Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: GrannyAli on July 30, 2019, 08:44:16 PM
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Does anyone find Vagifem sometimes doesn't dissolve? Any ideas why or any tips to help please?
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I had this problem when very dry in the early days of starting vagifem, try using YES moisturiser a couple of hours before insertion. It helps to use moisturiser every day anyway, YES and Sylk products are very popular.
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Hi There,
I don't think I have. How do you know once it is inserted?
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The Vagifem dropped out still dry a couple of times with me, its supposed to stick to the vaginal wall and then dissolve. I suppose there has to be a certain amount of moisture for it to attach and then dissolve. If it dont come out then assume it's ok :)
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Yes - have had the same problem when the internal area is not moist enough for it to attach & dissolve. Sometimes gets expelled intact the next morning in the loo (once 36 hours later :o). As Deirdre says, try applying with a little moisturiser - Menopause clinic advised me to do this. I use Yes WB.
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Thank you everyone. I have some YES VM so I'll try using it more frequently.
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GrannyAli - I know some other women here get on well with Yes VM & if you are already using it I imagine you find it helps, but just to say I had it on prescription for a while & it made my VA worse to the extent I had to stop using it. Felt even more inflamed & raw, worsening the burning. I seem to remember a few other posters reported the same, but can't recall the thread. I am OK with Yes WB though it is so runny I find it messy to use. Sylk is another I can tolerate - as already mentioned on this thread. Please let us know whether you manage to solve the Vagifem adherence problem. Ovestin/Estriol may be a more suitable alternative if you haven't tried those. I hope you soon feel better.
Wx
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Yes....I thought it was just me....I was told to apply a small amt of moisturizer on the tip of the pessary as too dry and Vagifem needs moisture to dissolve. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. I want my vagina GONE.
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Hi Whatsup, have you tried the internal Estriol cream (with applicator) if Vagifem is causing you probs?
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Well wrensong that is a whole different issue. I have Estragyn cream but due to the fact I am severe dang applicator is difficult to insert so back to Vagifem. I think I actually prefer cream as seemed much better. Think I am going back to the cream.
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Try applying a pea sized amount of the cream with a clean finger first, inside and around outside and then try it with the applicator, it should be easier.
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Hi Whatsup - sorry if I misunderstand, but if by severe you mean shrinkage making insertion of applicators difficult, have you seen a gynae or meno clinic about this who can advise how to tackle it - including perhaps use of dilators? If you mean simply too sore to insert, that is a problem, I agree, but again I think you need medical advice. Apologies if you'e been there & are banging your head off a brick wall - a bit out of touch with the forum as no time to read thoroughly recently.
Wx
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Thx. Ladies for you advice. Wrensong...both sore and very tight. I have been doing the pea sized cream on finger. Dr. suggested lubricant on applicator. I think the Vagifem has caused sores inside...doesn't agree with me I guess. Going back to GP end of August and beg her for the patch. She has refused due to my age and I only have vag issues. So sick of all this. Just want to be normal again.
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Oh Whatsup - I'm so sorry you are so very uncomfortable & have been refused systemic HRT. I take it when you say due to age you are 60+?
Some women do require full HRT to manage VA, as I'm sure you already know if you've read around the forum or posted elsewhere on this site (as I think I saw). I'm one of them. I need Vagifem 5 nights a week, with the weak (0.01%) Estriol cream applied externally, as well as systemic HRT. This helps prevent UTIs as well as treating what can amount to intense discomfort in the entire genito-urinary tract, as well as the physical atrophy. I hope someone has already pointed you to the Burning Club thread & MaryJane's excellent posts.
I do apply a tiny bit of Yes WB to end of Vagifem applicator, but simply to help it stick & dissolve - no probs inserting, luckily for me.
Would you maybe consider asking GP to refer you to a gynae with special interest in vulvovaginal health or a meno clinic? Are you anywhere near Newson Health (Stratford on Avon) btw? I realise not everyone has the means to go private but they seem to be building a good reputation. End of August is a long time to wait to see your GP. I am sorry - don't know what else to suggest to help you in the meantime.
Wx
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Thx. wrensong for your support. I am 68 with very high blood pressure so GP says 'no way' for patch. I just have to persevere. My GP is actually with the Meno clinic so she knows what is up. I'm Canadian so we don't have Ovestin or Estroil but according to several experts, Estragyn is a good product. Personally I think the Vagifem is causing more harm then good and may not be for me. I have NEVER even had a yeast infection! Never had ANY problems with meno until I hit 68. I want my vagina GONE!
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Oh Whatsup - bless you. I feel your anguish. If you have raised BP & are beyond the age at which it's seen as acceptable to start systemic HRT that's a difficult combination to get around. How very unfortunate for you.
I googled Estragyn & I see it's intended only for short term use - is this correct? Has it been recommended to ease symptoms & improve conditions initially, allowing you to return to Vagifem afterwards, which presumably should then work better? Or is it used long term in some cases?
I'm glad to know you have a meno expert as a GP & will keep my fingers crossed that she can come up with treatment to ease your discomfort. Please let us know how you get on.
Wx
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That was my GP's intention however I think the Vagifem is causing blisters. I am going to try the small dab on finger of Estragyn for the next few days to see if it is the Vagifem or just severe VVA. It is for short term use as it's Estrone but don't know what next step will be. The Esteagyn worked great on outside but on inside came out in big glops! Oh boy....I want my vagina GONE!
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Surely there will be residue from any large amounts of cream inserted? I always found that with creams such as Canesten internal. Is it a problem if you get a lot of it coming out? Or were you just concerned that meant it wasn't in long enough to do what it should? I would have thought some of the Estrone would have been getting to work inside regardless? Sorry if I'm misunderstanding!
Wx
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Think I am so severe that it is going to take many months.
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Could well do Whatsup - I didn't start any HRT until nearly 3 years postmenopause & had a break from all forms last year, going 9 months without even topical. Have been back on topical for nearly a year now & it has helped the VA gradually, though reintroducing systemic seems to be necessary in my case, at least for the area to be properly serviceable! Doesn't mean that at the right dose, topical alone once you can get it working, will not be enough for you. Many women find topical HRT alone is perfectly adequate to keep VA under control. Please don't give up hope - if you have been without hormones in that area for a very long time it will probably need a good while for the therapeutic effects to become apparent. Hang on in there. Everything crossed for you.
Wx
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Thx. Wrensong. This site has been a godsend for me. I'm not a depressive person but have come dang close to ending it. So uncomfortable and has made my life from happiness and enjoyment to one of dread. I'm confident that I'll find the right combo ... Just need to be patient. All of you ladies have been incredibly helpful and have provided a slew if info that my Dr. never mentioned. Thx to all.