I am 70 but I have had this problem since I went through menopause at age 55. Every time I have mentioned this problem to my gynecologist I get no help or suggestions. Makes me feel as though I am alone with this issue. I finally just stopped asking about it.Thank you for explaining hand giving me some help in this area. This is very frustrating and makes me feel abnormal.

I am gobsmacked by this content! I have been having bladder issues that I have seen a urologist and a gynecologist for, but neither of them put the pieces together 😠 I've been on multiple rounds of antibiotics (3x), back to back, because of "kidney infections" that turned out NOT to be infections, but false positives from the dip stick method. Had a cystoscopy of my bladder because they were telling me my symptoms were that of cancer! It wasn't. Had both an ultrasound and an x-ray of my kidneys - all normal. Then I find this video that explains the need for estrogen for your bladder! I could scream! So the reason for traces of blood in my urine is because it needed estrogen!?! I asked my doc for estradiol cream. We'll see, but I am so frustrated because I have been trying to address my hormones since I started menopause at 39-years-old!! I tried biodenticals but the specialist, whom I flew across the country to see, couldn't get it right. I finally gave up. Then this bladder frequency issue came up a couple of years ago, as a result of a strange mid-back pain that I thought were my kidneys. I was told that the pain was too high up to be kidney pain, but they took a urine sample anyway. I had a very high Ketone level at that time because I was trying to reduce my joint inflammation by going almost zero carb, and with the trace amounts of blood in my urine, they thought I should be in incredible pain, but I wasn't. And they whacked on my lower back a few times and I was fine. But they still put me on a round of antibiotics because the provider said that my diet containing excess proteins had scratched the inside of my kidneys and caused this situation. The urologist later said "that does not sound reasonable." So, 6 months later, and a lot of medical debt, unnecessary antibiotics, and stopping my diet, I'm back where I started, only now I have this information that is probably the missing piece of the puzzle. I know this is a long way to say thank you, but thank you!

It is sickening the number of doctors who don't want to prescribe BHRT because of a flawed study. Women are suffering needlessly.

All I can say being a guy is . I am glad to be a guy . We do not have half as many problems women go threw . Including dealing with us guys .

I started out over 10 years ago at 58 using a compounded cream of Estriol. Not Estradiol or Estrogen, but Estriol. It’s like the first step I think to start with. It has worked wonderful, and I have not needed to move on to higher dosed or stronger estrogens. I got this from a naturopath, and then from my Nurse practitioner. It is a cream, and when I first started using it, it was as an insertion. Now I just use it topically. Game changer, start as soon as you can.

Oh my gosh! I have had a terrible time with this condition for about a year now. I am 69, had a partial hysterectomy at 21, after birth of my son. Then a complete at 33. I had almost decided I might have cancer as all types run in my family! I thought I was allergic to the elastic in my underwear, could not find a comfortable chair anywhere! Went through countless pillows, thinking it was the way I was sitting because of my OA in my lower back! Thank you so very much for talking about this painful condition! I will see a doctor asap! Thank you , Thank you!

I had a full hysterectomy at 36/37 . I am 64 now .In my late 40’s I started having aloT of pain during sex. I went to 5 different gynecologists and they all said see a sex therapist. I was so pissed off! After another year & no sex since it hurt I went to another gynecologist who said my vagina was only 1 inch long and maybe half an inch wide. She said get these dialators to stretch it, but if the real thing hurts artificial ones hurt just as much if not more! She didn’t suggest any hormones which I had stopped because they had caused cystic acne. I never wanted to end my sex life. I have no dryness & never did. I refuse to go to any more gynecologist near me. They all blamed me when they did listen to me! I’m going back to my old gynecologist in nc I’m in nj because I trust him. & my ins will cover him. But I’m frustrated beyond belief due to losing so many years of a live life because doctors always want to blame everything on emotional issues when they refuse to do their job ! I had my hysterectomy due to POCD. I was bleeding 3 weeks every month and couldn’t handle the pain anymore, so after about 10 surgeries I chose a hysterectomy, but regret that also.

I'm 59 and have had this problem for a few years. My primary care doc is a woman and the same age I am. She knew exactly what to do. She did an exam and gave me vaginal estradiol suppositories. Beyond that, I use Good Clean Love lube, it's naturally water-based with aloe. I didn't want hrt, just a help locally and that's what I have. There are no words!

Thank you for the relief this video brought....I thought there was something "different" about me! This explains things very well.

