Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Dierdre on April 07, 2018, 08:18:33 AM
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I've started another bleed again today after re-starting my Femseven patches two weeks ago, going to stick it out this time and hope it's not so heavy. The problem is I'm going abroad to visit family tomorrow and wondered if i can use tampons or is this not advisable with atrophy and vagifem?
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If you insert the Vagifem before bed and use a pad through the night, then the oestrogen should absorb OK and then you can use tampons during the day. I would use some vaginal moisturiser to help when inserting the tampon - it's advisable to use SYLK or the YES vaginal moisturisers anyway in the mornings, to help keep the flora balance healthy. DG x
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Thank you Dancinggirl, I've got some YES to take with me and I can wear my swimsuit now :)
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I have used tampons with Vagifem, only on a few times because I found them uncomfortable and then my periods gave up anyway!
I would try and only use them when really necessary, as they do dry that area out anyway and use a pad when you can.
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I always use tampons with Vagifem but as said tampons dry out the vagina hugely, so if you don't already have some - get some of the weaker 0.01% generic estriol cream ( not Ovestin) - on prescription. What I do is every time I change the tampon I squeeze a toothpaste sized amount onto the tip of the tampon (well the top third really) - so it slides up easily, keeps the vagina moist and does the job of keeping the tissues plumped up too. Sometimes I forget the vagifem while doing this but know I'm giving myself plenty of local oestrogen. Maybe also one of the vaginal moistruisers will work just as well if you do continue to use Vagifem throughout your bleed.
Hurdity x
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;D
Well I had to go into detail to help the OP didn't I?!!!
Hurdity x
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Thanks for your replies everyone, had a great holiday and the YES worked fine with the tampons and just used them during the day. Only had a bleed for 3 days this time and much lighter. I'll ask for the weaker 0.01% cream for next time, if there is a next time and I've ordered some YES vaginal moisturiser to try for everyday use. I will not let this beat me!
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Local oestrogen needs be used permenantly to keep the urogenital atrophy under control - probably for the rest of your life - and if Vagifem is working then I'd stick with this as it is still very low dose and is less hassle to use. You don't want symptoms to return. DG x
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Yes I will stick with the vagifem, been on it 3 years now (couldn't manage without it) and use ovestin at night on the outside. I thought I could use the estriol cream in addition just if I have a bleed again but maybe that would be too much. Hopefully the bleeding will settle as it as only been 3 month on tablets and now 6 weeks on the conti patches and so far no other side effects :)