QuestionQUESTION: Greetings,
Just wondering if you could offer some advice. About 4 years ago I stopped using birth control pills after being on them for 7 years to try to conceive. At the time I was sufferring from some vaginal dryness from the pill but otherwise no problems (Cyclen Lo). A couple of months after discontinuing use I noticed that having sex was painful and that I lacked lubrication and that my vaginal walls were just irritated.
At the same time it was discovered I had endometriosis (of the rectal wall) so I had surgery to correct that. After that I underwent fertility treatment and just had a daughter last month. I haven't had a good sex life in almost 5 years. Whiile I was pregnant the irritation was even worse. It used to be where I was most comfortable during the luteal phase. Of course during pregnancy that doesn't exist so I was just miserable. After having the baby I now have the burning leukhorrhea, all potining to atrophic vaginitis.
I'm only 28 years old and I want my sex life and vagina back. I don't want any more children anytime soon but I want treatment that gets my hormones back in check and my vagina back to health. Before I see my doctor I want to have a second opinion about what options I should be exploring. Thank you for your time.
Angela
ANSWER: Hi Angela,
I recommend estrogen replacement therapy which will ease your discomfort. You can take estrogen in the form of a pill, patch, gel, vaginal cream or ring that you place in your vagina.
Vaginal estrogen cream such as Premarin is inserted directly into your vagina with an applicator, usually at bedtime. Your doctor will let you know how much cream to use and how often to insert it.
Vaginal estrogen ring such as Estring is a soft, flexible ring that is inserted into the upper part of the vagina by you or your doctor. The ring releases a consistent dose of estrogen while in place and needs to be replaced about every three months.
Vaginal estrogen tablet such as Vagifem, you use a disposable applicator to place a vaginal estrogen tablet in your vagina. Your doctor will let you know how often to insert the tablet.
Talk to your doctor about the different methods best for you. Good luck!
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QUESTION: Thank you Dr. Johnson. One last question. Do you know if this type of therapy is something that is temporary as wehn condition improves or would I be dependent on this for years or the rest of my life? SInce I am so young this is really important in my decision.
Thank You,
Angela
AnswerHi Angela,
Most likely you will be dependent on this for the rest of your life, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing, just like when somebody has to take insulin for the rest of their life for diabetes, it will naturally help you, so think of it positively. Good luck!
