I have suffered from a hypertonic pelvic floor for years. I also have MS, and the pelvic pain seems to ease or worsen along with other spasticity in my body.
I have had difficulty with intercourse (translation: no intercourse) since I was 51. I am now 59. Every single time I have used estradiol cream, or Estring, I get worsening pelvic pain after about a week of starting it. Stopping the estrogen allows the pain to go away.
My doctors act like they've never heard of this, and keep pushing estrogen cream for my vaginal atrophy. They just don't get it. It's hard enough to give up on having intercourse at age 51 without my doctors acting like I am the only one this has ever happened to.
If you have ever experienced new or worsening pelvic pain after using estrogen cream, please let me know that I'm not alone.
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CatsandCars
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Hi, I am sorry to hear about your pain. I have been suffering with pelvic pain and hypertonic pelvic floor since having surgery 4 years ago. Has your doctor recommended targeted physiotherapy and nerve block injections?I use estradiol cream too, but it does not make mypain worse. I suggest keeping a diary of your symptoms, and logging the days when you apply the cream. This way, you will be able to link the 2 together and speak to a urogynaecologist about it.
Hi, Midori83. Thanks so much for responding. I have done pelvic floor PT, nerve blocks, and dilators. Botox injections have given me limited, but very welcome, relief. It's any kind of estrogen that gives me severe pain, before and after all the other stuff, which is pretty heartbreaking. I would just love to hear from anyone with the same problem with estrogen, since my gynecologist and my urogynecologist don't seem to believe me. But I appreciate your response. 😊
Hi. Yes, I had significant pain after an estrogen ring. My provider said she thought it was causing bacterial vaginosis and removed it one week after insertion. We migrated to IntraRosa (praesterone) which is a DHEA type suppository. It has been a game changer for me. It takes a while for it to make a difference but I tolerated it better than any of the other numerous things I tried— and I tried a lot! We think some of the additives and/or the base cream that the estrogen was mixed in was causing problems. The Intra Rosa is a coconut oil base I believe and it did not inflame my tissue. Maybe it could help you too. Just a thought. I also use triamcinalone ointment and nystatin suppositories as part of my regimen. I augment with anusol suppositories vaginally if I need to calm a flare and metronidazole if I have a bacterial infection. Hope this helps. Wish you the best finding relief from this nasty condition.
Hi, Hope4PN. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Unfortunately, any kind of vaginal estrogen, including Intra Rosa, regular estrogen cream, etc., causes me severe pelvic pain. Luckily, I have not experienced infections, perhaps because I can't use the products for much longer than a week before the pain gets to be too much.
I just want to understand why! Why do I have to live with vaginal atrophy and no intercourse? My doctors look at me funny and just kind of humor me. 😠 Sure, estrogen is causing you pain. Uh huh.
Anyway, I'm so glad that the Intra Rosa did the trick for you! Thanks again for responding.
Dearest CatsandCars, you already know my history with this. I use a compounded cream of estradiol and testosterone. It does not cause any pain for me. I have been successful using dilators and exercises given to me by a pelvic floor PT. I use a lubricant called Slippery Stuff. I have also used aloe vera gel for dryness. I get it from a company called Desert Harvest. They also have aloe Vera gel with lidocaine that I use when I have burning. I am fortunate to have a sexual wellness doctor. Perhaps you have one where you live? She actually listens to me and tries to find solutions. Maybe you can contact her. She may be able to suggest some solutions that your doctors haven’t. Her name is Dr. Pebble Kranz. Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness is her business. I wish you luck with finding a solution. It’s just not right that we should have to suffer with pelvic floor pain! Gynecologists and neurologists need to get their heads out of their a&$@&! My gynecologist almost seems jealous that I have had success with Dr. Kranz. Sorry for the rant. I’m praying you find solutions and sending you lots of love 💕
PS I'm a big Foreigner fan, and I've heard people might run into Lou Gramm at cruise nights in Rochester! We met him recently at an autograph signing event after seeing him perform locally. But it would be fun to see him in the wild, so to speak. 🤣
Thanks, RomCom87. Did you ever try other forms of estrogen? I wonder what the testosterone does? Maybe it helps the libido?
