I haven't been here for a while and thought this would be a good place for advice. Its 4 years since diagnosed with BC and 2.5 years post treatment.I have been so focused on my general health, resuming work and looking after sick elderly parents that I have neglected my sexual health. Basically everything is shrinking (except for my waistline). 56 and post menopause, sex is very painful. I've been using Yes moisturiser and lubricant and not able to use any hormone treatments. My question is does anyone have experience using vaginal dilator therapy and physio?I think I'll need to see a gynaecologist at some point after the holiday period. Thanks in advance. CB

UpdateHad ultrasound and saw GynaecologistNo prolapse! YayEverything is perfectly normal for 56, post menopause, chemo, radiation, ceasarian.Lack of estrogen means vaginal walls thin causing tears and bleeding during sex making it painful.For the dryness Gynae prescribed vagifem low pessaries to help thicken the walls and hopefully lubricate! Replenish and yes moisturiser just not enough. For the elasticity she showed me some excercises to do with fingers and dilator and also pelvic floor excercises.I will let you know how it all goes.

It’s been a bloody godsend the cream. I’m back to normal and non painful sex again. I was so relieved. Lisa

Yes, that thought has crossed my mind too @SoldierCrab. She's a bit younger than me so has yet to reach menopause naturally. I do wonder if experiencing vaginal issues, hot flushes etc herself will inform her professional work. I am serious when I say I will ask her at the next appointment. It will be easier, her being female, but I am not backward about coming forward on these issues.

If you find a solution, please share. I really like sex and while there is more to it than penetration, I'm finding the whole business frustrating and disappointing.My partner is a very patient person (he'd have to be to hang out with me,) but I feel like I'm letting him down. The 'Yes' products haven't worked for me and they are pretty pricey. Honestly, the only lubricant that I've found at all useful is coconut oil. Which is messy and doesn't lend itself to spontaneity.I want that intimacy and ease back--and I can't figure out how to make that happen.Some ladies have had a go at the monalisa touch treatments, but I haven't heard if it's been successful or not. Marg xx

It's a problem a number of us have so will be interested in what you find.

Everything is shrinking! | Online Network

Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
If you find a solution, please share. I really like sex and while there is more to it than penetration, I'm finding the whole business frustrating and disappointing.
My partner is a very patient person (he'd have to be to hang out with me,) but I feel like I'm letting him down. The 'Yes' products haven't worked for me and they are pretty pricey. Honestly, the only lubricant that I've found at all useful is coconut oil. Which is messy and doesn't lend itself to spontaneity.
I want that intimacy and ease back--and I can't figure out how to make that happen.
Some ladies have had a go at the monalisa touch treatments, but I haven't heard if it's been successful or not. Marg xx
CassieB
Member
8 years ago
Hi Marg
I will certainly let you know. I know penetration isn't the be all but it does get frustrating for my partner too.
I've been researching the dilators and am trying the exercises with a vibrator until I can see the gynae.
All the best
CBxx
Afraser
Member
8 years ago
It's a problem a number of us have so will be interested in what you find.
primek
Member
8 years ago
We have a group now called "lets talk about vaginas"...there are some frank discussions in it and some information on different products etc if you'd like to join.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/9-lets-talk-about-vaginas

@SoldierCrab could you be on the lookout for member request.
CassieB
Member
8 years ago
I had a feeling it might've been but nobody talks about it! Not one of my doctors have mentioned anything about sexual health to me over the years.
primek
Member
8 years ago
Also they were doing some clinical trials to see if this helped. Not sure if you saw this.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/17608/new-australian-monalisa-touchtm-clinical-trial#latest
CassieB
Member
8 years ago
Thanks for the link. Sounds expensive. I'll try the less invasive treatment first. Xx
primek
Member
8 years ago
If you qualify for the clinical trial and live in Sydney it shouldn't cost you anything.
Sister
Member
8 years ago
Natural menopause is hard enough to deal with - not sure if I'm ready for what follows treatment. I would be interested to hear about anything, too.
primek
Member
8 years ago
Once I'd recovered from taxol I haven't found any difference in dryness from aramatose inhibitor than menopause caused. @Sister. I take my lube on every trip just in case.