Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Talli on March 09, 2023, 12:18:25 PM
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Hi, I’m on 10mg of Vagifem twice weekly but have had another bladder flare so I’ve popped an extra Vagifem in hoping it’ll calm my bladder down.
Just wondering if it would work that quickly or is it wishful thinking? :-\
I have an appointment in a months time to discuss upping my dose to four a week as the Dr. at GUM clinic advised it.
Anyway, any help would be appreciated :)
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Hello Tali. I find it best to use it daily and ignore the advice on the leaflet to take it twice a week after the two week loading dose. You may also like to buy some vaginal moisturiser such as Yes or Sylk as that can help along side Vagifem with dryness.
Many members use it twice a day on bad days. I use Ovestin. I use it every single day but on worse days I use it twice a day.
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Thank you so much for your reply!
The Drs only let me get one box of the Vagifem every three months at the moment :( but I’m hoping the nurse will let me have it more often after I’ve seen her.
I use Yes moisturiser everyday day and that’s been great it’s just my stupid bladder flaring and it itches inside my vagina. Sorry TMI ::)
I’ve had swabs done and no thrush or BV or anything so I’m thinking it’s got to be the VA.
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Thank you so much for your reply!
The Drs only let me get one box of the Vagifem every three months at the moment :( but I’m hoping the nurse will let me have it more often after I’ve seen her.
I use Yes moisturiser everyday day and that’s been great it’s just my stupid bladder flaring and it itches inside my vagina. Sorry TMI ::)
I’ve had swabs done and no thrush or BV or anything so I’m thinking it’s got to be the VA.
Nothing is TMI on here so please do not worry. I also get the itching and bladder issues with VA and using treatment daily helps. I really am sorry you have only been given one box. I hope you have success at your appointment and they will give you enough to use daily.
Some members find using Vagifem inside and Ovestin cream on the outer area helpful. I know some GPs refuse to prescribe both sadly.
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Thank you :)
That’s comforting to know that others have the same issues. It feels like a UTI but all my tests come back negative for bacteria.
I’m sure it’s the VA.
It went away when I was on the two week load and for a couple of months after but came back recently. It’s been about 6 months since I started the Vagifem.
The Dr at GUM said many ladies she knows take it daily so I’m really hoping they up my dose at my next app. I’m going crazy lol
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Thank you :)
That’s comforting to know that others have the same issues. It feels like a UTI but all my tests come back negative for bacteria.
I’m sure it’s the VA.
It went away when I was on the two week load and for a couple of months after but came back recently. It’s been about 6 months since I started the Vagifem.
The Dr at GUM said many ladies she knows take it daily so I’m really hoping they up my dose at my next app. I’m going crazy lol
VA can make you think you have a UTI. Is it possible to use it daily until you see the nurse? It is horrid being in pain.
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I’ve just got a new box but I’m worried if I use it daily now and they refuse to up it then I’ll be without for 3 months. My surgery isn’t the most forthcoming when it comes to this kind of thing :(
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I’ve just got a new box but I’m worried if I use it daily now and they refuse to up it then I’ll be without for 3 months. My surgery isn’t the most forthcoming when it comes to this kind of thing :(
I can understand that. Pity you cannot just put a request in and say the Dr at the clinic recommended you use it more often.
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I would pay for an e-mail query to Dr Currie on here, to get the information that 1 can use it nightly if necessary. There is a plan to get the details in the box altered ....... but that is slow being activated.
U cannot over dose on vagifem. Ring the Practice Manager today to explain that it is OK to use as often as required, so that she can update her GPs. If necessary she can check on MM Forum.
Women should not have to suffer with VA because it isn't understood!
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I’ve just got a new box but I’m worried if I use it daily now and they refuse to up it then I’ll be without for 3 months. My surgery isn’t the most forthcoming when it comes to this kind of thing :(
I can understand that. Pity you cannot just put a request in and say the Dr at the clinic recommended you use it more often.
She actually wrote to them explaining that she she feels I need it four times a week and to prescribe it for me and that I need systemic HRT and to refer me to the Menopause Clinic in Poole if they won’t treat me.
