I need vaginal dryness symptoms advice / experience

6 years ago

I am 42 and something is going on with my body. We (my PCM and I) think it might be perimenopause related.

Some of the things going on don't really bother me, like warm burning sensation from my chest up that comes and goes and I am also ok with my bodies thermostat definitely not functioning. As in --- I am kind of warm when everyone else is freezing in the house or visa versa. I can live with that.

What I can't and refuse to live with is the vaginal burning! OMG!

Everything was fine until my husband had to go overseas for a few month. Didn't have any sexual intercourse from July - November. When I did have intercourse I started this burning sensation on/in my vagina. We ruled out everything by now as far as STD, Yeast, BV. Although, they did treat for BV, but this cleared up. The burning stayed. We tested for everything two more times after that. Everything came back negative. No discharge or smell or anything. Just burning and on rare occasion (when it's not really burning) more like a tingling/itchy sensation.

The only thing that confuses me, the burning will slowly go away about a week before I start my period. Then I will have my period and things are fine. Not 100%, but definitely 95% better. During that time even the redness inflammation goes away. After my period ends it seems to start up again.

I just stopped my last period 3 days ago, and yesterday I experienced some itch/tingling sensation and very minor burning. So I am expecting it to only get worse from here until a week before my next period. Hubby is away for now, so no sexual activity. I am honestly scared to even touch down there. I just leave her alone!

I have been put on premarin cream twice a week and started it on Jan 9. My PCM said it will take several weeks to show any improvement if it will help. I also started taking evening primrose, but that should also take a few weeks.

I guess my question is --- could it really be vaginal dryness due to menopause? Does it make sense that it would burn even without sex? Does it make sense that it would stop around the time of my period? How long will premarin take to work? So many questions. I would just love to hear someone say: This is perfectly normal! --- At this point I am thinking I have an undiscovered new vaginal disease! My PCM said to wait for a few weeks and then to come see her and we go from there.

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Comment (1)

Laurie Schrader
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
First- if you're still having periods, you're not menopausal. Perhaps peri, but you and a doc can figure that out.

Second- As long as you've been checked for STD's (don't get offended, not personal) and that's not your issue? Some things to try. And yes. Other women experience this!

1. You know us women- we often like soaps and things that smell really good, Sometimes, that's not good for the vaginal area. Can really irritate. Get the most gentle, non-perfumed soap possible for that area. Clean gently. Sometimes women tend to "scrub" when itchy. Makes it worse...

2. Itching/burning- this sounds stupid, but when I experienced that (peri), I would use a tiny bit of Destin. I used the baby formula, and hey- I just figured that if it worked for diaper rash, it would help. It did, as a topical. Also sounds stupid, but a wad of tile paper with cold water, applied to the outside and left to dry? Can be good relief.

3. Lets talk underwear. Make sure, as often as you can, that you're wearing breathable, natural fabrics. When you can, go without. Sometimes, underwear can irritate the vaginal area. Leave pretty lace stuff etc. for just your special occasions.

4. Sex- if your hubby is willing, explore lubricants. You don't want those hopped up kinds that heat etc. Just plain vanilla. Shoot, when dryness is an issue, and you find a gentle one, utilize it as a routine.

5. You can also try a very gentle vinegar and water douche-even a topical wash. Not too much vinegar, but can often get pH levels to where they need to be.

This is a "thing" that many of us go through. You are very normal.
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I need vaginal dryness symptoms advice / experience

Comment (1)

Laurie Schrader

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