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[Maryan1285]

Have only been using Vagifem for 2 weeks, so early days ! I am now taking it twice a week . Of course I understand that everyone is different, however  wondered if anyone had felt improvement with their symptoms within the first month, I have unfortunately developed another UTI but think I had this before starting with the HRT as I was fairly asymptomatic.

I did ask the GP if I could take the Vagifem a bit more often like every other day for a couple of weeks but she was adamant that I adhere to the recommended dosage.

I realise  that I am probably expecting far too much so early on but would really like to hear other peoples stories.

[Ayesha]

It took me four months to feel the benefits but as you say, we are all different and two weeks is far too early for the treatment to work in most cases.
Your GP is not up to date on the latest recommendations and to be honest I would go ahead with either every day or every other day until I felt better, then think about reducing the dose if you want to.

Please read and print off this document, it will put you in charge in treating your GSM (VA)

https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf

Just to add sometimes Vagifem is not enough and you might need Estriol cream to treat the outside, a tube will last me about three months and both treatments work so well together. 

[jaypo]

Totally agree with Ayesha,your Dr is not up to date with how often you can use vagifem,some women use it 5 times a week if things are bad BUT if you do use it more often,this will have to be agreed with your Dr as the pharmacy won't hand it over if your using it too quickly on your repeat prescription 

[CLKD]

My pharmacy in England always gives me two boxes of 'ovestin' [new name also can't remember].  The idea is to use it every night for 2-3 weeks at the very least then reduce to a regime which keeps symptoms under control.  even then we occasionally have to do a 're-load' when the vaginal walls become thinner - once plumped up U will feel a great deal better.

too many medics believe that we can over-dose on oestrogen. 

[Ayesha]

My pharmacy in England always gives me two boxes of 'ovestin' [new name also can't remember].   

New name is called Estriol

To reassure others who might be worried about using too much treatment here is a quote from the Position statement for management of GSM (Vaginal Atrophy)

"The frequency of using these preparations can be increased in women who have persistent symptoms as the doses of these preparations are very low.
Vaginal oestrogens can often improve urinary symptoms, including urinary infections.
Some women use vaginal oestrogen preparations more frequently than the recommended dose to improve symptoms sufficiently, for example Vagifem alternate days instead of twice a week. It is safe to use the treatment in this way as the dose is very low.
Women should be reassured that it is safe for topical oestrogen to continue in the long term (medication should be on a repeat prescription). Women should continue to be reassured about the long- term safety of vaginal oestrogen preparations."

[CLKD]

Tnx - I have a blind spot about the new name ........

We are able to buy 'gina' VA treatment over the counter after answering a few questions with the Pharmacist, i.e. age, last monthly period, symptoms ....... ??  so getting it via prescription shouldn't be such a problem ??

Maryan1285 - let us know how you get on.  I swallow 2 Nurofen 3 times a day when I get the 'nip' as the urine flow shuts off, which helps. 

[CLKD]

?? 5+ ?? years ago it took about 5 days 4 me to feel improvement and on a regime that suits me, VA is under control. 

[Maryan1285]

Decided to now use Vagifem  and the cream every other night. Can't say I feel a difference yet but I am still on antibiotics so hopefully in the next few weeks there will be an improvement.
Also I believe the weather seems to make my symptoms worse. Although VA is dragging me down at the moment I am really trying to remain positive.!!!

[jaypo]

You'll get there,sadly ABs can mess up your good bacteria,hence the reason we sometimes get thrush after a course,so do give it time once you're course is finished

[Dierdre]

It took me a long time to see any real improvement when I started vagifem years ago but that was because I was limited to 2 per week by the GP. This amount did nothing for me. It wasn't until I saw a gynae and vulva consultant and my dosage was changed to 5 vagifem per week and Estriol cream externally every night that my life changed.
If your dosage is not working and you are not improving at all it's because you're not using enough. The improvement will be gradual, it's not a quick fix but after a few weeks you should be noticing a difference.
I'd also see another doctor!