atrophic vaginitis

Hi Pam, you might want to check out the "I want my mojo back" thread on the Moving Beyond Cancer forum. I am dealing with this issue, but not in a dedicated way. I went to a female-oriented physical therapy practice last year to deal with this and some other issues, but couldn't afford the out-of-pocket expense. My gyn said there are some "inserts" (graduated in size) that one can use. The PT I saw also said the pelvic exercises were not going to be very effective for me due to the vaginal muscle having already atrophied. She said that needed to be dealt with first before the pelvic exercises would do much good. 

I think there are a lot of women dealing with this issue. I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you, just want you to know you're not alone. 

I am going through this also and my onc and regular dr. refuse to give me premarin cream since the cancer was er+  Yes it does look and feel different and very painful and we go a long time between times also. no amount of lubricate really helps that much.  I usually bleed after too, the skin inside just tears.  If there is ever a cure I will be first in line. LOL

Hi all,

Have you tried a Natural Vitamin E Vaginal Suppository?  I buy them at Whole Foods or a Health Food Store.  The one I like is by Carlson.  They are inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse.  This seems to elevate much of the pain in addition to being a natural way to lubricate instead of a using a hormone.

Lori

My cancer was hormone negative, so my ONC prescribed a low-dose vaginal ring called Estring. It's like a rubber baby's teething ring that you insert high in the vagina and leave in all the time. It emits controlled doses of oestrogen constantly. You can't feel it - and nor can your partner. 

I've found it very helpful - together with LOTS of foreplay, naughty videos...and patience...

And, while I miss being the red-blooded horn-dog I once was, I try to hold onto the idea that good intimacy has more to it than the functioning of my vagina  !!!

 All the best to you and good luck.

Be well,

Lucy 

Pam, I am on tamoxifen, and I wouldn't hesitate to ask for some vaginal estrogen product if I had this problem.  Luckily, I don't, I think the tamoxifen is keeping the area well lubricated with all the discharge.  I am experiencing a little atrophy though and urinary urgency and I am considering asking the Gyn for some vaginal estrogen to keep the area from atrophying further.  I really don't worry that this little bit of estrogen would bring back another cancer.  I've read so many studies saying that initially there is a little bit of spike in estrogen levels, but then they go down.  And I wouldn't use premarin as I've read that it has a different chemical structure than our natural estrogen, I'd ask for something bioidentical, like estriol.

Spar, quality of life is very important, if you are suffering that much, and have exhausted all the over the counter recommendations, you should be able to get some low dose estrogen product.  Life shouldn't be all about worrying about cancer recurrance.  Maybe you can get a second opinion from a doc who is more understanding?