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

Thank you for that. I am hoping the dermatologist will help with all this as well.

I've taken the plunge, OP, and started last night! Did you have any stinging or burning for the first few days? I have a lot of redness already so trying to guage what's normal.

Anything can sting and burn, including my oestrogen cream when the area is very sore. I’m impressed that some women here notice a big difference straight away. It’s taken 4 weeks for things to gradually improve to the stage where it isn’t painful anymore. I still get some itchiness and moderate discomfort sometimes. Hopefully, that will go soon.

It took a few days to feel more comfortable...i used daily for probably the first month.... now every other day.

Hope it helps. I think when you are uncomfortable down there it affects everything, sleep, exercise, mood... its really awful.

Glad you're making progress, even if it's slowly. Thanks for replying.

Absolutely. I can't even walk as quickly as I usually do.

My doctor advised me just to do twice a week as I'm so sore - and I'd reacted to the Blissel gel. I might try more frequent doses if things seem ok over the next week or two. Thanks for replying.

There is another thread running about this with lots of great advice

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/menopause/5574215-please-share-positive-experiences-of-treatment-for-vaginal-atrophy-symptoms?page=9&reply=154844727

If you suddenly become sore it might be an issue with the vaginal microbiome-Bacterial, Anaerobic Vaginitis or overgrowth of good bacteria

Antibiotics/ harsh bath products/ ill health and poor diet/ low oestrogen can knock it out

GP should do a swab and check your Vaginal microbiome and prescribe appropriate topical antibiotics if nreded to knock out the baddies
If you lack oestrogen it disrupts your VM
If your VM is out of kilter and ph disrupted then the good vaginal bacteria cant process oestrogen properly into the tissues

I found this all out through extensive research
Gps generally clueless!
Vaginal probiotics/ lots of fruit veg/ vaginal oestrogen/ cream / ph pessaries( can buy)
Can take ages to sort it out

I started that thread, @RosaNovella ! It has been really useful.

It's all such a massive vicious cycle, isn't it? I will look into vaginal probiotics. My GP did take swab - just waiting for results.

If no joy with the GP, GUM might be able to help, that’s how I was diagnosed with lichen planus.

Oh Hi ! 👋
I didnt clock your name! @FergoMcFergFace
Clearly this is extremely common !

I can recommend Optibac for Women. I used them for thrush ages ago expecting not much but they worked really well.

Thank you, @Additup. I'll look out for that.