Oh my word i have struggled unknowingly with this condition for over 20 years initially thinking that i had Interstitial cystitis , i am now 70 and have just seen a Gynaecologist not for this problem but with an Ovarian problem i did mention this chronic Urinary problem infections and incontinence on examining me she mentioned VA i had no idea what that meant but checking with Dr Google all the symptoms were there even the uncomfortable sitting down which can be awful i have been put on Estrogen pessaries and i am waiting to see a Urologist, but i am just so pleased to come across video's like this that can finally tell me what i have.

I had that issue, and my uterus and my ovaries hurt also. It was painful all the time and especially when I walked. The doctor examined me and said that everything was atrophied. Also, i had frequent cystitis. What helped me a lot was vagifem suppositories twice weekly. All the pain cleared up.

Wow! This is amazing. You share so much important information women know so little about. This channel is great!

Estradiol cream was a game changer for me . Years of depo provera left me estrogen deficient . My NP explained it’s actually good for us to have monthly menses which releases hormones . Before estradiol I had pain , tearing and redness . All gone after stopping depo and using estradiol cream . I’m sooo happy ! ❤

I use to have this pre menopause. I am now over two years, and the only thing that has helped me is practicing yoga. Let me tell you, I feel like I’m 35 down there.

I really appreciate you addressing this. My doctor put me on the Estring after using estradiol tablets for a while and being annoyed by having to use them twice a week, so the Estring is great. The only issue is the tremendous cost!! Luckily for me my employer covers most of it, but I find it horrifying that insurance companies charge $400+ for this medication, when it's just estrogen. I was told by one doctor that they're able to charge that much because so many women find it taboo and are embarrassed to talk about it, and so tolerate whatever the cost is. That's so wrong.

Thank you so much for this video. I am 64 years old and had a partial hysterctomy at the age of 40 for eccessive menstral bleeding. I am also a type 2 insulin dependent diabetic. In 2008 iwas diagnosed with thyroid cancer having a complete thyroidectomy with post surgical radiation. In 2014 i was diagnosed with breast cancer and had bilateral mastectomy but no chemo or radiation. Over the past few years I have been having the problems you described in this video but over the past few months i have been dealing with almost unbearable vaginal dryness and severe burning and stinging on urination. My GP did a urinaylsis and found i have a UTI and am treating me with Macrobid. The burning is some better but still after I shower and use water i am still burning but not quite so bad. I've tried several creams for bacterial and yeast infections to no avail. I have an appointment to follow up with my GYN this week but to be honest I am a little concerned about vaginal/vulva cancer. I know they are very rare but just can't imagine what else could be going on. My husband is 80 years old and it has been quite sometime since we've had intercorse. I am so tired of feeling bad "down there" and hope something can be done. Thanks again for your video.

Wow, I've never heard of this before. So informational. Thanks for sharing!

Thankgod a real doctor talking about this. I just heard a Physical therapist calling herself "Doctor"! Thank u for this

Thank you for your welth of knolage. This is importent infomation and alot of women don't know where to look for answers to these problems.

Thank you. I have been wondering what was happening here.. turning 50 isn't all what's its cracked up to be.. thanmb

I would just like to say that breastfeeding IS a normal condition! Breasts are for babies first, men second. Interesting video, I learned a few things.

I had a full and complete hystorectomy at 36 and any doc I have seen have been reluctant to help. I am now using Estriol but still have atrophy and can no longer have sex. I'm 72 and still want a healthy sex life. I like the idea of natural therapies.Thank you for all your suggestions.

Thank you - my gynaecologist said my vaginal walls were raw. I’m using an oestrogen gel now . I’ve had burning on urinnation. My husband has been impotent so that doesn’t help. He hasn’t been with me sexually for years now.

Dr, thank you for this podcast. I am 60 and going through it. My expensive cash-pay-only doctors treated me well. But, my doctors through my PPO Blue Shield of CA insurance have no clue and are underprescribing my medicines like HRT and estradial for my vagina.

Thanks for watching! I hope this helps you!

Thank you for this informative video! It has given me the impetus to start a discussion with my gynecologist as I am experiencing many of these symptoms after menopause.

Thanks so much for this video. I just recently been diagnosed with MS. I have had these kinds of problems for a while now. I have told the neurologist I saw about it. He referred me to a urinary specialist. I have been in menopause for a few years now.

I'm hoping your other videos will have more treatments for vaginal atrophy. I'm extremely sensitive in my vulvar region to the point that the doctor had me undergo MRIs instead of a pelvic exam. Unlike a lot of folks with this condition, I'm not dry "down there." The last thing I want to do is make it wetter!!!

I've seen 2 UroGyns, 2 GYNs and a urologist for pelvic pain and bladder pain. None tested my Estrogens. Sad. I'm in my 40s.