I would love to contact her. Or find a sexual wellness doctor. Thanks for the suggestion!
I took the Estring put days ago. Usually I am back to baseline by now. I have been stretching my quads by holding my ankle and bending my knee. I think that's torqueing my pelvic floor around, I can actually feel it. I had no pain at all until I put the ring in, because of the Botox injections.
Thank you again. I'm so glad you're doing well. ❤️
I was just searching for a sexual wellness doctor (found an entire university department and hour and a half away - I have to look more ) but Cleveland Clinic mentioned some laser treatment for vaginal atrophy for those that can't use estrogen! It's called the Mona Lisa Touch. So I'm going to ask my urogynecologist about it the next time I see her. I'm so excited to think that there may be something else that can be done! And I found it because of the suggestion you made. Yay! 🥳
Hi CatsandCars. I too struggle with pain following intercourse, so keep it to a minimum frequency but always suffer for a day or 2 after. I’ve been using Estradiol (Ovestin) cream for a few years now and suffer similarly for a day or so after using it also. My theory is (which may or may not be true for you) is that it’s the insertion of the applicator that causes the pain. A couple of drs have suggested using a finger instead but that doesn’t help either. I have a tight pelvic floor and anything that affects the muscles causes moderate to severe cramps, which in turn set off the pudendal nerves and can be miserable. Not sure what to do as an intimate relationship is very important to me and other half and I need the oestrogen cream to relieve the vulvodynia. Sorry if this isn’t helpful to you.
I'm sorry that using estrogen is painful for you! Whether it's the applicator, or the estrogen itself, it's no fun. I hope that it goes away over time for you, or at least doesn't last longer than a day! Thanks, Cinderella18.
Hi - I’m so sorry for what you are going through. I also have hypertonic PFD. My experience with vaginal estrogen isn’t exactly as you described but I did have awful pelvic pain after trying Yuvafem (vaginal estrogen pill. ) The first night I took it, I felt mild cramping but it was tolerable. The second night was extremely painful. It kept me up all night long. It was like someone was stabbing me over and over. I discontinued use after the 2 days but by that time it had already impacted my nerves and it took about a week for things to calm down.
When I reached out to my doc she said she has never heard of that side effect before. I asked to be switched to the regular estrogen cream and I waited about a month before starting it. I have been using the cream for about a month now and have not had any issues. I’m not sure “why” the pill gave me that kind of reaction but I’m here to say you are not crazy.
You are not alone! Vagifem caused me terrible side effects .. .bloating & stomach pains. Tried it more then once & had the same side effects. I use vaginal estradiol 2x aweek. None of us are crazy!!!
Wow, it amazes me how these docs say “I’ve never heard of that happening to anyone before.” So this stuff doesn’t come up at medical conferences? Glad the estradiol is working for you too!
Thank you, ClaraCivil. I replied to you earlier, but I replied to the thread in general instead of to you directly! Sorry. I'm glad that cream worked for you, and that I'm not crazy- at least in that way!
Hello CatsandCars. I'm in the UK, aged 78. I was diagnosed with bowel and bladder prolapse just over a year ago. My GP referred me to a private urogynaecology consultant, who said he couldn't do anything until I had done 16 weeks of pelvic floor exercises. I have done 25 years of Pilates, which helps to exercise my pelvic floor. I decided not to continue with him and found myself a private women 's health physio. She tells me my pelvic floor gets 4.5/5 on the Modified Oxford Scale. I'm not entirely sure what that is, but my score is good. She has promised to write to any doctor who says I need the exercises. She has fitted me with a cube-shaped pessary, which I take out every night and re-insert in the morning. This seems to help.