All they e done in response is book an app for me to see the nurse in four weeks. They could have just updated my dose then and there but they’ve evidently decided that I have to wait another four weeks with this rubbish before they’ll even talk about it with me. They’re so pants!
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I would pay for an e-mail query to Dr Currie on here, to get the information that 1 can use it nightly if necessary. There is a plan to get the details in the box altered ....... but that is slow being activated.
U cannot over dose on vagifem. Ring the Practice Manager today to explain that it is OK to use as often as required, so that she can update her GPs. If necessary she can check on MM Forum.
Women should not have to suffer with VA because it isn't understood!
Thank you for the message. It been such a long road battling with them to even get this far I just don’t feel like I have it on me to battle anymore.
They’re really back in the dark ages with everything here! :o
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When I realised that the twice a week Vagifem was not working for me, in a phone conversation with my GP she told me to use it every day and immediately changed my prescription to that effect. Perhaps letting your surgery know that this is what other women are being prescribed, it shouldn't be a post code lottery and they really need educating on this treatment. You need to go armed with all the information you can find to tell the nurse at your appointment.
In the meantime if you can, why don't you order Ovestin online as a back up to help you with your VA while you wait for your surgery to get their act together.
If you are over 50 you can buy Gina, which is Vagifem, over the counter.
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When I realised that the twice a week Vagifem was not working for me, in a phone conversation with my GP she told me to use it every day and immediately changed my prescription to that effect. Perhaps letting your surgery know that this is what other women are being prescribed, it shouldn't be a post code lottery and they really need educating on this treatment. You need to go armed with all the information you can find to tell the nurse at your appointment.
In the meantime if you can, why don't you order Ovestin online as a back up to help you with your VA while you wait for your surgery to get their act together.
If you are over 50 you can buy Gina, which is Vagifem, over the counter.
Hi and thank you for your message :)
I’m only 39 (40 in a couple of months) so I can’t buy Gina unfortunately.
I might try ordering some Oveston though, that’s an idea. I wonder if they’ll sell it to me as I’m under 40?
Worth a try though! Thanks for the idea!
I’m up for trying anything!
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I wasn't aware that there is an age limit on OTC Gina ! :o. Do U have a friend over 50 then? U do not have to suffer, do ring the Clinic and tell them that you r having difficulties in getting the GP to agree to their request : for which you paid! Though a lot of GPs still don't like when we go privately or know more than they do >:(
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I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.
I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.
Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.
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I wasn't aware that there is an age limit on OTC Gina ! :o. Do U have a friend over 50 then? U do not have to suffer, do ring the Clinic and tell them that you r having difficulties in getting the GP to agree to their request : for which you paid! Though a lot of GPs still don't like when we go privately or know more than they do >:(
That’s so true! They don’t like it when we know what we’re talking about but then conversely they ask “Well what do you want me to do about it?” So basically asking us to do their job. It’s soooo complicated.
But yeah you can only buy Gina if you’re over 50 apparently :-\
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I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.
I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.
Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.
I have asked the ASDA pharmacy before for some Ovestin and they refused as I wasn’t over 45 but that was before I was prescribed the Vagifem.
Yes I think it is to do with my age to be honest which I do understand but if I’ve been diagnosed with VA by several gynaes I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to get the treatment. Both my Mum and Sister went through early menopause so I guess I’m headed the same way. Although I didn’t think 40 was particularly young to be beginning peri?
But then I genuinely know nothing about it all ;D
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I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.
I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.
Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.
I have asked the ASDA pharmacy before for some Ovestin and they refused as I wasn’t over 45 but that was before I was prescribed the Vagifem.
Yes I think it is to do with my age to be honest which I do understand but if I’ve been diagnosed with VA by several gynaes I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to get the treatment. Both my Mum and Sister went through early menopause so I guess I’m headed the same way. Although I didn’t think 40 was particularly young to be beginning peri?
But then I genuinely know nothing about it all ;D
I realised I was going through peri when I was 38 but I think it actually happened earlier. I had to convince GPs I was not too young but luckily did and I have been on HRT and Ovestin ever since. You are not too young so do not let them make you think that.
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I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.
I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.
Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.
I have asked the ASDA pharmacy before for some Ovestin and they refused as I wasn’t over 45 but that was before I was prescribed the Vagifem.
