Those of you on Vagifem etc....

[Tanfastic]

I've got a gp appointment tomorrow and going to ask for this as I think I'm suffering from the dreaded VA and think I have for a few years to be honest. My symptoms entirely match, every single one, I'm 50 so in the throes of perimenopause but still having regular (or should I say irregular ) periods.

I've a couple of q's

When you first went to the gp, did they examine you? I'm obviously not bothered if they want to but I just want to be prepared as I'm going straight from work.

Did any of you who weren't post menopausal have to fight for it? I've read a lot which suggests only post menopausal women get VA and I know gp's aren't always entirely educated about menopause stuff. My gp isn't great to be honest. Last time I went asking why I keep getting uti's but then negative dips etc was told basically it's my age but nothing else offered other than a swab test to rule out chlamydia (negative!].

No I didn't have an examination and no I didn't have to fight for it. I explained my symptoms, said what I thought it was and what I wanted.

You can buy Gina ott if you want to skip the gp though. It's the same stuff.

Thanks, yeah I've seen the over the counter stuff so it's an option, I'll see how it goes!

Just read the write up on the Boots website for Gina and it says fir post menopausal women who are over 50 and haven't had a period for at least a year.

Why can't you take these when you menstruate or something?

No examination necessary, and no fight to get it here. IME they go on symptoms. Make it easy for your GP by telling them what you need. Also make sure you are clued up - you need it every day for two weeks (the loading dose) then usually twice a week after that. Good luck, it'll make all the difference.

What's VA

Vaginal atrophy.

Vaginal atrophy.

Ah thank you. Sorry for my ignorance

I was only examined as I happened to be having a smear test. The nurse could see I was sore and then diagnosed VA by asking a number of questions. No problem getting treatment which the nurse has put onto a repeat prescription for me. I use Blissel which apparently is a low dose of estriol. It has hugely improved my life, so well worth it.

No exam and offered to me - I'd never heard of it or of VA (although the symptoms were clear enough from the endless antibiotics I'd been on for UTIs for the past year or so).

Not examined and no problem getting it. Ask for Vagirux rather than Vagifem though as you don't end up with so much plastic applicator waste - it's about 30 tablets with one reusable applicator (just wash after use) rather than 30 plastic applicators!

Regular periods. Told Doc how I was feeling 'down there' and got repeat prescription immediately. No examination necessary.

Vagifem is amazing stuff, I must say.

Thanks for starting this thread!

I haven't had sex with my partner for about 3 years because it's so painful, plus I'm never aroused anymore and can feel urine infections coming on if I drink too little water for even half a day. I'm only 36 and have had loads of tests and examinations done which show nothing really. Could it be worth asking the GP to prescribe something for VA?