Who knew your fanny shrivelled up and ran away when you hit mid 50s!?!

[shrumps]

I certainly didn’t and I miss it! The only part of my body to become skinny and Im absolutely pissed off. Why did no one tell me about this?? And now I feel I can’t tell anyone else in case it’s just me.

I think you shouldn't do that ... ?

Erm, your flappy bits disappear? Mid 40's me is 😱.

Can I please ask, what do you say when you go to the doctor to ask for this? What reasons do you give for wanting it?

I'm 61, I haven't had sex for a year, I had a sexual encounter at the weekend and afterwards there was blood! It was v alarming, and it wasn't even PIV sex! God, I hate getting old... What to do?

I actually think that I could be doing with a bit more oestrogen, but I'm sticking with the current prescription for a while. (I had the Mirena inserted after some post-menopausal bleeding. Three biopsies later, it seems that all is okay.)

I know that some women prefer the oestrogen gel or cream. I can tell you that the vagirux has made a difference to me.

Years before I was prescribed HRT tablets, I was prescribed Vagifem for a while. I actually preferred that to the Vagirux, though they're supposed to be the same. I think that Vagirux is cheaper for the NHS since each pack comes with only one applicator.

I had a very useful discussion with our practice nurse which made me realise I wasn't barmy/imagining things. She spoke of women finding their clothing irritating (a problem I'd had at exercise classes) and said that the thinking on HRT has totally changed now.

For me, the most important factor with the vaginal oestrogen is its role in preventing prolapses: my grandmother, my great-aunt and my mum all had prolapses with Mum having a hysterectomy in her '70s.

I read about someone having this problem some years ago and it's one of the reasons that women are advised to use topical oestrogen.

I had similar just from smear tests, prior to getting my prescription.

I was given the pessaries for constant discomfort and recurrent UTIs. I believe that the gel is prescribed for the same reason.

I also mentioned the family history of prolapses.

My fanny went all blokey

Bald at the front and top, but excessively long hair going down, like a beard

Toilet paper is getting stuck in it, but waxing is out of the question and shaving, even to a short length, makes me itch

some brilliant funny comments

A few people have mentioned UTI. Every month, a week before my period I feel stingy in that general area. Hard to pinpoint. Could that be uti? I keep having to take co codamol as it’s really uncomfortable .

🤣🤣🤣

Following! I'm 46 and am anxious about the onset of menopause. I've had some hot flushes but haven't consciously noticed any fanny issues (yet)!

I am several years post meno (no periods for about 10 years now) and mine fortunately still functions without problems or needing hormones, creams, gels etc. It has not shrivelled. However, I am quite the eater so I think I eat loads of nutrients and my body has plenty of fat. This has also prevented face wrinkle/sag etc. However, I am a chunk

Also there may be an element of use it or lose it. Many of my friends stopped wanting sex or anything like that a long time ago.

I'm ancient and mine looks much the same, apart from white pubes. I am really surprised to be reading these posts.

Mine didn't.

Was absolutely shocked when, in the space of a fortnight, I first noticed the classic signs of atrophy and prolapse: insane dryness, reabsorption of labia and flattening of clitoris, urinary urgency, thrush-like discharge, and a heavy, leaden 'drag' in my vagina, feeling like it was about to fall out. It was so sudden! No other changes -just that. How I raged! My doctor immediately prescribed Estriol topical cream, I shed 10 kg and invested in a Perifit and committed to a pelvic calisthenics programme. It didn't take long to feel almost entirely back to normal. Thank goodness.

Also there may be an element of use it or lose it. Many of my friends stopped wanting sex or anything like that a long time ago.

100% this. You need to keep the blood flow going to that area. I read that those little suction vibrators were a good way to keep things in working order. DP is miffed that I take care of myself in that department rather than saving it for him, but I feel like the less I do it the less I want it, so I make a concerted effort to use it so I don’t lose it.

Agree with use it or lose it.

Lube does the trick for us. And my drive has somewhat increased post-menopause. I think the impossibility of pregnancy and being able to dispense with contraception have helped!

I had a labiaplasty too, because mine were long and uncomfortable. I’m nearly 55 now, and sadly yes, I’m developing a gap.

It’s not helped that I’ve lost a lot of weight mind you. I was at a meeting the other day and stood up to get a coffee…it felt like a whoosh of air had blasted up a chimney!

I’m not allowed regular hrt because I had breast cancer, but I hope I can get the vaginal cream. It’s so itchy and uncomfortable as well

I'm in my 50s and I am reading this thinking 'WTF?'. No, doesn't happen to everyone! I haven't noticed any changes in that regard!!

I'm not understanding...I'm in my early fifties and just about post-menopause, and everything looks the same down there. Never heard of the Disappearing Bits.

I am 76, had amazing sex with ex partner. So much mucus my knickers stick to me, so there is hope yet