Has anyone had VA from breastfeeding?

[rickandmorts]

I have no idea what's going on with my vagina but it's so so sore and really getting me down. Hurts and stings when I wee. Is a bit itchy but not loads, more painful. I've been treating for thrush but hasn't touched it so I'm thinking it's something else. From my symptoms I don't think it's lichen sclerosis but more vaginal atrophy caused by breastfeeding. Has anyone else experienced this? I will be trying to get in to the GP next week but I'm absolutely miserable and just whacking loads of sudocrem on which probably isn't helping but seems to bring temporary relief. 🙁

Have you been swabbed to check for bacterial vaginosis or other infections? If not, I'd do that. Check for a UTI as well. Even if it's not that, it's good to make sure and rule it out.

I've been told by my doctor that estrogen is lower during breastfeeding so can cause some issues, but it sounds like you may have an underlying infection of some kind. If you're tired and waking at night with a baby you could just be run down a bit too, which can make you more prone to developing infections.

Low estrogen during breastfeeding just made me more prone to spotting (without periods) and painful sex.

@wearefreespirits I was swabbed last year for infection when my episiotomy got infected but could do with another. Good idea re UTI. I'm going to do an econsult at the GP tomorrow and hopefully I can get an appointment next week so will ask for this. Can't have sex as it's too painful and dry but yeah I'm also really run down and tired too having a 16 month old who is still feeding a lot during the night. I also have zero sex drive 😭 Thanks for your reply.

Things can change a lot in a year. There are some natural things you could try that might help, but I'm reluctant to recommend them to someone who is breastfeeding. Maybe a pharmacist could help with some advice for something while you are waiting?

@wearefreespirits I'm open to suggestions and can do research to see if it's safe for BF? To be honest I'm at the point with it now that if I can be comfortable down there I'm willing to give it up because this is hell! Thank you, I'll pop into a pharmacy next week and see what they say. I have my first session of women's physio on Tuesday too for a prolapse and I'm really worried they'll think WTF when they have a look as everything is so red and inflamed 😭 hopefully they've seen it all before!

It's just an area that readily absorbs anything, and I once knew of a baby that needed an exchange transfusion after his mother put a cream on her skin. So I'd hate to recommend anything.

I have some good products but I'm closer to menopause than breastfeeding. I know how horrible it feels so hope you find something soon.

Hopefully some other mothers who have had this issue while nursing may have something they can recommend that was doctor approved.

What you describe does sound hormonal and you may benefit from oestrogen cream. However that is not recommended if you are still breastfeeding as it decreases milk supply. Some natural lube might help in the meantime but check with your Doctor first to see what they recommend.

I was given Vagifem for VA while breastfeeding, GP had no concerns at all. All went back to normal once DC were weaned.

https://gpifn.org.uk/reproductive-health/ has some good information

I've got the same issue and after seeing pelvic physiotherapist she referred me to GP with vaginal atrophy due to reduced oestrogen as a result of breastfeeding. Very similar symptoms to you. I have just started with estradiol pessaries to try to help it, GP was fine about prescribing it. Also recommend a good vaginal moisturizer which you can buy without prescription. Recommend YES ph balanced it has really helped me straight away.

The physio told me we should moisturize down there and not be embarassed - and to think of it as no different to moisturizing face.

Solidarity, it's miserable having this on top of everything else looking after a baby.

Sorry I didn't see I'd got more replies. Thanks for this and I will check the link out too!

Thanks @Huskyrusky, it's bloody miserable isn't it and no one talks about it so I wasn't even aware it was a thing! Had a really good chat with the women's physio yesterday who said breastfeeding plunges you into temporary menopause like symptoms due to the drop in oestrogen which will have caused my issues. I had no idea. I've ordered a moisturiser and she said to use lube during sex (although I can't ever imagine having sex again at this moment in time 🤣). Thanks for your reply, very helpful

Hi, I’ve developed atrophy from breastfeeding… baby no.3 is 19 months. I didn’t actually no what the uncomfortable feelings were down too! I also have prolapse that apparently is mad worse by atrophy because it relaxes the ligaments in your pelvic floor. I’ve not been diagnosed yet, I am going to get into docs this week. It’s rubbish… I feel your pain, but seem to be a range of treatment options?