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Author Topic: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?  (Read 19050 times)

Dbrookf

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Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« on: June 06, 2019, 10:20:04 AM »

I stopped taking Vagifem for three months to see if my symptoms had gone away but unfortunately not and want to return to using it – do I have to do the initial every night dosage for the first two weeks?
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Maryjane

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2019, 11:05:08 AM »

Unfortunately VA doesn't work like that, it can't be cured only managed for life.

The worst thing you can do is stop & start as can be harder to get back on top of it, we don't water our house plants & then stop same with our vaginas. 😊

So yes start the 2 week reload again & use whatever you need a week to remain comfortable, if more than twice a week so be it.

Many ladies in my vaginal atrophy support group use it, as much as needed.
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Dbrookf

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2019, 11:18:18 AM »

Is it safe more than twice a week?!
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Dbrookf

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2019, 11:21:39 AM »

 Also as I'm suffering a little, until the Vagifem kicks in can anyone recommend anything to take/apply in the meantime please?
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Maryjane

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2019, 11:30:25 AM »

It can be used more than twice a week, i use it every other night, some need it 5/7 days a week the dose is incredibly low.

If you search my name you will see a video I did the other day with Dr Renee & we discuss all of this and more.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2019, 12:14:58 PM by Maryjane »
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Dbrookf

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2019, 12:11:10 PM »

 Thank you very much for your very useful comments !
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Tinkerbell

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2019, 12:15:33 PM »

Totally safe to use every day, i do and don't stop and start it.
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Katejo

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2019, 12:36:48 PM »

I am using it every day/at least 5-6 times a week. I am wondering though whether its effectiveness reduces after a while. It hasn't seemed to work quite as well recently (past month or so). My visits to the loo during the night had almost stopped/definitely improved but now I am waking up again.  I began to wonder whether i might have a UTI yesterday though i don't think I do. Perhaps it is that I do need HRT as well? i am trialling Evorel Conti at the moment but haven't felt any benefits yet (half way through the 3 months).

A question to those who have used it for a year or more. Has the effectiveness fluctuated at all?

I have experimented with fully inserting it and doing it halfway but don't really notice much difference.
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CLKD

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2019, 08:55:45 PM »

GPs know nought!!! both medications for vaginal atrophy are safe to use nightly if required.  Do a reload for 2/3 weeks and if necessary, I take Nurofen to ease those need to wee feelings; 3 times a day for 2 days.  It's about managing the atrophy: which is due to lack of oestrogen which may cause the body to become dry: inside and out.

I don't use any other type of HRT.
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Katejo

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #9 on: June 07, 2019, 03:29:47 AM »

I think if anything, Vagifem has an accumulative effect. So you ideally should be improving the longer you use it. But if VA is caused by diminishing oestrogen, then maybe you need oestrogen, or more of it, systemically? A stronger dose of HRT.
Yes I definitely felt an accumulation benefit up until very recently but this seems to have lapsed a bit. Will have to wait until menopause clinic appt. in July.
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AlphabettiSpaghetti

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #10 on: June 07, 2019, 08:00:40 AM »

I've just been prescribed an increase in vagifem, I'm now taking 2 per day, so yes it's safe. Im doing one high up and one low down in the vagina, plus rubbing Ovestin on labia. Now going to start taking utrogestan vaginally too. My whole lady garden is gonna be rattling!  ;D
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Katejo

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #11 on: June 07, 2019, 08:30:30 AM »

I've just been prescribed an increase in vagifem, I'm now taking 2 per day, so yes it's safe. Im doing one high up and one low down in the vagina, plus rubbing Ovestin on labia. Now going to start taking utrogestan vaginally too. My whole lady garden is gonna be rattling!  ;D
2 per day every day?  Once or twice I have done 1 in the evening and another the following morning but not as a regular thing. I have also started applying Estriol cream externally due to a persistent itching which has got worse in the past few months.
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Katejo

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #12 on: June 07, 2019, 10:36:12 AM »

Katejo, have you had the itching investigated?
I had an examination of the area when I saw the urogynaecologist last November. She was then shocked that GP hadn't looked at it. I mentioned the increased itching when I saw her again in April but she didn't ask to examine it again. Just recommended a barrier cream. I have another menopause clinic appt in early July. I will ask about it there.
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suzysunday

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #13 on: June 07, 2019, 11:30:11 AM »

Dbrookf, yes if you stop things will get worse.  I stopped for 3 months while post menopause bleeding was investigated and it has taken months for me to get back to any normality.
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AlphabettiSpaghetti

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Re: Took a break from using Vagifem... now what?!?
« Reply #14 on: June 07, 2019, 11:36:08 AM »

Katejo yes, two a day! I thought it was a bit much but apparently ok. I also have one very very itchy patch on one outer labia. One gynae queried lichen sclerosus but then another said they didn't think so. Now awaiting a referral for more investigation. The vagifem and ovestin def reduces the itching.
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