Vulvitis because of Atrophic Vaginitis?

Women's health
1

I saw my GP three months ago because of severe vulval itching and inflammation.  He initially thought it might be Lichen Sclerosus but, a biopsy result was 'chronic inflammation'.  The GP is, in effect, treating the symptoms and I've been told to continue to use Dermovate to control the itching and am also using Hydromol as an emollient.  The GP hasn't given me any diagnosis and the problem is continuing.

I'm now wondering if it may be Vulvitis, perhaps caused by Atrophic Vaginitis - I'm 70 years old - and I'm thinking of going back o discuss this.  Although my GP said my vagina was all right, another GP, whom I saw 18 months ago, said that I was 'very dry' and prescribed a moisturiser.  However, this did nothing to prevent the development of the inflammation, which was very bad before I began to use the steroid ointment.

I'd be grateful for any thoughts, especially from anyone who has experienced the same thing.

2

What's you have is Vaginal atrophy and need local oestrogen.

Either in the form of vagifem, estriol , ovestin or estring these are all Uk products.

3

I agree doctors can be so clueless about this

 

4

Thank you both for your replies.  I'm defintely thinking of going back to my GP and discussing this further.  I'm also wondering if I might be best asking to be referred to a specialist.

5

I had the same thing a few years ago. I was inflamed and red down there and had a sore burning feeling down there. Tests and a biopsy showed no infection but "chronic inflammation" in the cells from the biopsy. They diagnosed vulvodynia. I tried steroid creams, but they were only a temporary fix and you cannot use those long term. What worked for me was amytriptyline and western acupuncture. Pure, organic, cold pressed coconut oil was soothing. If you need any more info I can provide it.

6

Thank you, Suki.  I don't think mine is vulvodynia - I don't have any pain, as such, just the itching and discomfort + inflammation.  Anyway, I'm seeing a GP on Wednesday and, as this has been going on for nearly two years - a GP I saw earlier said it was 'dryness' and prescribed a moisturiser - will be asking to be referred to a dermatolologist.  So, we'll see what happens then.

Thanks again.

7

Dermovate did nothing for me except exaggerate the problem. NOr did Betnovate. Dr recommended silcocks base and have used that to good effect. Also using silk vaginal moisturiser   no ill  effects so far 

8

Thank you Scary K.   Thankfully, Dermovate has made a real difference to me.  I've got an appointment to see a dermatologist, but, unfortunately, not till June, so will have to cope until then.

Best of luck with Sylk.  I've used that, too, and found it good, but not enough to clear the inflammation.

9

Hi I have never experienced any itching just chronic soreness and dryness after searching for an answer and nurse practitioners referring to medical journals and an absurd suggestion to visit Mind I self referred to a gynaecologist who diagnosed vaginal atrophy, and was prescribed Vagifem to increase oestrogen levels (Immediate relief) but had to discontinue after 3 weeks due to nodules under the arm pits which is a stated side effect so I am now taking natural alternatives to increase oestrogen levels naturally. Prior to that I had consulted my GP, Nurse Practitioner etc 

Hope this helps

10

Thank you, Kathryn.  I hope that your oestrogen levels increase naturally and things become more comfortable for you.  It's a pain that you had to stop using the Vagifem.  I definitely have itching, as well as the soreness, but trust that things will become clearer after I see the Dermatologist.  Take care.