Sponge Question

This question made me chuckle Sue in light of what's going on with me. As you know, I ordered the sponges with your help (thank you!). I have only tried the sponge that one time I told you about because I wasn't sure what I was doing and my prolapse ended up over the sponge after a while. I finally found it and got it out. Strangely enough, my prolapse has not been nearly as bad since that whole incident...so maybe it helped my POP? So far, and now it's been about two weeks, it has hardly peeked! I also have been using Ky jelly and now Christine's Bliss Balm in addition to the Replens I have used for the last couple of years. That, in reality, is probably what is helping. I started using the Ky as a lower lubricant (I think Louise suggested that) about the same time I tried the sponge. Whatever it is that's helping, I'm very thankful for. If it gets bad again, and it probably will, I'll go the sponge route again and see what happens. LOL

Warm regards,
Mae

The people at Jade and Pearl are very nice and very helpful, but of course, they want to sell you their product. Christine, Louise, anyone out there with thoughts about this? I have only used the sponge once and haven't quite gotten the hang of it, but I sure don't want to do anything that might make my 3rd stage prolapse worse! Your thoughts would be most appreciated.

Warm regards,
Mae

Hi Sue and Mae,

I think the sponge is great and that's why I promoted it in my first newsletter of 2004 - after which the sponge became known as a prolapse as well as menstrual product. Nothing could allow the vaginal walls to close more than a small sponge - and actually they were used as pessaries hundreds of years ago - so I think they are safe in that regard.

However, they do seem to work best for women with primary vaginal wall prolapse. Women with a strong uterine prolapse tend to find them irritating to the cervix and easily expelled.

The only other comment I have is about cleaning. I do not know what J&P suggests, but I would be very careful cleaning it with only tea tree or other essential oil. Look back to aprile's posts to see what a horrendous time she had with recurrent UTIs - until it was determined that her sea sponge, washed in (I think) lemon essential oil was the culprit. I would consider regular soakings in hydrogen peroxide a must.

Wish I could wear one...

Christine

I'd certainly take it out at night...these tissues need to breathe and the flora need to regenerate into healthy populations...

Hi Sue,

You would probably feel - a dull ache. Bleeding is another sign of irritation. Someone mentioned the sponge being similar in nature to the vaginal walls, which of course it is not. Just keep your eye on it - especially after your last procedure. No one can tell you exactly what to expect or whether the sponge will work for you in the long run. You really have to use your best judgment and stay in touch with your doctor about it.

:) Christine

Thanks Christine! I feel so much better about using them knowing you think they are O.K. The only thing I have ever used is Replens until I started posting on this site (after three years into my cystocele prolapse I finally felt comfortable talking about it!) and learned about Sea Sponges and even more importantly, to my way of thinking, about vaginal dryness. I started using Ky jelly, after reading some of the posts here, in addition to the Replens and couldn't believe the difference. I have since received your Bliss Balm and I love that. I didn't realize I could benefit from vulva lubrication which brings me to my next question. Because I am so concerned about dryness, I read with great interest, all you had written (on this site and your other) on Lichen Sclerosis. I understand it is a hormonal thing, but do you think it can be warded off by staying very well lubricated? I am hoping so, because this dryness has me concerned. Thank you in advance for your answer and help. I have been a great fan of yours for years, reading and rereading your books and trying to follow your advice. I hope you know how much you are appreciated.

Warm regards,
Mae

Thanks so much, Mae :) You will know if your symptoms become severe enough that tons of balm or Replens is not helping at all. That happened to me and I had to look elsewhere for a solution. The hormonal changes that happen at this time are very real and – as Judy most colorfully describes – can take us on a fiery rollercoaster ride.

It is not only possible, but probable, that you will have a smoother go of it if you are not under a lot of stress and taking good care of yourself. I have several menopausal friends with some level of dryness/itching/LS symptoms. The one person I know who is sailing through this completely unscathed is a Very natural-mama who has lived her entire adult life in the healthiest of ways – absolutely no caffeine, alcohol, early-to-bed, lots of exercise and organic food.

As far as prolapse goes – I think we have very good artillery at this point: posture and organ re-positioning exercise, good balms, support garments and sponges if necessary. We really have to want to do this though – and that’s where we can’t catch all the women falling over the cliff to useless surgeries. Hugs! C.

