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[Garnet161]

Hi all,
I'm interested in the opinions of those who have tried both Vagifem and Ovestin internally please. I am currently on Ovestin daily internally and a little externally, but I am curious if anyone has had better success with Vagifem when comparing the two. 
Thanks.

[jaypo]

I personally preferred Vagifem (NOT vagirux,which they try to give you as it's cheaper) with a pessaries I found it a lot less faff but you can still use ovestin on the outside too   

[Dierdre]

I use both daily, vagifem internally and Estriol (Ovestin) externally. I sometimes use Estriol internally if I've not used Vagifem that day.

[Lime]

Did the Estriol used internally burn at first?
  I tried it last night and was very very uncomfortable as I have been with most everything I have tried.  Maybe a little less irritation when using Vagifem.

[Ayesha]

On the rare occasion I've used Estriol on the inside it's burned, fine on the outside, no problem. Vagifem is definitely best for me with no issues at all.

[Garnet161]

Thanks, I would expect we are all different.  I've had no issues with Ovestin internally - no burning or discomfort at all.  I still have some uncomfortable days, symptom wise though - but on those days the systemic estrogen doesn't work well either, so I think it's a case of fluctuating hormones.  Most of the time, Ovestin is excellent.  It would be great to be 100% symptom free so I did wonder if I should ask my GP for Vagifem to give it a try.

[Lime]

Thanks Ayesha.

Interesting that the estriol burned for you internally but not in the outside.
 Have you tried the Estriol on urethra area?  did it burn there?

[fiftyplus]

I use both but much prefer ovestin as for example this morning after I went for my 1st pee of the day the vagifem (which I have to self fund as my gp is so mean) fell out which sometimes happens.  It comes out in a white blob, so this morning I ran it under the tap as an experiment to see if it wasn't dissolving as I was possibly dry up there but it didn't dissolve either under a running tap of water so how on earth do these little hard as bricks little tablets dissolve is beyond me! the person who invented them should have made something which dissolves easily and are not as hard as bricks - sooo annoying!  Ovestin gets my vote every time xx

[Ayesha]

Thanks Ayesha.

Interesting that the estriol burned for you internally but not in the outside.
 Have you tried the Estriol on urethra area?  did it burn there?

I smear all around the outside including the urethra area. When I first used the estriol it did sting on the outside until my body got used to it but I have always used Yes moisturiser before I use the estriol.

I don't as far as I know as I am not a medic, have any natural oestrogen left and daily use of Vagifem, Estriol and moisturiser has kept me symptom free of GSM. The only time I get a flare up is if I am ill with a virus for example.

[Ayesha]

I use both but much prefer ovestin as for example this morning after I went for my 1st pee of the day the vagifem (which I have to self fund as my gp is so mean) fell out which sometimes happens.  It comes out in a white blob, so this morning I ran it under the tap as an experiment to see if it wasn't dissolving as I was possibly dry up there but it didn't dissolve either under a running tap of water so how on earth do these little hard as bricks little tablets dissolve is beyond me! the person who invented them should have made something which dissolves easily and are not as hard as bricks - sooo annoying!  Ovestin gets my vote every time xx

They are a very slow release pessary, I tried to crush one with a pestle and mortar and it was impossible.
By the following day mine has completely dissolved and I never have a problem with it falling out. I think its a case we are all made different and thank goodness we have a choice of products to use.

[Hurdity]

Hi there - yes vagifem and vagirux ( which seems to be identical) are designed to stick immediately to the vaginal wall if inserted correctly high up the full length of the applicator - so shouldn't fall out....how annoying that it did!

I've used all sorts and used vagifem for years and was changed last year to vagirux no problem. Also use estriol externally and also when I have the HRT withdrawal bleed I squeeze it all around the tampon.

One note of caution - Ovestin is the old brand name for the more concentrated estriol cream ie 0.1% and there is another one which used to be called Gynest which is 10 x weaker, at 0.01% . Frustrating that the generic "estriol" name is used for both because they are used at different doses.

Ovestin - is used in much smaller quantities as it is stronger and as such may not necessarily be as well suited to use as lubricant/moisturiser as well. However estriol 0.01% as can be imagined if it is 10 x weaker, can be used much more liberally - and is what I use and may well be less likely to sting - I do use it on irritated areas as well withut any problems.

Hurdity x