Vulval discomfort

[Harbingersofboom]

Hi all

Here's another lovely one for you (all part of my menopausal lady bits meltdown).

As part of a consultation with a menopause GP she advised not to wash vulval with soap but to use aqueous cream as a soap substitute. Well I did this and now outer labia are really sore!

So a two part question: 1) what can I do to get it to calm down again. 2) what should I use to wash delicate lady bits?

Also do you thing topical estrogen would help? Slight snag here is that both ovestin and the other estriol cream also make me uncomfortable!

Please also chip in if you have similar examples of tedious lady bits troubles for solidarity!

Thanks xxx

You could try https://www.tena.co.uk/familycarer/products/skincare-and-cleansing/cleansing-wipes-and-creams/tena-proskin-wash-cream-tube

I've been using Vagisil intimate wash for a while now. I find it helps enormously. Occasionally get a flare up and use the Vagisil cream for a couple of days. It's worked well so far.

You don’t need anything
Just rub with hot water

Hi @Ecci - thanks for the advice. I'm glad it is working for you. Xxx

This is excellent stuff, I agree, helped loads.

For internal itching I use pesaries from dr and a tampon soaked in natural bio yogurt

Yogurt for sure just make sure if it’s a muller light corner do not add the fruity bits. Joking aside you should never use soap on your bits. I would wear a skirt and no knickers round the house, cotton underwear only.

Genuine question - when I took the advice to just use water on my vulva (rubbing properly), I ended up sore, itchy and with a build up of white (smegma - is that a thing for women - it’s the only way I can think to describe it).

I only did that for a couple of weeks before going back to using something. I use Avene Baby Wash as a shower gel and use that on my vulva too - and I have no issues whatsoever. I don’t use anything internally. I’m assuming this is ok?

Yes I definitely need a bit of soap on the OUTSIDE vulval area

I think this is where people get confused, yes to no soap inside but the outer areas sometimes need something

Thank you for replying. I always find the differing advice confusing! I just treat the area the same as any other external area (well, with the knowledge it can often be more sensitive) and it seems to be working.

I use simple face wash these days which does not cause any soreness. It's very gentle.

I agree re simple face wash.

I switched to goats milk soap a few years ago. No issues from it. The estriol cream going to bed helps at night too.

That internal itching is a weird feeling.