Hi Christine,

I wish the doctors would become more educated on alternative methods for prolapse! Some of them, (dare I say "most") are our worst enemies and I avoid them like the plague, except for my necessary annual appointments. I don't know if you read an earlier post I sent to Louise, but I was telling her how I had to go to a new doctor two years ago, other than the one who had diagnosed my prolapse and was working with me not having the surgery, because the original doctor was no longer on my insurance plan. This new doctor (a female, as was my original doctor) said I had to have the surgery for my bladder prolapse and she would need to take my uterus as well, although my uterus was fine, because it would just fall down if she didn't and I would be facing yet another surgery. I told her I had been managing my prolapse for two years and was going to continue to do that. Her words were, "I'm not impressed." Days later, I received a Certified letter stating that she had determined that surgery was necessary for me and stating that I had refused this necessary surgery. Needless to say, I never went back. I don't know if this has ever happened to anyone else, but I thought it was outrageous!

I am happy to report that this year my original doctor is back on my insurance plan and I have an appointment with her May 19th. As she told me, she makes a lot money with surgeries, but would never try to talk anyone into a surgery they didn't want. Bless her and I hope she stays on my insurance plan!

I think it is important for women to be as informed as they can about their bodies and be as much "the doctor themselves" as the doctor they are seeking advice from. The days of "do what the good doctor says" are long over.

Thank God for this wonderful site and the internet! There is, of course, a wealth of information out there. That too though, has to be scrutinized. Some of it is not worthwhile, but I think that's easy enough to weed out.

Warm regards,
Mae

I have never recieved any letters, etc. but I have copies of all my medical records (consults, exams and office visits) and whenever they offer/suggest a test, treatment or referral they always document whether I take their advice or not. I believe they are required to do this as a matter of self-protection (especially in this country (U.S.) where---unfortunately---lawsuits have become a national pass-time!) Most of my records have notations such as, "ref._____"---meaning I chose not to do it (whatever it is.)

This doctor that made such an issue of you not wanting "her surgery" sounds more like she was angry that you didn't want her services (or her huge bill!)

When I went for my yearly physical(about two months after I learned about my pop problems) I took Christine's book with me to the appointment and showed it to the doctor. She said she understood, smiled and said, "Well, you know where I am should you decide to see someone about it." And that was it. No pressure, no negative comments or power plays. I am very forunate to have such a good family doctor.

I feel badly when I read about others' experiences with arrogant (and sometimes ignorant) doctors. We are supposed to be able to trust that they have our best interest as THE priority, but sadly, healthcare (at least in America) has become more of a "business" where we have to be SUPER proactive and educate ourselves to ensure that we are not seriously misled (read: lied to.) Scary stuff...

Peace,
S&G

Thanks for the comment S & G. I am so glad to be "out of the closet" about my prolapse. For years I just dealt quietly with it. I think I was always trying to wish it away (although I knew I couldn't), and that talking about it made it too real. I am so glad that Christine opened that Forum about Vagina or Vulva. She mentioned her dryness and I felt compelled to say something about Replens, which has been my best friend for the last few years. I'm glad I did because it opened a whole new world to me concerning my prolapse. I have learned so much from many of you since then and the thing that surprises me the most is how much better I feel having this support group. Now I'm sorry I sat quiet for so long, however, I was at this site often and feel like I know so many of you. Such a wonderful and compassionate group of ladies. Thank you all for being there for me all this time, even if you didn't know you were!

Warmest regards,
Mae

I would stay in close touch with your health care practitioner who knows you are wearing the sponge and can monitor that area - and also take it out at the first sign of cervical irritation. I don't believe there's any way you could position it to avoid it touching the cervix.

Hi Mae:
I'm thrilled that my suggestion about the KY has been so helpful to you. It always feels good when you can help someone else to feel better, even with a small change.

Goldfinch

'Life is not holding a good hand; Life is playing a poor hand well'

It was not a "small" thing to me Goldfinch because it worked sooo well. I went a whole week before I had to use Replens again, using the Ky and now Christine's Bliss Balm on a daily basis. I generally can't make it the 3 days I'm supposed to wait and even on really good weeks, when I am eating right and making sure I'm not not lifting heavy things, I still can't make it more than 4 or 5 days without needing to use the Replens. This is working so well for me..thank you, thank you, thank you!

Warm regards,

Mae

May and Goldfinch,

I use Replens every day - just half the fill. Works better for me that way. Did you know that Walmart has the same product for 1/2 the cost of the drug store?

Can anyone tell me why using the sponge hurts? I find it seems to cut. It's like using a wad of sand paper. Am I doing something wrong? I get it soaking wet.

Judy

Half the price?? Wow, that's quite a savings. I bought another 42 day supply (14 applications) today for over $18. I am in the US. Even with the $1.00 off coupon I find that quite pricey..although it works so well for me I'd probably pay twice that much. Is the one at Wal-Mart a generic, and if so, what is it called? Half price sounds awfully good....

Regards,

Mae

Hi Mae

I really can't help you with sponges. I have never used them. I prefer to do without if I can, but I know they are an ace up my sleeve if I ever do need more support.

