Atrophy.

lam64 I actually never went on HRT at all so cannot know if my condition would have been improved (although I'm sure it would). I used the Premarin when the discomfort was unbearable. A foolish decision I think with hindsight.

angmhay, i do wonder if more of us would take the risk of staying on HRT if we'd been told that coming off it would result in the level of pain involved

Here in the States I used Premarin Cream (prescription only) but quite frankly, nothing has worked for me. I loved intimacy but not now. It is extremely painful.

Having read this thread thought I would try Replens. £8.95 on Amazon, £11.95 in Boots but as I was going to Sainsburys thought I'd ask there. It was £20.95 for the same quantity!

I just saw a commercial for a procedure for atrophy called the Mona Lisa Lasar. I googled it and found a GYN doctor and a Urology doctor offering it and i also watched a utube video of the procedure.Has anyone heard of this? It appears to be costly involving three treatments 6 weeks apart.

I'm too old for hrt now,plus my sister had breast cancer. Too close. She is ok now.

Replens every other morning (and yes the blobby stuff stops after a short while) and Astroglide lube when we need extra help. I was almost always bleeding a little after sex and my GP sent me for full investigations - the gynaecologist suggested Astroglide (he said it was the lube used by porn stars) and no soap or anything cosmetic there, ever! My very helpful and understanding GP prescribes me a pack of Replens every month. Between the two of them we have got back on track but it takes perseverance and overcoming various dislikes and yuk factors. Worthwhile; I'm still waiting for my libido to reignite but confident that it is warming up and on its way back - slowly!

Crafting I also suffered the irritation when sitting walking and driving. It was a nightmare. It is so much better now. I have almost forgotten how bad it used to be before I started on the medication.

Now it's well controlled with a smaller dose of vagifem than used to be in the pessaries.
You can control the dose by taking it more frequently. If I do forget to take it about twice a week I do start to notice discomfort.

I use Boots unperfumed baby cream. Am also taking HRT tablets. Not worrying about complications. Quality of life is more important.

Crafting thank you. I'm having another go with it. The things we have to do as we get older. I am 63.

I think Vagifem only comes in one, much smaller, dose now.

Yes eccentric it was a bit yuck but at the time I was so fed up with the constant irritation I would have done anything that might help. I couldn't sit comfortably, drive the car or even walk without this dreadful irritation. Replens was the answer for me but obviously might not be for everyone. I just urge you to keep trying until you find something that works for you, don't put up the problem.

I agree with rosesarered - Vagifem comes in different doses and you need to find the right one for you.
As a fellow sufferer for many years.
Although now, living in France where vagifem isn't available I use a cream which contains estriol, a slightly different hormone than that in vagifem.

Good idea Nelly, to have all the links together.No Woman should have to suffer with this problem, not when there is an answer.

Vagifem is brilliant, you just need to find the right dose for you.

Crafting. Blimey that's allot of dead stuff, eek!
I might get back on it then. Does feel nicer. The things we have to contend with. Bl..... hormones

eccentric it could be dead cells coz I had a lot too but as I said after regular use it went down to nothing. Still using Replens and no white stuff now.

Nelemoser...interesting name. Yes I did see gp bout all the doings.
It's so tricky. My sister had breast cancer, (ok now) when a close relative has cancer it more of a risk. I hate chemicals.

Nope it's not skin cells that's for sure. The gel turns into a white gloopy stuff that is inside. I generally .... ummm.....get it out with my finger....sorry...after few days. It's horrid. But if the whole inside area feels dry I do use it for comfort I suppose. I did read bout skin cells, can't be that because there is so much of it. Yuck

Thanks to everyone...vagifem didn't really do much for me and caused spotting ....of course the atrophy causes spotting too....which means I have endless tests, which cause me much stress as I have health anxiety too.....
I do use replens....but as for intimacy....as I am in a loveless marriage that isn't a problem, and the chances of moving on and finding someone else are limited because of my condition, men are motivated by sex....at least all the ones I have met thru my life are!

Eccentric & Yogadttit. You both mention Replens but neither of you seem keen on it. I just thought I would mention eccentric that the white blobby stuff you mention is dead cells in the vagina (so they say) and after a while the dead cells are expelled and it doesn't happen any more. This I have found to be true and now get very little in the way of this white stuff. yogadatti I find that using Replens every 3 or 4 days is not enough for me so apply some every day in small amounts and this works for me. My sympathy to all those who suffer from this dreadful condition. It nearly drove me mad a few years ago but I hardly think about it now. Don't give up hope, keep trying till you find what works for you.

Vagifem,replens and HRT creams are very expensive here. Finding the right routine and solution for me has been an ongoing problem. I've been told by a nurse practitioner they are a lifetime requirement to keep discomfort away but I try and save money and I end up right back where I started.

I am 66, for day to day comfort I use Replens every 2 - 3 days and occasionally Vagasil. For intimacy I use KY Jelly (and a reminder to be gentle).
This works for me.

Thanks for the links Nellie

I use Vagifem too and it mostly keeps my symptoms under control.