I have been using vagifem 3 times a week for a few months (I might now cut down to twice) It has helped me so much. Have no more Bladder infections which I suffered from a lot and very dry painful intercourse is gone too. It works
Thank you so much for such a great explanation. Just today I was put on this treatment and I was so nervous about it. With all the material I’ve read and your experience I feel much better. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
You are very welcome. I just went back to the doctor yesterday and was told it has absolutely been working to restore the health of the lining. I can feel that it has and thus far, am so happy that I decided to try it. Good luck!
“Normal HRT” is a patch or a cream applied topically. It does not absorb into the bloodstream like an oral pill would. It’s a lifesaver - along with the vaginal estrogen. I’ve had to switch from all bar soap or body wash except for unscented body wash. Anything scented highly irritates my skin down there. Also sometimes if my skin is irritated down there a small amount of coconut oil helps. Also, lubricant for intimacy is a must now. Thank you for talking about this! We don’t need to suffer in silence. If your Dr won’t help you with then get a new Dr. I had to.
I am so happy to hear you were able to get some relief. I also suggest women do their own research so that when you go to the doctor, you are armed with information and can participate in the conversation. Thank you so much for sharing and good luck with everything!
Interesting, finding this channel, as my wife has been through cancer, diagnosed as stage 4, but living a good life still, with the correct medication. She has zero interest in any intimacy any more, thus going from loving couple, to companions. I can only imagine the amount of men out there dealing with the loneliness of the woman you use to have, and the craving of wanting to love her. We've drifted apart, but I'm thankful for such channels, at the very least to explain why! My wife has been through surgeries, where fallopian tubes and ovaries where taken as well, thus I understand there is hormonal changes as well, which is quite possibly why she has changed, in giving no praise for deeds done for her, condesending opinions with friends and family present, thus putting me down. It's tough, and I see no end to it, but as mentioned, I appreciate this channels topic to have an understanding, so thanks for doing so!
@@Powerstroke98 From all of the research I’ve done, and God knows I’ve done plenty, having the ovaries and fallopian tubes removed decrease estrogen and testosterone, which will definitely affect a woman’s sex drive. However, there are options available that can help with that. You are definitely not alone in what you are going through, and certainly how you feel is valid and understandable. I’m curious how old your wife is, if she has gone through menopause yet. I would definitely go see her doctor together to discuss the options and treatments that are available to help with this issue. I’m sorry that you are both going through this. I hope everything works out. This is definitely an unspoken side effect that should probably be discussed more for couples who are suffering because of it. Perhaps you bringing it to the forefront can help others as well. Unfortunately we don’t always have control over what happens to us in life, but we do have control over how we choose to handle it. I would just try and stay strong through this. Sometimes that strength can take us to the most unexpected places as we learn and grow along the way.
Thank you for your video. I was recently diagnosed with GSM and was prescribed the Estradiol tablets. I will start taking them this week. I appreciate you sharing your story.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this detailed video. Your symptoms are identical to mine. I think at around 12:40 when you mentioned your doctor saying that a little bit of urine splashes on the cervix which irritates it you meant to say when it splashes on the vagina. I am currently struggling whether or not I should use vagifem again. I used it after menopause and it worked great for me. But I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and told to stop using it. There are varying opinions as to how safe it is for breast cancer patients. But dealing with these symptoms of GSM is so debilitating.
Thank you for pointing that out. A long video like that can be very hard to do. I am sorry to hear about everything you are going through. I would definitely talk to your doctor about your options with the breast cancer diagnosis. Hopefully there is something that you can be put on to help. I would also research it as much as you can so that you can make notes of things you would like to ask your doctor. Please keep me updated and good luck!
thank you for your video and sharing your story. This was very well put together and your very well spoken and very on track and not all over the place like some videos i seen. I really appreciate that.
Thank you so much! I just wanted to share with other women what I have gone through and give them as much information as I could to help them along on their own journey. It can be scary and confusing and I am just so happy to have this platform. Please feel free to share your own experience anytime!
