Hi, folks. I'm nearly 70 and in the UK, fairly fit and well except for vaginal prolapse which started to be a significant problem just over a week ago. It is difficult to get to see a GP in our local surgery because they are so understaffed. However, I did get an appointment. It wasn't very helpful. I'm not even sure the GP was convinced there was a problem, but he examined me in the morning, lying down. At that time of day the bulge is less obvious!
He talked a lot about vaginal atrophy, offered me oestrogen cream, but it wasn't clear to me it would be useful. He said if the atrophy wasn't bothering me (basically if I wasn't active sexually, which I'm not) I didn't need to do anything about it. He suggested, as usual, stepping up the pelvic floor exercises. If that didn't work after a few months, the 'next step' was to refer me to a physio for specialist help with the exercises.
I went home unreassured. A week later I was so unhappy I paid to see a gynaecologist privately, first time in my life. It was expensive but I just wanted to talk to someone without being rushed, and by now I'd thought of a lot more questions and done a lot more reading. To cut a long story short, I had a good consultation, very reassuring, and opted to try a cube pessary together with the PF exercise for at least six months and see how I got on. I wasn't ready to discuss surgery yet. I can't remember whether she said my prolapse was stage 2, but it is: it just protrudes from the vagina but doesn't actually hang down. It's uncomfortable when walking.
I inserted the cube myself, under her supervision. She confirmed it was fitting well. Later that night getting it out again was harder. Mini panic but I managed it. I don't know how I'm going to get on with this beast though and would love to hear from anybody else who has used one. I don't think I'll use it every day but walking is definitely easier when wearing it, and I do walk every day, so we'll see. I just don't know how well I will manage putting it in and taking it out.. It is really uncomfortable, and the sensation of the little pink tail protruding is odd. Anybody else try one of these? Can it really become like second nature??
The trouble with seeing an expensive private consultant is that they don't, charming as they are, say 'Just pick up the phone if you feel worried'. 'Drop me a line for a chat.' 'Let me know how it goes.' You know if you go back, you need your credit card. ๐ฑ