Dryness-peri. Questions!

[Reginaphalangeeeee]

I have estriol cream for vaginal dryness. I am not good at taking regularly, because cleaning the syringe & drying it a faff & symptoms not be too bad…. Until this month!

Last day of my period and it’s like sandpaper down there!!! Ouch dry and sore.

Ofcourse using the cream like clockwork now but it’s got me looking into the world of vaginal moisturisers. I didn’t know this was a thing.
Is it all about prevention with moisturisers?
Does it mean panty liners needed?
Does vaginal progesterone influence iIt?

and ummm an embarrassing question I could never ask friends…. Does regular stimulation help resolve this issue??
Husband and I and no longer intimate. I’m sad about it. It’s been years now.

Right, a bus load of wise women will be along shortly but…

Use the products at night and the worst of the mess is sorted by morning, no need for liners etc.
Yes moisturiser is a popular one, other brands are available.
I am on pessaries which work deeper inside, I also use the cream externally to top up when I’m feeling extra dry.
Speak to your GP, the recommended frequency of application might not be working for you, I’m now on every other day as twice a week wasn’t doing anything really.
I still have regular periods, but it’s just so dry during and after, I can’t use the pessaries but I pop a tampon in and cream everything while it’s there, it helps a bit and I am much better after my period now.
There is tonnes of hope out there, keep at it and all will be well. Good luck!

Can I add a question for any wise women who come along? How essential would you say it is to go to the GP about this? Are there much better products available on prescription rather than over the counter?

If you're in Scotland or Wales, prescriptions are free, so you can get things like Replens for nothing.
It's expensive at the chemist's.

And on the subject of Replens - it works very well. I only need to use it about once a fortnight. I insert it last thing at night and wear a pad the next day.

What's available over the counter varies depending on your age and whether you're fully menopausal. If you're under 50 or still having periods you need a GP for a lot of the options.

I don't think vaginal progesterone helps dryness; some women find it causes irritation.

You dont have to use the applicator for the cream. You can just use your fingers - which are easier to wash.

Tampons and dryness sounds a bad combo. Don't they make it worse?

Moisturisers are for day-to-day comfort, not just prevention. The NHS treats them separately from lubricants: something like Replens or Yes VM goes inside every few days to keep the tissue hydrated, and a water-based lubricant is for sex itself. You only need panty liners if there's discharge bothering you; dryness alone doesn't require them.
Vaginal progesterone does irritate some people. If it seems to make the soreness worse for you, say so to your GP.
On stimulation: the NHS suggests more foreplay and a good lubricant, because arousal helps natural moisture. Regular intimacy (alone or with a partner) can help comfort for some, but it won't replace estriol when things feel like sandpaper. Keeping the cream going regularly matters more right now; fingers instead of the applicator is fine if that makes it less of a faff. NICE NG23 supports vaginal oestrogen for these symptoms and it can be used long term. If it's still sore after a few weeks of regular use, ask your GP about other local options.

Thank you for all being so kind and helpful. I will try my estriol cream with finger application and I will try Yes moisture.

I’m open about all other peri symptoms with my friends but not this vaginal topic. Afraid it starts a conversation about sex and lubrication and libido.
I havent lost my libido completely but have lost all sexual activity with husband.
It’s mostly because we argue and that stopped us, then his back pain and snoring (my easy waking) put us in separate rooms, now it just seems permenant as it’s been years. We get on better when both sleeping well.