I was recently having fun with a partner I had not been with for 8 years and found it very painful to get him inside. He laughingly said that I had too much muscle down there and that I was too tense. I said no I am not tense I knew something had changed physically. I was even worried it might be cancer, I just did not know what was happening. Trying to have sex was the most painful experience ever – and usually it was amazing with him.
I was so worried, I confided in my friend in a post Christmas catch up. She pointed out to me I might be suffering from a thing called Vaginal Atrophy. A few days later I went to the doctors and it was confirmed.
Going Through Menopause
I started going through the menopause early in my early 40, brought on early I think after a serious horse-riding accident. At aged 44 I had my last period. I was on HRT for 2 years and that did not assist me in anyway me at all – I was still grumpy and upset. Looking back now, I think that was probably due the relationship I was in and that I did not have the strength to go through the menopause.
Anyway, I am nearly 51, and it is now confirmed I am post-menopausal which includes your sex drive coming back. The doctor said it was time to start experimenting with myself again to get everything flowing. Everything was getting dried up – I was getting worried.
Learning About Vaginal Atrophy
After the experience and heading about Vaginal Atrophy from my friend, the doctors explained this happened to lots of women. Vaginal atrophy is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause. I have never had kids myself and I since found out that this Vaginal Atrophy can be more susceptible to ladies who have not had kids.
For many women vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms too. I feel quite lucky that for me it’s just the shortening and tightening of vagina channel, decreased vaginal lubrication, the dryness and painfulness. I have not had any problems with light bleeding after intercourse, incontinence, or urinary infections. So, I think are my symptoms are not as bad as some women. Probably others out there suffering a lot more than me. A lot of doctors call it genitorial syndrome of the menopause
I have now been given a vaginal pessary which I use for 14 days, then 2 a week continually from then. It’s quite an eye-opening experience to go through over the last few weeks!
I shared my intimate experience with Louise on Rejuvage so that she can share it others and hopefully it can enlighten and assist other ladies that are going through what I am. Now I have been diagnosed I feel much happier about the whole thing. Sexually I am not very active with a partner at the moment, but I am starting to be very sexually active with myself. So, with a few devices and techniques let’s see how is goes and will keep you all informed!
