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[Hannah2]

Anyone been refused Ovestin for external use as it isn’t licensed for that? Been told today I can’t have it as I am “already using quite a lot” presume they mean a lot of hrt! I am on vagifem and lenzetto (hysterectomy so no progesterone) and testim gel.

I need to try and see the one GP that has helped but she is away and not available until November 😢

Is Ovestin licensed for external use?

[Joaniepat]

I don't think it is, as using Ovestin  externally is not mentioned on the leaflet. However, does it really matter? Sometimes, people are advised by their GP to ditch the applicator and use it just on the labia. In fact, I was told to do that by my own GP! The one who has refused it to you is nitpicking. In the meantime, if desperate, you can buy it from Superdrug online pharmacy until you can see the other GP.
JP x

[CLKD]

Does it matter?  What matters is that you have been told "Already using quite a lot".     another GP who has no idea about VA treatment requirements.

Use it on the outer areas.  I put it inside via the applicator B4 a little on my finger to keep the outer area soft and less itchy.  I would like to know why GPs still think we can use 'too much' ...........

[Ayesha]

Whether it's licensed or not my surgery prescribes it for topical use alongside Vagifem.

You are entitled to have it on prescription if you are experiencing vaginal atrophy symptoms even if you are using systemic HRT. 
As already mentioned, it can be bought online from Superdrug online Doctor very easily.

[Jules]

I've also been prescribed it. I requested it though. I'm already using vagifem or vagirux and my GP warned Ovestin might increase the side effects I've experienced as it means I'm increasing the dose of estrogen. I didn't know it wasn't licenced. I've not used it yet.

[CLKD]

Why would it increase 'side effects' which would be what exactly  .  After all we're not inserting the whole tube at once ;-).  A little on the end of the finger on the outer labial area as necessary.

[Pippa52]

Hiya - I was prescribed Ovestin by a Meno consultant for external use x

[Dierdre]

Hospital gynaecologist precribed mine years ago for external and internal. It's ridiculous that the doctor would say it's not licenced for external use as naturally some will seep downwards to the external bits.

[CLKD]

Actually - it would't cross my mind not to use it externally 

[Hannah2]

Thanks everyone.  I think they were worried because I already use vagifem so wouldn’t prescribe Ovestin as well even though I said I only wanted to use it externally.  I guess I will have to wait for the “Menopause expert” GP to return in November… why can’t all GPs deal with menopause? Why does it have to be shelved off to the one that has taken the time to find out the correct information! Anyway…. Will also look at buying from Superdrug. Thank you.

[Hannah2]

Also, I switched collecting pharmacy so that I could use a 24hr collection point and ended up getting Vagirux not vagifem.

Anyone else horrified by having to wash an applicator each time and making sure it is clean/no soap/ dry before use again? It stresses me out, probably shouldn’t but it does and I hate the thought. Worried I will have a reaction/infection I guess from years of struggling with things.  Will also have to beg specialist GP to specify Vagifem on prescription and not generic! I know some will find this odd, but we have enough struggles as it is and this to me makes things much harder to deal with 🙁

[Ayesha]

I am still prescribed Vagifem and I always think about all the plastic going into landfill,  I won’t mind when I get changed to Varirux, at least I will have a clear conscience. We all get used to changes eventually and cleaning the applicator with soap and water will be absolutely fine.
I still sometimes have a pessary lodged not up far enough and with my Sylk moisturiser I push it up further with my finger into a more comfortable position.

I was thinking about this term ‘Not Licensed For External Use’, do they mean not to be used anywhere else on the body. For instance some women are using it on their face, if it plumps up down below, why not plump the face up too, get rid of those nasty wrinkles!!
Otherwise, the term is nonsense as the ovestin cream will naturally seep down to the outer area making that statement null and void.

[CLKD]

Hannah - never has bothered me.  I bought 10 small brushes from Amazon with which to clean the insides, dunked in hot soapy water and given a good internal scrub: that's the applicator ;-). 

I would ring the GP Surgery and ask for Ovestin rather than wait for the GP to return who might say 'no' ......... or order 'yes' or 'sylk' moisturiser if the GP won't play ball.  Many find the latter useful along with either vagifem or ovestin.

[Hannah2]

I do think about the plastic, it is just a mental thing for me.  I will try and look for some brushes, hadn’t thought of that. I use YesVM as well, was using that before I tried vagifem so still use it in between. Thanks Ayesha and CLKD.

[CLKD]

Plastics can be recycled in most cases.  1 could at a push use them to stake small plants ;-)