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Gynecology (Expert Forum)
help
Answered by
Keith Downing, MD - Obstetrics, Gynecology
MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding gynecology issues such as: Cervical Disorders, Colposcopy, Cramps, Cystitis, Fallopian Tube Disorders, Menstruation, Ovarian Disorders, PAP Test, Pelvic Exam, PID, PMS, Surgery, Tests, Ultrasound, Uterine Disorders, Vaginal Disorders.
help
by yvonne123, Sep 21, 2007 09:53AM
I am a middle age (55) female. I went through menopause at around 40. I was married, for 25 years (know divorced) and for the last 18 years have not had intercourse, not by choice. I have not used any type of device for pleasure. I recently attempted to have intercourse, but it was extremely painful and felt like it was blocked. On my last gyn visit, they had to use a extra small spec, but I wasnt told I had a problem. My question is, could my cervix be grown together, or could their be other problems?
Doctor's Answer
by Keith Downing, MD, Sep 24, 2007 02:56PM
, Sep 24, 2007 02:56PM
Hello,
The vagina is an organ that can expand and contract: with use it will stretch, with disuse it will contract. Additionally, you are menopausal which means less estrogen is available to make the vagina mucosa soft and supple. To dispel the comment above, the hymeneal ring does not grow back.
I should also mention there are some skin conditions, notably a condition called lichen sclerosis, that can result in the thinning of the labia and adhesions or scar formation that can narrow the vaginal opening. The cause of this condition is likely immunologic (not related to lack of estrogen or lack of intercourse) as the treatment is topical steroid ointment.
I suggest you see a physician to make sure your anatomy is normal and not affected by any pathology. If all is normal I would suggest you and your partner go slow, make sure you are adequately aroused prior to penetration and use vaginal lubrication such as astroglide, or KY jelly to aid intercourse. Your physician may also consider offering you a short course (~2 weeks) of vaginal estrogen cream. Be patient and go slow, you will do well.
Best regards,
Dr. Downing
The vagina is an organ that can expand and contract: with use it will stretch, with disuse it will contract. Additionally, you are menopausal which means less estrogen is available to make the vagina mucosa soft and supple. To dispel the comment above, the hymeneal ring does not grow back.
I should also mention there are some skin conditions, notably a condition called lichen sclerosis, that can result in the thinning of the labia and adhesions or scar formation that can narrow the vaginal opening. The cause of this condition is likely immunologic (not related to lack of estrogen or lack of intercourse) as the treatment is topical steroid ointment.
I suggest you see a physician to make sure your anatomy is normal and not affected by any pathology. If all is normal I would suggest you and your partner go slow, make sure you are adequately aroused prior to penetration and use vaginal lubrication such as astroglide, or KY jelly to aid intercourse. Your physician may also consider offering you a short course (~2 weeks) of vaginal estrogen cream. Be patient and go slow, you will do well.
Best regards,
Dr. Downing
Member Comments (3)
by angelofcalifornia, Sep 21, 2007 03:13PM
To: yvonne123
I've heard if you haven't had sex for about 7years that your heimin (spell check)will grow back so it's like your a virgin again but I don't know how true that is.Best of luck to you !
by carruff, Sep 21, 2007 10:55PM
To: yvonne123
I have had a family member go through the same thing as you have experienced. When she went in for an exam the doctor told her that the muscles in the vagina have relaxed to the point of not allowing for an internal exam (note: she has not had any sexual relations of any kind in over 25 years). My suggestion to you is if you want to have sexual relations in the future go and buy a small diameter vibrator, if ot for pleasure use then to at least keep the muscles in the vagina for completely relaxing. Also kegel exercises are a great way of keeping your vaginal muscles in shape. Hope I helped.