However, I haven't used it for several weeks as the burning sensation I'm experiencing constantly (is this vulvodynia? - no idea!!) got worse and worse. I wouldn't describe this as pain - it's a constant burning that sometimes prevents me from sleeping, and it's what sent me to the GP in the first instance, when I was diagnosed with prolapse. The GP that I saw when the burning got worse (a few weeks ago) asked if I had been diagnosed with thrush - answer=no. She suggested I try Canisten anti-fungal cream. I used it for a few days and the burning disappeared. Then, when that happened, I used the Estriol cream again - burning sensation back, so I've not used it since.
Burning sensation is much less that when I was using the Estriol, but it makes no logical sense because, as I said, it was the burning sensation that sent me to the GP a year ago, when he diagnosed the prolapse. I hadn't been using the Estriol cream before the diagnosis - women';s health isn't something that makes the news in the UK very often and I was ignorant about vaginal atrophy after the menopause!!. I used Estriol cream both inside the vagina twice a week and sometimes on the vulvar area since the diagnosis. I sometimes use Estradiol pessaries instead of the Estriol cream inside the vagina to see if it makes a difference. I've also used so many different creams, lotions, ointments to see if they help the burning - but to no effect. So for a few weeks I've not used any oestrogen products and worry that vaginal atrophy will now get worse and increase the prolapse. I'm seeing a NHS urogynaecologist on Monday after about a year of waiting for an appointment, and wonder if she will have any ideas. I guess she will be talking about a repair op - which I'm really not sure about until I hear all the pros and cons!! And I'm not sure she's necessarily the right person to be seeing - her title doesn't seem to cover the bowel prolapse - hmm - will just have to wait and see!!
So you are not alone!! I am so sorry that you're having to deal with MS as well as all this business. Life must be pretty tough for you. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Hi, tort100. Wow, you have been going through at lot, and waited for a long time to see a specialist. I'm so sorry to hear of the burning sensation you experienced after using estrogen, as well as your other problems. I didn't know anything about vaginal atrophy, either. I guess it's not the kind of information ladies want to share with others, generally speaking. 🥲
I hope that you get the help you need, and some much-needed relief!
Hi! Sorry to hear what you are going through! Is the estradiol cream the type that goes directly on & in the vagina? I use vaginal estradiol & don't have a problem, maybe a slight burn that doesn't last but the POS outweigh the neg. I Only use the vaginal estradiol on the outside areas of my vagina. I can not have sex either. Some might have a reaction such as a burning sensation from the ingredient(s)...I believe your complaint, if you feel that it is intensifying your pain then maybe you should stop it!? I have had problems for yrs down below ever since menopause. Wishing you the answers you need! I am suffering from horrible Pelvic pain. I have had pudendal nerve surgery, botox injections & nerve blocks & after being this highly athletic woman, sitting is so painful ...a yr &1/2 of this & still continuing. The pain is 24/7 & horrible. We are Warriors!!!! Sorry, I keep adding to my response...in the United States we have something called Reveree by Bonafide. ..they are vaginal inserts that mostly consist of hyaluronic acid & are very popular for women who do not want to use hormones. Maybe, they sell these to your country or something like it.
Yes, due to the pain, I have discontinued all forms of vaginal estrogen except for about half a gram of cream once a week, because I don't want exams to be too uncomfortable. I seem to be able to tolerate that small amount.
I'm in the US and I love Reveree. I used it for many years, but the price went up so much recently, even with a subscription, that I have been trying other products. There's one called Hyalogyn that I like. The inserts are a little wavier than Reveree, but they seem to work pretty well.
Your problems with burning sound like a nightmare! Have you gotten any relief from gabapentin or pregabalin? Doctors usually hand that stuff out like candy (except in states where it's a controlled substance). I don't care for the side effects - pregabalin made me tired and gabapentin affected my cognition. But if you haven't tried them, they might help, as they are for nerve pain. Burning can be a sign of nerve pain.
Thank you for your response. I hope that you will get relief from your pain!
