Post--menopause intercourse pain

I would like to share my experience with you in that it may help someone else. I am 58 and have not been able to have intercourse with my husband for at least 5 years due to dryness and lack of libido. Everything felt as though it had shrunk down below and thought I would never be able to have sex again. The turning point came when earlier this year I went for my cervical smear and couldn't have it done because it was too painful. My GP recommended HRT pessaries and I tried briefly but side effects made me stop. I searched the internet and discovered vaginal dilators and used them daily which gradually improved conditions down below but still couldn't have sex because it was too dry and lubricants didn't quite work. Now things have changed I believe because 2 months ago I started the Ketogenic diet and all I can say is wow. My libido has returned and honestly now I am most down there. The best thing is I can now have sex. I feel amazingly well and have my life back.

Marianne did you get anywhere with your problem, i have a friend who is suffering in a similiar way, waiting to see a gyno

I was having quite significant pain with intercourse. I tried estrogen (made me emotionally labile), Osphena (my insurance stopped coverage), various expensive lubricants, and finally found a relatively simple and cheap solution—coconut oil. I make 100% coconut oil “inserts” by forming them in special ice cube trays that are for cylindrical cubes (ordered from amazon). I put two together, get horizontal, insert them, then wait about 10 minutes. Initiating still hurts a little, but it soon dissipates. I hope this helps someone. It helped me a great deal.

I am 54 ( had to think about that ) I have been suffering with urinary tract infections for the last 3 years or so ,some have tested positive to an infection and some have been negative but still the same discomfort .I have recently suffered with a 'pinched burning pain ' which I think is all down to the menopause .I have an appointment with a consultant but I know he wants to operate ,but I'm wondering if HRT will take these symptoms away .Any comments will be gratefully received if any one has had any thing similar .I have tried hormone tablets inserted but had not worked long term .

Hi There, This is Kat from Singapore and I was searching about pain during intercourse and found this nice website. I have found various good topics in regards to women health at your website and glad to be a part of this community.
I had an issue which is painful intercourse and I have read various blogs and articles and found this as well and would like to share with you guys. www.dtapclinic.com/articles/11-causes-of-dyspareunia-pain-during-intercourse/
Hope it helps

I use vagifem too but now all this worry about plastics I feel guilty about all those blue tubes. Could I use them to support low growing plants in the garden??
I also have bought a few bottles of Sylk which seems to help.

Hi Marianne33 You May well know the answers to your questions by now. If not, try Getting started at the top of the Forums page, the menu is at the top. As Grannyknot said, your own posts will appear in pink but only to you. The green ones are the Opening Post at the top of the thread and anything which comes from Gransnet people. Best wishes!

Hi Grannyknot, thanks for your reply. Is there a page somewhere where newcomers can read how the website works, eg your own messages will be in pink and it will mean they have been posted. Also there are some in green - what does that signify? And how do I start a new thread, which I would like to do? Can someone tell me please? Thanks.

I don't know if post menopausal sex would be uncomfortable, as Mr P seemed to lose interest years ago

Hi Marianne and welcome.

Your posts will always appear "in the pink" - whilst everyone else's is on a white background. Well, mine does anyway. It might differ depending on what device is used.

Ps nothing I take has cured the insomnia which started the week after I was 50 or itchy skin! Even though at 61 and no periods for 5 years I think im way past menpause. I like to hope that my body will one day "return to normal"

No im not on hrt, wasnt allowed it due to severe migraines. However i was prescribed citalopram lowest dose which has " kept me on an even keel" ( docs words) throughout menopause.

....and thanks for your welcome to GN!

Purple Daffodil- Please tell me if my reply to you has appeared. It’s highlighted prettily in pink, does that mean it’s pending? So far I’m not loving the way the website has been set up! not easy to navigate! Your advice would be very welcome, thank you.

It has appeared Marianne33 but if you don’t get any useful response, it may be better to start a new thread altogether? Welcome to GN.

New to this, just testing if this will appear.

Don’t know if this is the right forum as I’m still finding my way round Gransnet having only recently joined.
My vagina is closing up. It’s like there are tough gristle-like bands inside. The gp could hardly get one digit inside in examination. I’ve got a gynaecologist appt next week. Anyone here got this condition or know about it? don’t know what it’s called. There’s talk of maybe having to cut into these things to release them and I’m very frightened. I’d be very grateful for any advice from someone who’s got this or had something done.

Like a lot of you on here I assumed the discomfort was caused by the menopause and started using a lubricant, then when that didn't work I switched to Vagifem. I found that I seemed to be allergic - perhaps caused by the 'pea shooter' thing you are meant to use to insert the tablet, so started inserting without. This didn't make any difference and I have now discovered that I am not suffering from vaginal dryness but that I am suffering from Lichen Schlorosis - yet another autoimmune disease to add to my collection!! Please to be aware that this exists - it can often be seen as a white patch, there is itching and sometimes the skin can split (hurts like hell) - it can actually be a lot worse than that but I seem to have escaped lightly. Not curable but manageable. The main problem is that there can be (a slight) increase in cancer with this illness. If you have an ongoing problem of pain or itching that none of the usual things can cure, do get this checked (especially if you already suffer from an autoimmune illness - hypothyroidism, perniscious aneamia, rheumatoid arthritis etc.).

I’ve just started with yet another urine infection so just got back from GP who prescribed Trimethoprim and also Vagifem. I know all about ‘sandpaper sex’! ? so will report back here soon ?

I have the vagifem too, but seemed to get more itching at first, i think its settled down now, but the yes makes it more comfortable, as i still get a small itch now and then
Are you on HRT too

I was the sandpaper sex poster! Im using the vagifem tablets via what i call a pea shooter twice a week and it seems to still be doing the trick. I thought I was having side effect of returning migraines which were homonal triggered but I think it is a coincidence.

I looked in Boots and couldnt find anything like Replens only KY jelly,i have now got some yes off their website,a small tube to try, also got a sample off the Sylk website, thats ok too, but i prefer the yes one

I thought Replens was quite good, no problems at all. It keeps me comfortable. Then I get lazy about applying it and eventually the discomfort comes back, so it's best to be regular with it. I buy it at the Chemist.

How do you find Replen?s, I have been recommended Sylk or Yes, which I believe can be got on prescription

Previous poster mentioned 'sandpaper sex' .... what a wonderful description.

I use Replens every few days and KY Jelly 'as required'.

At the moment this is sufficient to banish the discomfort.