Quite honestly, we are all pioneering here, and getting our cues and clues from other experienced women. I think we have brains and commonsense between us, and can weigh up positives and negatives between us. In a way, I wish everybody would critically analyse information from doctors and other 'official' sources a bit more thoughtfully, and make our own decisions based on the advice of those we respect, and not rely on "doing what the doctor ordered" regardless of the BS meter going off the end of the dial. It is all about measuring risks and being responsible for the consequences of our own decisions.

ps I had a positive experience with a doctor 2 days ago. It was so refreshing!

Cheers

Louise

MMI,

So why does the sponge hurt like hell when I use it? Feels like a wad of sandpaper. Is that the dryness? I'm using a moisturizer - Replens - every day and that burns sometimes. Whadyathink?

Judy

Hi Judy

It might be the dryness. Have you tried coating it in water-based lube before inserting? Aloe vera gel would probably work well, too.

Cheers

Louise

do I remember correctly that you don't do meds well? Maybe it is kinda like that. I don't do condoms. They just feel bad- I hardly tolerate tampons- Maybe you just have a choosy vagina.

Hi friends. I decided to try the sea sponge for my cystocele. I'm taking a day off from work and it just arrived in the mail. I read the instructions, wet it well, and tried to insert it. It felt like ground glass. I told myself to relax. I lay down on the bed, surrounded it with my fingers and inserted it. Ground glass inside. It took a while to get it out without damaging tissues but I finally did get it out. Now my vagina feels somewhat scratched and irritated. I lubricated well with Bliss Balm and will take some time to sit and rest.

I've never known my vaginal tissues to be extra sensitive, never had a problem with sex, tampons, etc. I have lost my natural lubrication but compensate with Replens and Bliss Balm.

But for whatever reason, sea sponges are excruciating for me. I'm disappointed, as it seemed such a good idea.

But counting blessings still.

Ellen

Ditto, Ellen.

I'm thinking it might be a case of dryness. I thought about putting Replens on the thing and trying again. Generally, I don't have much feeling down there at all because of my first child.

You're right, Alemama; I don't do meds AT ALL - not even cough drops, but I do herbs splendidly thanks to Stella. Perhaps it's a foreign substance deal.

Last week I did an experiment. I got a pernicious case of poison oak and tried steroid cream on one arm and tea tree oil on the other. The tea tree oil actually worked better. I'm thinking about using that on the sponge. Might sting a bit, but it also might do some good. Anyone every try this? I hear it's the definitive cure for yeast infections.

Thanks ever for the suggestions. I shall try them all and report back.

Judy

As an addition to some olive oil for lube during love making. I feel like all my secrets are out. but it helps me some b/c it has a numbing effect- and it has the same result for my partner (which is a good thing:)
I think on the bottle I have it specifically says not to apply directly to mucus membranes- but oh well.

Alemama,

It's a go - thanks!

Judy

Take special care with tea tree oil in the vagina. I think you need to dilute it quite a bit. I nearly launched myself to mars one day by using it too concentrated. I also recall hearing of a woman who suffered clinical burns in the vagina from it and i remember thinking at the time that it was not a whacko source.

I would try it in the mouth first.

I would try the sponge in the mouth too. it might not be the vaginal tissue that is the problem re ground glass. it might be the sponge (different species maybe?).

sorry bout the lower case typing. still pecking.

Louise

I had a particularly nasty rash on one hand a few years ago
and I used tea tree oil straight from the bottle. It helped to
clear up the rash, but it dried the skin on my hand right out.
It took a long time to clear up the dryness on my skin. I have
read that a couple of drops of tea tree oil in a bath will help to clear
up and prevent vaginal infections.
I tried the sponge a couple of years ago and on my instructions it
said to thoroughly wet the sponge and rub your fingers through it because
sometimes there can be bits of sand in it.
The sponge wouldn't stay in place so I threw them away.
Flora

I will try soaking the sponge over several hours to see whether that softens it to the point of being able to use it.

If I can't use it, I won't throw it away. I'll keep it in my crafts room 'til I have an inspiration of what to do with it one of these days!

Ellen

Louise,

Thanks for the warning. I thought about using the oil with olive oil. But I'll keep it to a few drops until I am sure what I can stand.

My daughter had problems with skin drying out too much when she used tea tree oil on her face for acne.

I used it for poison oak and it worked a lot better than steroid cream with no drying affect at all.

I've been using it on my face for sun spots and it's taking them away.

Sue; I'm soaking till it's dripping. Maybe I'll try it in the bath tub - whadyathink?

I like the idea of trying it out in my mouth. Makes a lot of sense.

How about using Replens on the sponge?

Judy