Vaginal Atrophy diagnosis

Hi Doris, I have used Vagifem for a long time and have not had any problem. My biggest problem is remembering to use them.

I know a few others use them too so, hopefully, they will be along soon.

I would only be dubious if I had a history of breast or ovarian cancer as cancer can feed off the oestrogen hormone.

Doris I have had this for years. So bad I nearly gave up work because of the irritation. Have never tried Vagifem but I think it is similar to Replens which you can buy in any chemist. An opaque gel which you can apply with applicator or finger. It changed my life. Not necessarily for everyone but personally for me it’s made the world of difference. If you do try it please read the information first, nor because of side effects but the information about dead cells which could cause you panic if you are not aware of it. I also had oestrogen cream which helped too. Good luck but would certainly try vagifem or Replens.

Vagifem is a prescription pessary. I was told that it is safer as it is applied topically. It's not the same as replens.

Used Vagifem for many years, no risk as it is topical, was told I could use it every day if I wished, though usual prescription is twice a week. Do get your life back!

I use Vagifem it is a pessary and you have an applicator to insert it. It really helps.

Replenish is completely different being a moisturising gel but may be used as well.

Compared to the symptoms of VA I wouldn’t want to stop using Vagifem.

The oestrogen dose in the pessary is minuscule compared to a single HRT treatment as they are applied to the problem area only. Replens is a moisturiser /lubricant. Be advised by your GP.

I have used Vagifem but prefer Blissell, which is a gel (NOT similar to Replens which is a simple lubricant with no oestrogen). One of my symptoms, in addition to repeated UTIs, was very fragile skin in my intimate area. The pain and discomfort was horrendous. The gel is little messier but has the advantage of giving me the option of applying a tiny bit directly to the sore area. The relief is incredible and I no longer have to bite back a scream every time I pee. As others have said the amount of hormone is tiny so not like HRT. I just wish I known about this stuff 10 years ago.

If you are knocking on over sixty I should weigh up having a comfortable life against the minuscule chance of ….. well, whatever. I’ve not got the contraindications info to hand because I’ve used my last vagifem and they were not included in this months’s prescription pack … I think as with all HRT stuff there is a bit of a shortage at the moment.

I have been using Replens for about three years now for vaginal dryness. I don't think I had atrophy but was struggling in intimate situations.

The Replens works but I have had constant problems with the white discharge that it seems to produce. It is like white tissue paper. According to Replens, this is only supposed to be temporary and is caused by dead skin cells being shed.

I can't possibly have this amount of dead skin cells. I have resorted to removing the discharge (this isn't really the right word) digitally every other day. Sorry if that is too much info. The Replens does seem to work but the discharge isn't great. I have tried using smaller amounts of Replens each day, using it twice a week, once a week etc. but still end up with the discharge.

I am in the same position as you DigginDoris in that I am dubious about using oestrogen cream. I have posted about this on this site previously. I have never taken the pill or HRT.

A few months ago I got a prescription of Estriol from my GP so that I could at least try it. It is only 0.01% oestrogen and doesn't get into your blood stream as it is applied locally. I used it once in the evening and the following day had a migraine. I do get migraines occasionally so this could have been a coincidence. I haven't used it since.

In the last week week or so, I have been trying to find an alternative to Replens. I have read loads of reviews about Replens and the white discharge seems to be a very common problem.

I have found a produce called Yes VM. It is a vaginal moisturiser but does not contain chemicals. Here is a quote from their website

'YES® VM is a long-lasting natural vaginal moisturising gel. Designed to match the typical vaginal environment with none of the skin damaging or concerning chemicals typically found in vaginal moisturisers.'

www.yesyesyes.org/products/yes-vm-natural-vaginal-moisturiser

You can use it internally and externally. The reviews read well and there were no comments about any kind of discharge

I ordered some online and it arrived yesterday. I was a bit disappointed that it did not have an applicator (like Replens). You can by it in pre-loaded applicators but these work out more expensive. I haven't tried it yet. I was hoping that I could use a Replens applicator but the product seems quite runny. I can't see how you can apply it properly internally without an applicator.

