very lovely and calming.

And if you do get more than one tube a month, don't forget you can put it on your face and neck - I do!

With vaginal atrophy in my mid 40s i had an appt with a gynaecologist and he inserted an oestrogen ring. Removed after 2-3 months - revolutionary! I haven’t needed further treatment. I started HRT about 5 years later once I hit menopause.
Vulval tissues definitely change over time, I guess we have to treat them gently now!

Following

Thank you, have entered negotiations with the practice nurse who seems to think that the twice a week vagifems are quite enough. I will persist until I get the cream.

How are you getting on with the oestrogen cream, @omega4ever ?

Thanks for the reminder @FergoMcFergFace ... happy to update and should of done so earlier.

Ive been using the estriol cream for 3 ish weeks now and its been Marvelolous.

It took about 3 days to start to help with the pain, irritation and burning and i initially used both daily internally with the applixator and externally. I was really so sore and distressed.. it brought me to tears at one point. Felt pretty normal after about 10 days treatment.

Ive since stopped the internal cream and prefer the vagifem tablet.. but externally ithe cream is amazing and made such a difference. Im still using a little every night and everything is plump and comfortable and better than its been for years.

The joy of not having hourly vulval discomfort is bliss. . So happy.

Thank you ladies for all the advise... ive sent GP message ro request rpt script added.... i cannot be without this magic stuff!!

Another tool added to my menopausal survival kit.

Tbh it really threw me.. ive be on systemic Hrt for over 10 years and vaginal oestrogen for 2+ years so it was a huge setback when i realised i need even more oestrogen . I thought i had it all sorted... but its as if the vagifem had stopped working or wernt being absorped properly.

I found the Vagifem utterly useless for my vulva - but what a difference with Oestrogen cream!

Yes OB (oil-based) is also great to use for comfort.

I’m struggling with this. Oestrogen cream didn’t help much though I was only using it twice a week as prescribed. I’ve used an emollient, which helps a bit, but have a referral to a genital dermatologist. I might just carry on with the cream every day for a week or so and see if it helps now I’ve read your update.

@Partingofthewaves try daily for at least 2 weeks .... it has made a huge positive difference to me... but it did take a decent daily loading dose to get there.

Goid luck 💐

Thank you. My GP was a bit vague on how often to use it. I use Vagifem but it hasn’t helped and she did say I shouldn’t use both. I don’t suppose it will do any harm in the short term. It is so painful.

Oh that's brilliant news, @omega4ever ! I was genuinely interested. And I totally relate to crying over it - it's the kind of soreness you can't take your mind off.

I'm in the middle of a massive flare up and, having had an awful reaction to Blissel, I've been too scared to try the Estriol cream I've been prescribed. (Apologies if I've already said this on this thread - can't remember what I've said where.) Maybe I should just take the plunge! 😬 Even Yes VM has been stinging so I've been sticking with Hydromol till I can see a doctor.

Really pleased you're feeling better.

@FergoMcFergFace i used the Yes VM too OTC in the months preceeding this but it did get very nippy and wasnt helping as much as earlier. I really recommend the oestrogen cream... its a very low dose apparently. Please think about trying it.

You have my full sympathy and hope you feel more comfortable soon.

This is not true. I have just been prescribed Estriol cream for my vulva by a Gynaecologist in addition to my oestrogen pessaries. The cream is designed for internal use and comes with a vaginal applicator.

I empathise @omega4ever I suffer a lot with mine. The Estriol cream seems to be slowly improving things, but I find I still need a moisturiser in between. I have just started trying Bloom and Blossom Cheek to Cheek Gentle Baby Balm. It contains Shea butter (which I swear by for my dry, sensitive skin) and lavender oil. I have tried so many creams and balms and this gave instant and long lasting relief 👌

The cream was added in together with my Vagifem pessaries by a Gynaecologist. My GP never mentioned the two together. I don’t think the combination features in the nhs protocols, but Gynaecologists have more specialised experience and treat based on that. Apparently, there are no issues using them together.

@Stelladid you can use estriol cream every day and on the outside too. No need to use other moisturisers, its even possible they make things worse.

And you can use the estriol cream whenever you like. I keep some in my work bag in case I'm sore during the day.

@Unpaidworkmakestheeconomytick sorry for the random quote I'm not sure what happened there!

I use vagifem on prescription but buy ovesse online too.

Ovestin/Estriol on prescription from your GP. Use liberally, inside and out. Don’t ever stop using it. Game changer.