Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Bobidy on December 13, 2019, 01:54:15 AM

Title: Experiences of Estring - particularly after hysterectomy
Post by: Bobidy on December 13, 2019, 01:54:15 AM

Hi

I'd like to start VA treatment next month and can't decide between Vagifem or estring.

I'm just wondering what experiences you have with estring.

The thoughts of insertion and removal makes me feel a bit squeamish to be honest!

Can a practice nurse easily insert and remove?

Can you constantly feel it inside? Is it uncomfortable?

Is it okay after hysterectomy due to it being directly on the cuff rather than cervix?

Can it help prevent prolapse?

Do you need to use condoms with it?

Is it a more consistent dose of internal oestrogen compared to Vagifem?

I like the idea that it lasts for 3 months (with a potentially lower long term prescription cost) and no battle with a gp if I need an increased dose, as with vagifem.

Any info gratefully received, thanks x

Title: Re: Experiences of Estring - particularly after hysterectomy
Post by: yellowflower on December 13, 2019, 02:12:10 AM

This is from the estring website. If they can't make it sound safe, I would be wary:

https://www.estring.com/

Title: Re: Experiences of Estring - particularly after hysterectomy
Post by: Maryjane on December 13, 2019, 06:36:56 AM

Ladies in my VA group who use it get on very well with it, if you have a cervix should be ok ? Don't know if your cervix has gone as it sort of tucks under it.

When I used it I couldn't feel it,
very easy to put in and take out but GP can do it if not.

Yellow flower re safety all the local oestrogens unfortunately have the same info as HRT and don't have there own leaflet which makes women unduly panic.

Title: Re: Experiences of Estring - particularly after hysterectomy
Post by: Joaniepat on December 13, 2019, 07:14:11 AM

I've used the Estring in the past and may go back to it.

It was easy to insert  but I could not get it out again. Most ladies in Jane's VA group do not have this problem, but if you do it's just a question of getting an appropriate HCP to do it every 3 months.

You cannot feel it inside. I have had a hysterectomy including cervix.

JP x

Title: Re: Experiences of Estring - particularly after hysterectomy
Post by: Bobidy on December 13, 2019, 08:21:20 AM

Thanks ladies. It's all such a minefield isn't it. I tackle one thing and then something else rears its ugly head! I can't remember a time when I wasn't thinking about this stuff every day.

I suppose I could try the estring and if it doesn't suit start Vagifem. Estring just seems like a less faff option what with the plethora of creams and gels I'm already using x