I had the Mona Lisa Touch procedure,but it didn’t work, so I am right back at square one.Thanks for this.

I've had prior vaginal surgeries and the surgical site has one spot that feels like it's never healed over the last two years. I'm hoping for a good vaginal examination, especially the surgical site tomorrow. The Urologist was recommended for me but he only wants to have a phone conversation. To me that's crazy inadequate. I've also been referred to a pelvic Physical Therapist but she hasn't been willing to schedule anything with me this past month. I think she wants me to forget she was referred to me. I had two prior appointments before she disappeared. Their receptionist tells me "Ok, I'll let her know." It's frustrating trying to get proper examination, surgical revisions and willing practitioners. I'll be seeing the 4th MD by phone tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It's all I can do at this time. This latest MD is a 2 hour drive to the far side of Chicago. I haven't given up hope. I'm 80 years old and hurting.

I'm not sure why this is on my algorithm. I hope I never have to deal with this! Good luck to anyone dealing with this

Wash with Estrogen, then mix pure aloe vera gel with coconut oil. Spread liberally on the affected area 3 times a day. Wear non leaky underwear in the day and none at night. Works wonders!

Gr8 video 😎 Women are more likely to visit their doctor if they felt comfortable discussing their lady garden. If you could provide a SCRIPT conversation between woman and doctor that would be extremely helpful ~ Much Appreciated 😘

I'm a male, and I can fully sympathies with the women here about this issue. My wife and I have been married for over 40 years, and she had trouble with my size before menopause and the effects of loss of estrogen. She is a trooper and tried very hard to take care of my needs, but we finally just gave up on her having regular intercourse.

Last period in July, so thank you for preparing me. So far, all is still good, but knowing what to expect is very helpful. Thank you.

So informative! You always do such a great job of having a great videos for those people who have woman questions!

Haven't found a video yet that helps the husbands who can no longer have intercourse with their wives. Ive watched several of these and all they do is try to educate us on what the woman is going through. And the men are just supposed to suck it up and be ok with never having intercourse again.

My Mother suffered from burning feelings in her bladder and it’s“ it‘s outlet“ ( i am Not a native speaker so don‘t know the corrected Name) and went to an urologist. He found no bactérial Infection. Her Problems went on she went to the same doctor who knew nothing about the low estrogên Levels and her pain and finally asked here, „ You want me to find bactéria?“ It still makes me angry, although I am more than 20 years behind that, my Mother was over 80 at that time. I myself am a doctor and Made a very good decision, whenever a question arouse I had no explanation for, I asked a colleague who might know better. To me what happened to my Mother was humiliating and a Lack of Knowledge.g

I’m only 26 and this sounds exactly like what I’m going thru but I don’t do any of these things so now I guess I need to do more research 😭

God bless you too! I just learned some new things thanks. 🙏🏼

I never knew anything about this until yesterday. I'm a guy, and for the past few years I've been having less and less sex because 'she' feels a bit uncomfortable down there. I highly doubt she knows what the problem is herself. So in a bit - in a short time I will pay her a visit and see if I can't break it to her in a good way. She's been aware of various pains down there on and off or worse and better for the past two years as well. We used to be at 'it for ages almost every night, but her last period came and went a good few years ago and I thought the reduction of bedroom olympics might be due to her not being aroused by me any more ['cos I've got older too]. I have been pretty stoic about it, but on a few occasions I have tried to talk about my unhappiness with the situation,and she thinks it's a chronic infection of some sort. Well we've gone through a list of possible infections and tried a few traditional cures, and I've also asked her to go to a doctor about it. But she feels very embarrassed about going to a doctor and showing her ... self to someone else. she's always been apprehensive when going to the toilet because half the time it hurts. Anyway. I feel the mystery has been solved, and now to see if we can find a sensible way to deal with the problem. She's been a bit on the dry side for ten years or so, so lube was always on hand if needed. But the past few years she's been really dry and needs some lubrication or it was going to be impossible without causing her a lot of pain - which I don't want to put her through. Many thanks for explaining what's been going on. I feel sorry for her.

I have had what was suspected to be Interstitial Cystitis for at least 35, 40 yrs. I am living on pyridium. I am going to make an appointment with a urogynocologist and hopefully figure something out!!!!

Thank You For Your Phenomenal GLOBAL Outreach People Support🙏💜🌍💜🙏

Thank you. I am 68, had uterus removed after prolapse from giving birth and bladder suspension at 35. Had both ovaries removed at 55 due to a giant cyst and one that had already burst. All I have left are my saggy boobs. Taking. 5mg of Estradiol daily. I feel like the vaginally area is atrophied and falling. Getting old really blows.

