1. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Investigating topical therapy for vaginal dryness Angie Leather & Jacqui Stringer ICVP study day 04/03/2011

2. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Vaginal Dryness menopause medication Cancer therapy Ineffective treatment physical psychological Social/ relationship The Problem unrecognised ? ignored?

3. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Physical Symptoms Dryness Illness/disease Body Image Pain during ADL (passing urine, exercise…etc) Pain at intercourse

4. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Current treatments Hormone replacement Lubrication Dilation Commitment!

5. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust My husband does so much caring for me, yet I dont feel that I can give him anything in return I didnt feel that it was appropriate to mention it. My husband is scared to touch me because hes worried that he will hurt me or give me an infection I thought that I shouldnt be having sex anymore I have accepted it and have used lubricants for months now..

6. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Proposed intervention 1gm Cocoa butter based essential oil pessaries Use 6 nights out of 7 3 weeks out of 4 Reduction in frequency Dilation and stretching of the vaginal

7. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Feedback from patients…so far Initial tingling / warmth upon first insertion Patients psychologically better Improvements in quality of life (ADL) Able to use longer and wider dilators within weeks of commencement Resumed intercourse Nice smell – even dogs like it!!

8. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust The future Feasibility study looking at safety, efficacy and user acceptability Aim: Improving quality of life!

9. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Questions and Suggestions Please!

10. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Contact Details Angie Leather Tel: 0161 918 7219 email: angela.leather@christie.nhs.ukangela.leather@christie.nhs.uk Jacqui Stringer Tel:0161 446 3524 Mobile: 07913 292 070 email: jacqui.stringer@christie.nhs.ukjacqui.stringer@christie.nhs.uk