I Thought Intimacy with My Husband Would Never Be the Same. I Was Wrong (And Here’s What Fixed It!)
Vaginal dryness hit me out of nowhere at almost 59, years after I’d entered menopause, and intimacy with my husband started to feel like sandpaper. For about eighteen months, I was convinced I had lichen sclerosus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, which left me depressed and wondering if intimacy would ever be the same.
In this episode, I’m sharing the whole story: the biopsy, the flare-ups, the steroid cream, and the appointment where my urogynecologist finally gave me an answer I never saw coming (that gave me my life back).
I’m also walking you through everything I do now to care for that part of my body, from HRT and vaginal estrogen to the products I use (and the ones I’ve stopped using). This isn’t medical advice, just my personal experience. If you’ve been quietly dealing with dryness, itching, or painful intimacy, I hope this conversation helps you feel less alone and a lot more hopeful for what’s ahead!
Important Disclaimer: This podcast episode is provided for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my personal experience. I am not a doctor or a pharmacist. The content is not intended to and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, condition, or health concern. Please talk with your own licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
What to Expect in This Episode:
- How vaginal dryness in menopause hit me suddenly in my late fifties, years after I’d entered menopause
- My biopsy result (lichen simplex chronicus), the steroid cream I used, and why I still believed I had lichen sclerosus
- The exam that revealed one of the worst yeast infections my urogynecologist had ever seen, and how quickly treatment turned things around
- Why I now give my vaginal health the same attention I give my face
- How I got serious about HRT, including labs every three months with a wellness team and a compounding pharmacist
- My experience with vaginal estrogen: the tablet, the cream, and the Estring I use now
- The everyday changes that have helped: chemical-free toilet paper, a pH-balanced boric acid wash, no panty liners, hyaluronic acid suppositories, and waxing
- My biggest takeaways: get more than one opinion, don’t diagnose yourself, and be your own advocate
Links & Resources
- Dr. Brent Parnell, Alabama Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Pain
- Revaree Plus by Bonafide – Use code FAMILYSAVVY for 20% off!
- pH-D Boric Acid Wash on Amazon
- Replens Vaginal Moisturizer on Amazon
Where to Listen
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Enjoyed This Episode? Check These Out!
The Device Nobody Talks About That Gave Me My Life Back
What Kills Romance in Marriage in Your 50s and 60s (And How to Get It Back When It Feels Hopeless)
What Nobody Tells You About Sex & Intimacy with Your Spouse in Your 50s & 60s (Part 2)