I’ve really struggled with this following treatment to treat estrogen positive breast cancer. Thank you

I'm 46. Two years ago had a full hysterectomy due to having a watermelon sized ovarian cyst mass, that blood work said was cancerous. I have severe vaginal dryness, no sex drive, scar tissue at the back of the vagina on the inside. Tried having sex on three different occasions after surgery, was unable to because of the dryness and pain. I feel like what makes me a full woman is destroyed. It's been a heart breaking frustrating two years for my husband and I.

Thank you very much. I am going through this very issue for some time now. I am a breast cancer survivor and have been through chemo. I came upon this video seemingly in error but l think God directed me here so l could get this information. Thanks.

Thinking about having a metal thing put up there right now when it feels like glass is up there omg.

I saw a uro-gyn doctor for all that you described. He rx'd estrogen cream which I insert into the vagina twice a week. It cured me. I swear. My urinary symptoms cleared up and my vagina is not sore anymore. What a difference.

Medical community doing over 55 female population huge disservice not addressing this and many other complications from no estrogen.

Yes i went toilet start of this week and crazy i scream as was bad pain it so warm snd horrbile so watching this for comfort

This is very new to me and I thank you for sharing with us.

Happy New Year Dr. Christi! I subscribed to your channel today, as part of a healthier me in 2020! I look forward to restoring my mind, body and Spirit this year.🙏🏽💕🥗🥥🥑💕🥳

I am terrified to get a pelvic exams. I cannot even imagine the pain it will cause me now after menopause and this terrible situation it has caused me. Im stuck with this horrible condition if Im required to have a speculum exam. I will not go.

Thank you for the video. I have had this problem since I was 41 when I went through menopause. I am now 67. I remarried at 40. So our sex life has suffered since my vagina atrophied. A few years I got the Mona Lisa procedure done. It didn't help. It's miserable. I avoid intercourse because of the pain.

Thank you 😊🙏 I have a question, but this is KZfaq. I have subscribed and I’ll listen. Looking forward to learning about something new and helping myself feel better.

It's interesting how some women get this while others don't. My grandmother's, and my mother didn't get it even after being treated for cervical cancer. I have 3 older sisters that didn't get it. Unfortunately, I'm the only one that ended up getting it😢

I felt like I was being sliced up down there every time I had sex I was crying in awful pain for weeks after having sex

Ty for this info 67 and dealing with atrophy

Thank you for posting this video. I have been diagnosed with VA and really struggle at work because I have a desk job. Can you explain why it is that sitting down is so uncomfortable yet standing gives almost immediate relief? It's just so frustrating.

You are a sweet lady! Thank you for caring and doing what you do. ❤️. Listen ladies. 😇😇😍

Can this be reversed after 5 years of pain?

I'm in my mid 30s and recently diagnosed with cystocele. The prolapse has probably existed since the birth of my youngest in 2020, but didn't protrude until last month when saw the ob/gyn about it. I only have intercourse about twice a month, if that. I jokingly told my husband my organs are tumbling out of me because my meat wallet is wasting away (he has low libido)... but it looks like maybe I wasn't wrong after all 😩 I don't really have time or desire for ... ahem .. solo activities. I've been doing kegels and pelvic floor exercises for years, obviously to no avail. The prolapse isn't severe enough for surgery, thankfully. It stays in probably 70% of the time and will occasionally pop out after using the bathroom, until I have time to lie down and shimmy it back in. I don't know what else to do. I'm incredibly self conscious about it, and worried about further muscle atrophy and worsening of the prolapse. Oh well, thanks for listening to my novel if you did 😅😅

The only symptoms I have is pain during intercourse especially in the missionary and doggy style positions. I have no pain if I am on top and sideways. So frustrating. I never knew this could happen to a woman 🙁. My husband is so patient and amazing 💞.

I have an ache there and I have bv had antibiotics and inserts antibiotics did not work waiting to see gynecologist have a white discharge help

I would like to suggest a safe product invention. As a woman who suffers from this condition and having to get an exam and have the Pap smear with the speculum inserted which is excrutiatingly painful why can’t someone invent a numbing spray to help us women? A product similar to a spray that is used for nostrils to scope the back of the throat.

It can occur also pretty fast, i developed it when my daughter was 2 months old ...

Being a hypochondriac makes this all so bloody frightening and scary hideous

Thanks, please come back!

