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[Annb]

Have just booked my cervical smear (I have been using Vagifem x2 weekly) and asked if/when I should stop with Vagifem.
Nurse said 10 - 14 days before appointment  - minimum of 7 days if struggling.
Very upset as am struggling at the moment and had already made an appointment with doctor as twice weekly doses do not seem to be sufficient now and wanted to consider reloading?
Spoke toanot her doctor this morning re advice given and she said advice was correct, despite it saying 2 days in accompanying  leaflet (which I only read this morning).  Recommended using non hormonal treatment eg Replens for days when advised not to use Vagifem.
Just wondering what are others experiences and what advice been given.
Not looking forward to test as I know it will be painful

[CLKD]

If you can't use 'vagifem' prior to the screening, it is unlikely that you will be relaxed enough for the sample to be taken anyway.

It's so that the slide is clear of contamination so that cells are sent to the Lab..  But 10 days seems extreme!

As an aside, some ladies require 'vagifem' nightly .

[CherrySG]

Oh my goodness, mine's in a couple of weeks. I had no idea you had to stop Vagifem 2 weeks beforehand.

2 a week is not enough for me either, cannot imagine what I'll be like if I can't use any for a fortnight. 

[CLKD]

Not able to present yourself with any degree of comfort, probably.  Could you contact the Lab. 2 find out more?

[CLKD]

Topics merged.
Emma
-----------

Not a problem, lots do so.  Then we decide which thread to comment in 

Let us know how you get on. 

   we have 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy' threads, as well as discussing most topics on a daily basis 

Browse round.  Make notes 

[dahliagirl]

In my experience, it can sometimes take a couple of days to dissolve (I have found the old stuff stuck to the applicator when I have done a daily 'reloading' ).

That would explain the two days thing on the leaflet, to make sure you don't have a lump of it stuck to your cervix.

I would just adjust the timing of vagifem to avoid this.

I can't see how using loads of replens for 10 days instead will help get a better sample 

[Annb]

I am new to this website and am getting confused about where to post. CLKD mentioned "vaginal atrophy" threads: is there a board just for this, or should I just put it in the title?
Sorry, struggling at the moment

[CLKD]

There is a good search button - type in 'vaginal atrophy' and it will show threads with that in it. 

As for Replens, best to avoid it.  The fillers can aggravate the vaginal area and it won't replace oestrogen.  Which bit of 'atrophy' don't GPs understand!  If there has to be a pause in 'vagifem' treatment it stands to reason that anything else should not be inserted. 

[Annb]

Those are my thoughts CLKD - am now trying to contact the practice nurse.  Seems that despite saying 2 days on leaflet, practitioners are recommending 7 days minimum.   MMMMmmm....

[CLKD]

I would think if you miss the previous night to a screening, any residue will have drained away?

Let us know?  MayB ring the Lab where the test is processed? not that I would know where to begin!

[Shelly65]

I stopped two days before and it Was absolutely fine. Nurse

[Annb]

In reply to my post back in March - I did concact the practice nurse - she was absolutely wonderful - a similar age and experiencing same symptoms.  She said that ideally, labs now request a couple of weeks vagifem free, but she said that have to live in the "real" world and that for some ladies, 2 weeks of no vagifem would be unbearable and also may lead to not being able to do the test.  So she suggested leaving it off for 3 nights before test ( she recorded this on the test notes), she used a small speculum and it was fine, a little uncomfy, but only for a short time.  Such a great lady, who spent the time discussing a plan and talking be through things.