Sorry, I see so many people in this group from other countries, I just assumed. I definitely have Pelvic Nerve Pain. Been thru so much to try & heal from this horrible diagnosis. Unfortunately, I made many mistakes in my treatments. Wish I never had Pudendal Nerve Surgery because maybe if I went straight to Physical Therapy I could have avoided all this. I have so much scar tissue! Also, I went & had botox injections from a Pelvic Floor Specialist in NYC who of course doesn't take any form of insurance. Anyway, biggest mistake as she injected me everywhere in my pelvic floor, I mean everywhere, & my pain worsened. Never Again!! I do the vaginal estradiol 2x aweek, that's it. Did you try it for only 2x aweek @ a half gram ea day? I have boxes of Reveree, I find it very messy, Leakage. I will probably start using it again 1x aweek. Did I read somewhere Mona Lisa mentioned? I tried it...no comment 🤐🤭 I agree with you on gabapentin. I am on it now at such a low dose, 600mg aday...probably not even enough to do anything. I went to 900 mg, 300mg 3x aday but I could not remember what I was doing or going for. Miss the spacy feeling alittle that it gave me but l weaned off 300mg 🙃🤣 Sending Hugs 🤗
Hi Catsandcars, I don’t know whether this would be considered pelvic pain or not, but I was given an oestrogen cream to apply vaginally after being diagnosed with a rectocele prolapse and vaginal atrophy. I used the cream for a few months but it gave me consistent pain which I can only liken to period pains in the area where my ovaries and uterus would be. I also found the cream made me feel quite swollen and heavy down below, also like a heavy period would have done. As I am 70 this was not a welcome feeling! I asked my doctor if I could try a non oestrogen cream instead and she gave me Yes VA, vaginal gel lubricant. This has been very good, easy to use and no more vaginal dryness. I can’t comment on intercourse I’m afraid as at my age that is no longer interesting to me but I can say that I no longer fear having to have an internal examination of any kind as this was very uncomfortable before I used the Yes gel. You can buy it over the counter, or get it on prescription and no applicator is needed, just use your fingers! I recommend. 😊
Yes, period-like pain is exactly what I'm talking about! It can be really severe for me. All I need is estrogen cream aggravating it! My doctors really push it, but I'm done. I can handle half a gram once a week without pain, and that's it. Thank you. It's good to hear that I'm not the only one!
I'm sorry for your struggles with atrophy. I will be trying to find the Yes gel. I have tried quite a few vaginal moisturizers, and I agree that that they can help make the idea of an exam be not-so-scary. I will look for the one you mentioned. The one I really liked got to be ridiculously expensive, though.
I have days when intetcourse isn't very interesting to me, either. The way you put that made me smile. But right now, I'm not ready to give it up. 😊
Yes. I've tried Estriol and ovestin and both caused a reaction. Initially burning then severe pain.
Just for info. I was diagnosed with PCS and PCOS, I had a hysterectomy years ago but continued to experience pelvic pain. However it has been worse since I tried the estrogen creams, some days I can't sit down or drive.
Sorry that you're having issues, I hope you find some answers and a little comfort in knowing you're not alone.
Thanks, Ella83. I'm sorry to hear that you're still having pain, even after a hysterectomy. The pain from the estrogen sounds awful. I'm glad I'm not alone, but I'm sorry you're dealing with so much. I hope you can get some relief!
Yes!! I started using Estradiol for severe burning, 0.5g twice a week and started getting horrible left side pelvic pain, Dr. said it’s nothing to do with the cream! Just love it when a Dr. says “I’ve never heard of that before”….!!!!! Can’t believe I’m the only one.
But… I stopped the Estradiol for about 2 weeks then just used 1/2 the 0.5g for about 3 weeks, the burning was still happening so no relief there but the pelvic pain stopped. I gradually used a little more cream and now use the full 0.5g every other night and it’s helping.
Maybe just use 1/2 the dose and gradually increase, worth a try, good luck.
Thanks so much for letting me know that it's not just me. Now when I see my doctor, I can tell her that multiple people on one forum had the same problem! 👍
Maybe if they would reach out to other doctors and ask THEM if they had heard of it before, instead of assuming we're nuts, they would learn something!
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Does anyone else have some RELIEF of pelvic pain during period!?
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