Vaginal pain after smear test

[Cassandra]

I am 70 years of age and yesterday had a smear test because doctor was concerned that I had a bleed a few weeks earlier - urine and swab tests came back clear. During the night the vaginal pain has been awful and I feel as if I am raw inside. Doctor prescribed Vagifem and has referred me to gynaecologist but don’t know when this would be because of COVID-19. Doctor said yesterday that cervix looked a bit red and inflamed and I wondered if this may be the cause of me up every hour during the night to pee. Also any suggestions to ease the vaginal pain. Thank you

[bantam12]

Did the Dr say you had atrophy ? that will cause pain and bleeding and also effects bladder and urethra. Vagifem is a good treatment but can take 12 weeks to work. Try a moisturiser without any preservatives, Replens single applicators or YesVM are good ones but they will temporarily sting if you are already sore. Atrophy doesn't ever go away, it's a case of managing the symptoms and it's a challenge !

[Cassandra in reply to bantam12]

Thank you for your reply - doctor did say atrophy before on another occasion and I had been prescribed Vagifem but when using it I had a bloody brown discharge- one doctor told me I could use Vagifem all the time but it concerns me that manufacturers say 12 weeks - surely if it was safe to use permanently they would be pushing it as a company. I had tried replens before and they caused me so much irritation so I will try the others you suggested. Also suggested using E45 to wash around the area rather than soap. This morning there’s only a slight amount of blood but leukocytes showing in sample so I’m worried smear may have triggered infection. Also evening primrose oil suggested. I know you’re right in saying the condition has to be managed but so ma ny of my friends the same age do not suffer. Any more tips welcome.

[bantam12 in reply to Cassandra]

Vagifem is meant to be used long term, the 12 weeks is the time it can take to work and when the treatment should be reviewed. I was on it for years but it then stopped being effective.

I'm currently taking Ospemifene oral tablet which is a new treatment, but I'm considering having surgery to remove everything so it's no longer an issue, I've suffered with this for so many years and can't do it for much longer as I'm running out of options. I would strongly advise against using E45 or indeed washing with anything other than plain water, you want to avoid anything that can inflame and irritate and E45 is a known irritant.

My Gynae suggested coconut oil and evening primrose but I'm not going to risk it.

Sadly there is no magic cure, it's all trial and error and after 20 years with this I'm still searching !

[Cassandra in reply to bantam12]

Turned out I did have a UTI and prescribed 3 day course of nitrofurantoin -still infection so course of pivmecillinam (contains penicillin) prescribed - as soon as these had finished I am getting the urge to pee again and huge discomfort in vagina - results of polcoscopy not back yet but I’m getting to the desperation stage now that I will have to live like this permanently - hope to see a gynaecologist next month but I’m not sure if she will be able to help

[bantam12 in reply to Cassandra]

Atrophy will cause all the bladder symptoms, I had problems with recurrent Uti's so went on to a long term course of low dose trimethoprim which cured that but the atrophy still occasionally causes issues. There are so many things to try so don't give up, you just have to keep at it. Hopefully your Gynae will be sympathetic and helpful, good luck.

[Cassandra in reply to bantam12]

Thank you so much I am on day 6 of the Vagifem and hopefully tomorrow I will get an appointment for the gynaecologist. GP had told me also to use Replens and that would prevent problems but the irritation nearly drove me crazy so I’m going to try the Yes one. I will have the choice of 2 gynaecologists as it will have to be a private appointment - can you advise whether I’d be better off with the one who specialises in menopausal women as I am 70 years of age?

[Myboyz]

Its possible that the doctor was just a bit rougher than a gyne. Try to drink plenty of water to make sure you are hydrated. If your urine came back clear then its not an infection so you could try warm compresses on the outside and salt water bathing of the area. warm salt water