Vaginal atrophy and Smear Test

[Sunflower535]

I was dreading the letter and it arrived today. My smear test is due. My last one was horrendous. Even the doctor was sweating and saying she had never experienced anything like it. That was when she started me on Vagifem.

So was just wondering for those of you who suffer from the same complaint, vaginal atrophy, do you even bother having a smear test done. Part of me wants to bin the letter and forget about it but then the other part of me thinks I better go. Even with the Vagifem I still get flare ups from time to time and I know the smear test will start one off. I have suffered so much in the past five years from all this dryness. It's truly the worst part of the menopause. I never had much bother from other menopause symptoms but this one has given its full 100 percent of torture.

You would think that there would be an easier way to do the smear test. Definitely a man's world.

Any thoughts?

[Hidden]

I thought you stopped having smear tests at 60

I just checked and it’s 64 in the UK Do you really need to have one? If you have never had an abnormal smear and haven’t had numerous partners I would ask your doctor about it

[Sunflower535 in reply to Hidden]

Oh that's interesting, I didn't know that - I never have had an abnormal smear and I'm 61 now. I don't think I will bother going. I can't bear the thought of going through all this and then setting things off again. I've only just got it settled after several months of burning and discomfort! Thanks for your reply!

[homeandgarden in reply to Sunflower535]

Hi not sure if your dr told you to use an internal vaginal moisturizer a few times a week but mine did. Don’t use KY because it has glucose in it and that can cause infections. I researched this to death and found a product. Ah Yes Go to the website and read about it. It is a little pricey but a few times a yr they have a35 percent off. I buy 3 tubes at a time and they last several months. My condition improved. Hope yours does.

[Sunflower535 in reply to homeandgarden]

Doctor gave me a cream but it makes things worse. Are you in USA? There is one called Yes vaginal moisturiser in UK which I just started to use. Would that be the same? Thanks for your reply. It is very much appreciated.

[homeandgarden in reply to Sunflower535]

I think it is the same because I get ads from them from the uk. I am in USA. Just give it a chance to work. It is more natural and no medical side effects

Good luck. Don’t you just love being a woman. lol.

[Sunflower535 in reply to homeandgarden]

Thanks again. Good to hear what has worked for others.

[maryemma in reply to Sunflower535]

Hi ,for the past eight years I use Ovestin 1 mg cream put in the vagina at night with an aplecater ,,start every night for afew weeks then two times a week, I had bleeding and went and checks for cancer, pain and irritation ,all gone now ,you Carnt buy this it’s on a precription from a doctor.

[Sunflower535 in reply to maryemma]

Sounds a bit like what I am already using - Vagifem - only it is in tablet form - also use an applicator to insert it. I think the YES moisturiser is working. I started using it recently. That might work better than the one the doctor gave me. Thanks for your advice. Very much appreciated.

[AKatieD]

Sounds awful, sorry to hear that. Can't g.p. offer better treatment for VA first, or referral to someone who can as current tratment obvs not enough.

[Sunflower535 in reply to AKatieD]

I also have a Thyroid problem which I feel isn't being adequately treated but they won't do anything more for me about that and keep saying I'm depressed which I know I am not. I think there is a link between the thyroid and my VA. When one flares up the other is not right either, but they don't seem to think that either. My faith in GP's is probably at it's lowest it's ever been - I used to think they knew everything - now I think they know less that me about my conditions - I am not on my own - otherwise there wouldn't be as many people using Health Unlocked as there is. My gut feeling is not to go and I do think I will go with that - thanks for your reply though - I appreciate you taking the time to reply to my query.

[Stills in reply to Sunflower535]

All the vaginal lubricants prescribed for me as menopause approached stung burned and irritated like hell. Eventually a gyne consultant diagnosed lichen sclerosus another AI linked condition. I have a chronic AI rheumatoid condition and other AI related issues, dry eyes etc. like you I suspect I have a thyroid problem developing as have mxx as ny new symptoms and the thyroid gland is swollen now. Since menopause I’ve been on HRT patches and this helped vaginal dryness a lot. I will stay in them another 10 years if I can. Now I have steroid cream prescribed for the LS and am not mistakenly treating thrush or cystitis like I have for the last 30 years things are much better.

[AKatieD]

Yes, sadly, many of us have to sort out our own thyroid problems. I have very little faith in medics on thyroid or hrt. Best of luck

[bantam12]

I’ve had this for many years and tried every prescription available, some work for a while then stop so off I go again 🤦🏻‍♀️

One thing I found very good was Ospemifene oral tablets, my Gynae prescribed them and they worked for a good long time but I then changed to Estriol cream and Yes VM but I still get flare ups which last around 3 weeks 😢

As for having a smear test I personally wouldn’t risk it as the (frankly horrendous!) procedure could cause a tear and bleeding and set you off on a flare again. Plus the atrophy causes narrowing and adhesions within the vagina so making it almost impossible without extreme pain.

If men had this problem they would have found a cure by now 😡

[Sunflower535 in reply to bantam12]

I think you're right. I'm not getting a smear done. I'm only just cleared up from the last flare up. I agree if men had the same problems it would have been sorted ages ago. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[Hidden]

I use Yes gel from Amazon

[Sunflower535 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I have started that one too.

[AuroraJ in reply to Hidden]

2nd this

[yvonneu]

Hi there I am 65 now and also have cervical atrophy. The last smear I had was so painful, the poor nurse couldn't even get the smallest speculum in! She suggested me using some HRT cream internally for a month, which I did.

I went back for the second attempt and yes, it was uncomfortable but certainly not painful like before...and she was able to actually take the smear!

Please ask for the HRT cream...my nurse has put it on repeat prescription for me as it also helps with bladder issues too! It's called ESTRIOL.

Good luck, love.

[Sunflower535 in reply to yvonneu]

Thank you. I'm currently on vagifem which is an estrogen pessary. I use it twice a week. Maybe the cream would be better. Thanks for your advice. I really do appreciate it.

[AuroraJ]

Oh dear, poor you, this sounds horrible. I'm guessing you don't wash down there and just let water run over it, in a shower as the soap has done its work from your body wash anyway...that solved all my issues?Use YES Organic Moisturiser, recommended by my doc, it's a life saver xxx

(I'm 36, anxiety, came off pill as its caused no end of side effects)

[Sunflower535 in reply to AuroraJ]

I have stopped using most soaps and only use natural ones . Thanks again for your advice.

[Sunflower535]

Thank you. I appreciate you taking time to reply.

[Carrigallan]

I had exactly this problem with first the Surgery Nurse, then the GP who after failing to be able to help me, referred me to the gynaecologist at my local hospital. The hospital have smaller speculums which makes a huge difference. I explained the problems caused by the dryness and subsequent excruciating pain associated and she inserted an anaesthetic cream first. This allowed her to insert the smaller speculum and hey presto, pain free smear test done in a couple of minutes. I had to fight for it but was well worth the piece of mind to have the smear test done. Ask for a referral, insist on the local anaesthetic cream and don't take no for an answer.

[Sunflower535 in reply to Carrigallan]

Oh thank you that's so good to know. Wonder why they don't have those smaller speculum in the surgeries.