[Becky]

Another product that is helpful is RepHresh (by the same people who make Replens). This product is just like Replens but it is buffered and helps normalize vaginal pH. Atrophic vagina due to "menopause" is also acidic. Acidic conditions can also give rise to yeast or other infections so an atrophic vagina is a "twitchy" vagina. Besides the pH being off, there are less vaginal secretions to "wash" away pathogens. I was also subject to this (yeast) and yeast is difficult to get rid of sometimes because adding estrogen can further enhance things. Also, one can be allergic to formulation ingredients (in the estrogen cream/suppository/ring, the yeast infection cream, Replens etc). The usual suspect is usually the preservative but propylene glycol can be a culprit too. These conditions are enhanced by a raw, dry vagina.

If you also have bladder problems, then its worse because antibiotics bring on the yeast (or you can ping pong a bladder infection to a vaginal infection). It can be quite a balancing act to get it all right and be okay. Sometimes the estrogen cream isn't the find all cure and you really have to play around with alot of elements.

It took me almost 2 years to get it all right. I am always on the "edge" but I'm pretty balanced right now. Its helpful to have a great gyne who listens to you and works with you and an great onc too.