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[Loopsie]

Hi,

I have been on vagifem for 7 weeks but am still experiencing burning and soreness on external area.  I have been using vagisil to see if this helps but it does not appear to be working.  My GP has given me another course of the vagifem but I was hoping that by now things would be improving.  Has anyone else had the same experience?

[Joaniepat]

Hi Loopsie,  .

I would stop using Vagisil as it has a lot of nasty chemicals and irritants. Try one of the Yes products as they are much kinder for this area. Have a Google for their web site. How often are you using Vagifem at the moment?

JP x

[Dancinggirl]

I agree with Joaniepat - stop the Vagisil as it's too harsh.  The fillers in any oestrogen treatment can irritate at first but once the area is plumped up with oestrogen then things should improve.  Do use some proper vaginal moisturiser like SYLK or the YES products as these can really help.  Avoid caffeine, fruit juices and alcohol but drink plenty of water to keep the urine neutral. DG x

[CLKD]

   do read our vaginal atrophy threads.  Make notes ;-)

[Loopsie]

Thanks Joaniepat I am currently on a pessary twice a week though GP said I could reduce this if I felt better.  I have only taken one this week and in some ways it is better but then as I said the external still feels sore.  GP did suggest replens but I found that this irritated me more.  It's been getting me down as every day it's uncomfortable and sex is non existent as I am concerned I will make things worse than what they are!

I will definitely look for the Yes products. Thanks 

[CLKD]

'replens' isn't often helpful 

[Joaniepat]

Thanks Joaniepat I am currently on a pessary twice a week though GP said I could reduce this if I felt better.  I have only taken one this week and in some ways it is better but then as I said the external still feels sore.  GP did suggest replens but I found that this irritated me more.  It's been getting me down as every day it's uncomfortable and sex is non existent as I am concerned I will make things worse than what they are!

I will definitely look for the Yes products. Thanks 

Loopsie, one Vagifem a week is absolutely not enough, it would be a "homeopathic" dose so your GP is talking rubbish. Have a browse on this forum and take it from those who know!

If you did the 14 day loading dose, you need AT LEAST two a week thereafter and in your case probably more as it does not seem to be working well enough at two a week. Try stepping up to every other day for a while. Many women on here have to use it daily. Vagifem used to do a higher strength version containing 25 mcg estradiol, but now only the 10 mcg version is available so it's a very low dose now. You could ask your GP for some Ovestin cream as well. This contains estriol and can be used just on the outside bits.

I think the Yes products and possibly Sylk are the best vaginal moisturisers as they don't contain unnatural chemicals and irritants. Another good one is Olive & Bee, which is just olive oil and beeswax.

JP x

[Tc]

Loopsie. The idea that vagifem is a "course" is the wrong way for your doc to see it. Once treatment stops symptoms return. Recent received wisdom is that even twice a week might not be enough for some ladies.

I personally found replens awful stuff.
I find yes a good product
As joaniepat says some of us use a topical eastrogen for the outside bits alongside vagifem. I use estriol 0.01 cream but only cos my doc wont prescribe ovestin.  It is slightly weaker than ovestin so you have to use a bit more.
X

[suzysunday]

Replens is awful.  I took mine back to Boots and got a refund. 

[Tc]

Suzy. It's so harsh. It stings and It actually seemed to make the skin  inside "shed". It's the worst thing I have used down there.

[Katejo]

Loopsie. The idea that vagifem is a "course" is the wrong way for your doc to see it. Once treatment stops symptoms return. Recent received wisdom is that even twice a week might not be enough for some ladies.

I personally found replens awful stuff.
I find yes a good product
As joaniepat says some of us use a topical eastrogen for the outside bits alongside vagifem. I use estriol 0.01 cream but only cos my doc wont prescribe ovestin.  It is slightly weaker than ovestin so you have to use a bit more.
X

I recently had an argument with a pharmacist about how long one should use Vagifem. She was treating it as a course and saying that we only need it for a few months. I haven't had too much irritation externally so am only using Vagifem now. However I do have one small sensitive spot which itches a lot. I have tried creams but little effect. I do have 1 unopened tube of Estriol which is slightly past its use by date (end of February). I  think I might try it cautiously just to see if it helps.

[CLKD]

Some ladies occasionally need two doses at the same time so anyone who thinks of this medication as a 'course' ain't understanding VA symptoms 

[Tc]

Yes. CLKD
Katejo  it is well documented that its not a course and symptoms return when it is stopped.
And post meno it's certainly not going to suddenly get better. It's an issue for life unfortunately.
 I have had untold issues with even a consultant gynae being woefully mis informed about vagifem.
Maryjane recently did an excellent podcast about VA. She also has a book called "me and my menopausal vagina" which I highly recommend.
 These docs seriously need educating about the
Medications they are prescribing.  It makes me so mad.
X

[CLKD]

The Drug Companies are also to blame!

[Tc]

No argument about that here CLKD. But the information on the leaflet states the loading dose and my gynae didnt even know about that!!

The trouble is this "lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time" mantra around HRT. They are applying it to topical treatments and the reasons are unfounded.but apart from that they wouldnt give someone with say diabetes a "course" of insulin would they. They need to realise VA is a condition which needs treatment for life . Maryjane and other amazing ladies are working on our behalf to raise awareness of this with the medical profession and the powers that be.

Maybe the reason they are slow to accept that a whole generation of ladies might need "treatment for life" is money!!!
Sadly between the drug companies and the mismanaged funds in the NHS  patients come last. Rant over. Sorry about that but it makes me boiling mad