Hi there ... I am a few years older than you and started getting urinary tract pain just like you described. I was put on Estrace cream to use locally (fingertip application). This has worked very well because you are able to put the cream directly over the urethra opening (to build up that tissue). I just thought I would mention it to you in case Vagifem isn't working for you - there are so many options available. Take care 💝
The Vagifem has worked great for me but if this cream allows you to use less estrogen and still work, that is a good thing. The only thing I was ever told or read about the creams is that it isn't a controlled amount- meaning because you are controlling the amount of cream you use, it will always be a little different. So there is the chance of using too much at times. I am glad you have found relief using the cream. And I will definitely be asking my doctor about it, just to see if maybe that might be an even safer treatment. Thanks so much for the information.
My main symptom was burning in my vagina. I experienced it all times throughout the day. I also developed a bladder infection and felt like I was peeing more than normal. I used the vagifem as directed, being inserted one tablet into the vagina every evening for 14 days then twice a week after that and I finally started to feel relief by the fifth to sixth week. And ever since then thankfully my symptoms have not came back. I have also gone down to using it only once a week night instead of twice a week.@@jeanluby4636
My main symptom was burning in my vagina all times throughout the day and evening. I also developed a bladder infection and felt like I was peeing more often. I used the Vagifem as directed and finally felt some relief by the 5th to 6th week. My symptoms have not came back. I also am now down to using Vagifem one a week instead of twice a week.@@jeanluby4636
I’m on the same medication for one week now. One more week of every day then twice a week as well. I had such pain pressure every day. It was awful I already feel better I hope it works for me. I’m going to use it till it’s up and see how I am. I couldn’t live with the urinary issues or the pain and pressure. Thank you I’m so happy I am not alone in this. I’m 66 yrs old and never had issues before.
Your symptoms sound just like mine were. It took me six weeks before I felt the full benefits of it. It most definitely was a life changer, that is for sure. I did recently go down to only using it once a week opposed to twice a week (I did do a couple of videos on that). I just wanted to put the least amount of estrogen in my body (although very little of it is said to enter the blood stream) so that I could continue to keep using it. I'm so afraid if I stop, my symptoms will come back. I hope you get relief. Please keep me updated🙂
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859So i have been on it for 2 weeks now going to twice a week and i am feeling better, i still get a little irritation some days but not every day. The side affects i got were headache and depression. I am hoping that the sadness leaves once i am down to twice a week. Have you heard of depression while being on it?
@@tenbroeckpatterson396 Actually it is the best of them all most are messy I found creams sticky and no relief This little pill is inserted with with it's own applicator you notice absolutely nothing. It did take me more than a month to feel relief now down to twice a week. Has been the easiest to use.
Your video was almost exact what I went through with the Pap test coming back inconclusive so I went back three months later and came back with very low estrogen so I’m on vagifem and putting Replens external moisturizer on the outside which really helped with the itching and burning! Thank you for your video.
Thanks for describing your symptoms and experience, and for all the information on GSM. I'm in very early post menopause, on HRT via low dose birth control pills, and might have this condition starting to develop, I'm not sure. I'll definitely be talking to my menopause doc about it when I see her for an HRT change in a couple months.
So good women are talking about this. I have an RX for the cream, but haven't used it yet as I was waiting until after I came back from 2 vacations and the end of the school year. I've worked with a PT for pelvic floor including Kegel's and Hypopressive exercises. The hypopressives are what really changed things for me. Really helped my "sneeze pee" problem. I feel less nervous to try the cream now. Thanks.
Just wanted to mention that the cream is different from the Vagifem tablets. The tablets are controlled at 10mg. I've read and been told that when using the cream, the mg can change each time, since there is really no way to use the exact same amount each time. Might be something to look into and speak with your doctor about. I would definitely try and use the safest product that will work. Please keep me updated.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859I just started on estrace generic (estradiol vaginal cream) and it’s been life changing! There is an applicator that comes with it that you screw the tube into and it measures it out perfectly. You insert like a tampon and done. I also use a tiny amount externally. I can’t believe the benefits I’ve had in under a month’s time!
If you’ve not already found Dr Heather Hirsch here on TH-cam definitely give her channel a look. She talks about their different forms of vaginal estrogens and her reasons for prescribing each type. She’s incredibly informative and very up to date of the most recent studies. I started HRT (patch and progesterone pill) but it wasnt until I started on Estradiol vaginal cream that I saw a major reduction of any symptoms. I didn’t realize how bad things were until they weren’t an issue any longer. It’s crazy that so many of us suffer and some of us don’t even realize it because it’s gradual.