Yes I think it is to do with my age to be honest which I do understand but if I’ve been diagnosed with VA by several gynaes I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to get the treatment. Both my Mum and Sister went through early menopause so I guess I’m headed the same way. Although I didn’t think 40 was particularly young to be beginning peri?
But then I genuinely know nothing about it all ;D
I realised I was going through peri when I was 38 but I think it actually happened earlier. I had to convince GPs I was not too young but luckily did and I have been on HRT and Ovestin ever since. You are not too young so do not let them make you think that.
Thank you so much for that Flossieteacake. :)
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I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.
I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.
Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.
I have asked the ASDA pharmacy before for some Ovestin and they refused as I wasn’t over 45 but that was before I was prescribed the Vagifem.
Yes I think it is to do with my age to be honest which I do understand but if I’ve been diagnosed with VA by several gynaes I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to get the treatment. Both my Mum and Sister went through early menopause so I guess I’m headed the same way. Although I didn’t think 40 was particularly young to be beginning peri?
But then I genuinely know nothing about it all ;D
I realised I was going through peri when I was 38 but I think it actually happened earlier. I had to convince GPs I was not too young but luckily did and I have been on HRT and Ovestin ever since. You are not too young so do not let them make you think that.
Thank you so much for that Flossieteacake. :)
My pleasure. :)
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Why R they advertising 'gina' on TV if it's not accessible to all :-\ ::)
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This is what it says on Boots website:
“Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to treat and relieve vaginal symptoms post menopause
See details below, always read the label
Suitable for:
Gina is for postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older who have not had a period for at least 1 year and who suffer from vaginal symptoms due to oestrogen deficiency”
Who knows why they advertise it if it’s only for women over 50 🤷🏻♀️
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that word 'post' again >:(. We are either 'peri' or 'menopausal'. ::). Do they ask date of birth? Why must 1 have been 12 months without a period, BOOTS are way behind modern thinking :(
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BOOTS web-site:
Difference between Vagifem and Gina
Both Vagifem and Gina contain the same medicine, but Gina will only be available from pharmacies for a restricted and clearly defined group of women that is appropriate for supply under the supervision of a pharmacist.20 Jul 2022
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BOOTS web-site:
Difference between Vagifem and Gina
Both Vagifem and Gina contain the same medicine, but Gina will only be available from pharmacies for a restricted and clearly defined group of women that is appropriate for supply under the supervision of a pharmacist.20 Jul 2022
Guess I won’t bother trying to get some then ;D
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Time that the British Menopause Society stepped in on this one?
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I read the Gina leaflet online and it was exactly the same as the Vagifem leaflet, I thought the same old out of date information considering a new product.
Still too many hurdles to cross particularly for women under 50 to obtain this treatment over the counter. ::)
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I agree. To both comments.
It really is ridiculous how hard it is to just get treated. It shouldn’t be this hard. I know plenty of women in their late 30’s and early 40’s getting fobbed off and it’s no joke trying to have a happy relationship (or life for that matter) while contending with VA :( :o
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When I use vagifem, it helps within 2 or 3 weeks with the issues around sex and Urinary irritation. My GP also won't prescribe continuous though ive just had a 6 months run more by accident. I'm now struggling to get more. I'm over 60. I don't see the point of using something that takes weeks to plump up the tissues only to have to stop. The effects reverse fairly quickly and then you've to start again.
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When I use vagifem, it helps within 2 or 3 weeks with the issues around sex and Urinary irritation. My GP also won't prescribe continuous though ive just had a 6 months run more by accident. I'm now struggling to get more. I'm over 60. I don't see the point of using something that takes weeks to plump up the tissues only to have to stop. The effects reverse fairly quickly and then you've to start again.
Sorry your GP will not give you enough vaigifem. Perhaps you could talk to the practice manager and say this is an outdated idea? VA treatment is for life and stopping it will cause all symptoms to return.
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I suppose those of us who are over fifty can always top up the Vagifem by buying Gina if some GP's are reluctant to prescribe daily treatment.
I've tried to reduce my daily dose but I soon become uncomfortable again, thankfully my surgery are happy with me using Vagifem daily.
Women shouldn't have to fight for their VA treatment, be it daily or otherwise!