Im 48 yrs old and I haven't had intercourse in 5 years. I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis and I experience a lot of pain and discomfort. Hopefully I can get a urologist soon

I saw my gynecologist a couple years ago and was diagnosed with VA. She gave me a script for a small tube of cream that was $100. I am 73 and could not afford now if to continue. Mineral oil helped some. My husband died in 2008 so I really don’t know if sex hurts are not. Mine problem is very intense itching. The only thing that helps now is a product called Honey Pot. It’s is used to wash the vaginal area and never use soap

Please do a video on uncomfortable intercourse due to tightness down there and ways to overcome it, thank you 🌹

Great information. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing this your amazing and I hope you have a very peaceful loving Christmas with your loved ones ask around you full of love joy and happiness...

Thank you so much I’ve finally got some answers. My gynecologist prescribe steroid cream which I hate

I have vaginal atrophy, intercourse was so painful we had to stop! I miss the intimacy with my husband. My gyn subscribed an insert but that really was not any help at all.

My doctor know I had lung cancer 20 years ago, she said estradiol cr . O.1%,twice a,week and revaree 2 to 3 tima a week great revieves

There is no way I could have a pelvic exam with my problem.

I've had this for two years straight out the blue like I woke up with VA or felt that way to me I'm 58 menopause put me on ovastin 1% it worked so well until the company changed the name to just plain estriol 1% they said it was the same after only two days my VA came back with a vengeance!! I Went to see doc yesterday as I have been pink spotting a week I am terrified !! 😢 it's like a change of eastrogen as this new one is not as moisturizing as ovastin 1% she did an examination and a pap test said I was red raw inside and out!! 😢 this may be tmi but the spotting only happens after I've pooped !! She said its the bowels putting pressure on my cervix making it bleed must be tiny cuts inside as it never happens until I push she sent me off with replens and more of the estriol 1% I'm going for a ultrasound tomorrow i am so scared !! 😢😢😢😢

I'm so sensitive down there anything even if natural can hurt give me a burning sensation

Gyno could not do a pelvic exam on me because of pain. She did examine me and said she thought b it was vaginal atrophy.

I have issues with my vulva tearing due to a "professional" amputating my inner labia at the age of 15, on the NHS, "labiaplasty" should be a criminal offence, it is FGM in plain sight of everybody

The medical care for female problems down below is infuriating. I had a female gyno basically throw hrt at me without even testing me. Like a dummy I assumed it's common to be short on estrogen...but what about progesterone..testosterone? I didn't ask questions. Btw hrt did nothing for me. Then to add insult to injury treatments whether it be hrt or laser is not covered so it's to expensive. It makes it even more bothersome that if a man can no longer "rise to the occasion"...he can get an implant covered by insurance. 😡

Thank you. My husband says I’m lying about my pain. He thinks I just don’t want to be near him! Thank you for sharing video.

My last pap was so painful, when I said it hurt, she just turned away and shook her head...

Will estrogen cream help the vulva as well? Terrible atrophy, tearing..Haven’t been intimate with my husband in 1.5 years..

I have it now and it's akiller I had BV and no other infection using cream but wow and staying in joggers

My gynecologist told me to use Crisco. It works. Still having some issues we are trying to resovle but at least it helps

I was lied to and told i had vaginal cancer. Things didnt make sense. Doctor said she did biopsies after my hysterically and nothing spread. Few months later she says it came back. I did 4 chemo. Then stopped. I confronted her. She was quiet. All about the money

Coconut oil and weed are my menopause friends;)

Are you familiar with Interstitial cystitis? Any info is greatly appreciated.

Has a woman who had breast hormonal cancer, i was put on menopause and had quimoteraphy. Since then i am dealing with this problem. I can not have sex with my husband. I can not use hormonal therapy. I am using moisting hydratation and it's been very usefull. In April i will see my doctor again and see the posibility to do a laser treatment.

Thanks for information I’m more looking for natural remedy estrogens I’m trying not to use due to side effects

I had a full hysterectomy. I was told my cancers came back vaginally. Doctor gave me antibiotic with applicator. I couldn't insert due to something swollen. If I had a full hysterectomy what is the swollen round thing blocking the opening

You say to use a water based and then you say the two you make are silicone based. Now I'm more confused...

why do I have vaginal pain and pressure after 5 weeks post anterior repair? I have been fine for 5 weeks. I was having estrogen therapy vaginally before surgery and no longer need it .

Estrogen cream is fine, but if your partner is in contact with the vaginal cream, it will make him impotent. Be careful to insert the cream or pill 12 hours before intercourse.

Thanks for information. This is new for me

Why in the world would you use KY when you can use an all natural oil like COCONUT oil? No chemicals and ALL NATURAL!