Sorry, this is a bit long but I wanted to let you know my experience. As you say, it isn't something I like to discuss with my friends. Thank goodness for GN

Interested to read this thread, as the Advanced Nurse Practitioner at our Surgery, told me in no uncertain terms that at my age (72), Vagifem should have been given years ago. I’m still undecided as my DM died at 44, cancer, and DGran diagnosed with breast cancer at 72. I have been told that the dosage in Vagifem is very different to the HRT that would have been prescribed when I had a hysterectomy at 42. It couldn’t be taken then because of chronic migraine. As I have ongoing problems, I shall ask Consultant for her advice.

I really wouldnt worry about using Vagifem. It is a very small dose of hormone, and it rally does help.

My prescription is for Estradiol. Thank you for your comments. I think I will start using the pessaries this weekend and see how I get on. Fingers crossed, or should it be legs crossed that all goes well.

Good luck with it Diggingdoris I have used Estradiol for the past three years with no problem and it has changed everything for the better - V.A. can make life miserable I know.

I was prescribed Vagifem for a similar issue after a hysterectomy. When it was discovered that I was brca gene positive, I was told to discontinue the Vagifem immediately. Shortly thereafter I was diagnosed with breast cancer which was oestrogen positive. The Vagifem had definitely helped with the issues but I regret taking it. I've found no substitute so I just deal.

As others have stated, if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancers, you should probably stay clear but your doctor would be your best guide.

Vagifem had made a huge difference to me , my bladder has never been better!! Definitely not the same as Replens. I was initially reluctant to try vagifem , spoke to GP about it and different pharmacists . They all reassured me that they were safe. I wouldn't be without them now - do try and see how you feel in a few months time - I am fairly sure you won't regret it ! Good luck.

After some episodes of burning, itching and general discomfort I started using Dr Wolffs vagisan cream. It works really well but a bit messy. It helped me while I was waiting for a GP appointment. The GP prescribed Vagifem and this has solved the problem. It helps with intimacy but I would still use it if I wasn’t sexually active.

Sorry Doris and Kitty I assumed ( incorrectly) that Vagifem and Replens were similar products obviously not.
I was prescribed Replens and cream which worked well for me.
Replens can be very helpful in vaginal atrophy for those who have no problem using it. Vagifem if on prescription would be better I assume for tackling the issue.

The Estriol has made such a difference. to me. I have had breast cancer but oncologist is happy for me to use Estriol as dosage is so small and it is applied directly where it needs to be so chance of cancer re-occuring is minute. Life is too short to be dealing with dribbles, sore vagina etc. Go for it.

I have used Estriol cream vaginally for several years . Was told that there is such low dose of hormone that it should not be a risk. I am so much more comfortable now I'm using it as I couldn't even sit without discomfort before

Diggingdoris, my doctor prescribed me a cream for V.A. called Cetraben to wash with in the shower. I only use it on my lady parts and this does it for me. It’s a horrible condition, I didn’t know how to sit on a chair comfortably.

I use Ovestin prescribed by the GP. It is marvellous. Keeps everything moist. It oestrogen based. Used twice a week.

I use Ovestin prescribed by the GP. It is marvellous. Keeps everything moist. It oestrogen based. Used twice a week

I had exactly the same in January this year, constant itching and discomfort, the GP said I had vaginal atrophy, I had no idea what it was and didn't want to be poking things inside me. Anyway, six months on & I now know I can choose either little tablets to put up me 2x weekly or cream to do the same. I go with the cream as I only need one plastic thing to insert & don't gum up the planet with plastic. It's fine though I do forget to use it quite often & catch up. There's a really good Facebook group called vaginal atrophy, the moderators are good and one, Vicky lomas, often answers questions with bits from the NHS website so you know its good advice. The amount of oestrogen is very low taken this way. Its really just a matter of getting used to it