Vaginal atrophy- advice needed

Hi Mum60

I had pelvic radiotherapy for endometrial cancer in 2022. 

It is normal for vaginal dilators to be used afterwards to prevent stenosis and atrophy. 

This link has some info about how to use them. 

Vaginal dilators

I was given femax dilators on the NHS by the radiotherapy consultant. You can also buy these via Amazon. The NHS ones are hard plastic but there are other alternatives that are made from silicone that can be more comfortable. There are likely to be other places to be able to purchase them however there is a good selection on Amazon and it may be an idea to have a look to see if any might be suitable. If you type in vaginal dilators it will come up with different options. 

Hopefully the dilators will help but if not you could ask whether it is worth being referred to a physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor to see if any exercises etc may help.

You could also give the Support Line a call and talk to one of the nurses for further advice. 

Jane

Thank you so much for replying, Jane. I do appreciate it because it’s a sensitive topic.

I’ve never had this discussed previously, presumably because the medics were opting for surgical treatment since my cancer was very early stage, I didn’t have any radiotherapy.
So having thought all was progressing well, this is a completely unexpected development.

The doctor told me not to insert anything ‘too far’ in case of causing damage. But I don’t know how to tell what too far’ is, apart from causing pain!

I will look at what’s available to purchase online and I’ll consider phoning the helpline. Once again, thank you for replying.

Hi Mum60

I find myself in a similar position to yourself. I tried Hyalofemme and that started to sting as did YES so I was advised to stop both. I'm now waiting to hear from the CNS to hear what she advises, but I'd be interested to know how you got on. My gynaecologist was quite adamant that I shouldn't try estrogen.

Thankyou.

I’m another one who mustn’t use oestrogen as the cancer I had was stimulated by that. Luckily YES does work for me; I hope your CNS can help you.

Well the steroid cream has been wonderful- no more stinging or soreness day to day. It took about a month and I still use it occasionally if soreness starts again.

 I also purchased some silicone dilators (which cost a fortune).
I started with standard sizes, which were too small (and much smaller than my partner). Those were easily inserted and pretty useless, which was frustrating.
So I have now bought a pack of L/XL dilators, via Amazon, which are a bit eye-watering to look at. I hated the marketing as well, but never mind.
VWell brand: they are well made, soft & smooth.
Still working up the courage to try, but I have had children, so I know it should be theoretically possible!

Good luck.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I will take a look at the VWell dilators. Would you be able to provide any more details about the steroid cream you use eg concentration etc. ? Mine is also worse internally at the opening !

Hi there.

There’s also a brand called Intimate Rose which offer a range of dilator sizes. 

The steroid cream is Dermovate (clobetasol) 0.05%. 

Thank you so much. I will ask my gynaecologist/GP about the steroid cream, and look into the dilators.

See how you get on with the doctors.

About YES- I had to try several of their range of moisturisers and lubes before I found one which suited. It’s not well known but the company gave me an unending discount when I contacted customer services and explained my circumstances.

Thanks that's good to know. I tried YES VM pH Matched.