I’ve never heard that explanation of the black box warning. What I always hear from providers is that that black box warning comes with systemic estrogen and should not be included on localized estrogen packaging. Menopause providers are lobbying to have that black box warning removed, but they have not been successful to date.
My doctor did say that they are trying to get that black box label removed because it is deterring women from using this product. He actually said that it makes him very upset. I think that is why asking questions and doing your own research is so important.
@joannepigliavento I had a hysterectomy at age 51. I started on an estrogen patch. Didn’t like it. They kept coming off and stuck to my clothes. Then I went on vagifem. I forget why I stopped that. I ended up using Divigel. It’s a clear gel that comes in tiny individual packets. My gyno put me on that because it goes directly into the bloodstream rather than having to go through the liver. Want to protect the liver. I went in knowing that these drugs can cause breast cancer just as every woman should know that the pill can, too. After showering every morning, I would rub this small amount of gel on my inner thighs. In 2020, I started using it less and less because it was actually a pain to rub it on after my shower. After about four days, I would feel the hot flashes coming on, so I would start using it again. This cycle went on until July of 2021 when I noticed a funky spot on my left breast. Then when I felt it, it was a definite lump. This was shocking because almost every day while I am showering, I check my breasts and armpits for lumps! Turned out to be breast cancer. I had a mastectomy on my left breast, several cancer containing lymph nodes removed, radiation, and now I’m taking an (get this!) anti-estrogen pill every day to rid my body of all estrogen! I thank God every day that I didn’t have to take chemotherapy, but I am on a very expensive “chemo” drug that I have to take twice a day. I wish I could go back and do it all over again. I would have gone through menopause as gracefully as I could. On top of everything, I’m going through menopause now! I just postponed it for seven years. The best and greatest advice I could give a woman is, take no estrogen in any form ever! Use coconut oil for intercourse, and after showering, rub a little Vaseline outside of your vagina for the itching. I’m now 61.
@@maggieg5719 I am very sorry to hear of the experience you had. I can totally understand why you would be upset. Was the doctor 100% sure the cancer was caused from the cream? That there was absolutely no way you could have gotten it even if you didn't use the cream? From what I've read, the cream is different from the Vagifem tablet because you can not 100% control the amount of cream you use, meaning the mg can change each time, while the Vagifem tablet is controlled at 10mg. In my case, the burning after being postmenopausal for 5 years, was horrible. I couldn't make it through my day without wanting to cry, the burning was so bad. After using Vagifem for 3 months, it has completely gone away. Now I use it only once a week instead of twice a week and after six months, I will stop taking it completely. Not sure if the burning will come back, I will cross that bridge when I get to it, but I am so thankful for not having to feel that constant burning any longer. I wish I knew if using Vagifem will eventually lead to cancer. But I have no way of 100% knowing that. Just like I have no way of 100% knowing if I would get breast cancer even if I never used Vagifem. It was good that you felt the lump and was able to do something about it before it spread. And I can only keep telling everyone woman who is using Vagifem to stay proactive by doing those self breast exams, going for the mammograms and the Pap Smears. And telling their doctor if they notice any changes or have any concerns. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and I wish you nothing but the best.
You are very welcome. I think the best thing to do is just do your research and ask your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have. In so many of these cases, the benefits out weighs the risks.
I use the estrogen cream in a tube. I had a. Blood clot so I was weary as was my Dr. but my uro( I have IC and kidney stones) I have tried the vaga fem but stopped. The cream is much cheaper. It has helped So Much with uti’s itching and pain. I have pelvic pain disorder and it has helped so so much with that.I try to do once or twice a week. The cream and I’m sure vaga fem stays local so Uro’s recommend it even for people had blood clots and even from what heard breast even cancer. My mom had a pessery when she was older and She had Excruciating pain when the Dr. had to take it out and clean it and reinsert it. I was in with her at her appts. It was horrible to see the pain even with pain meds taken before.
I like them very much , they have helped immensely. But I wish they would dissolve a little faster. I insert it before bed and sleep a good 8 hours but sometimes still find the pill coming out. I have to insert it a little higher and that helps a lot.
Thank you for the video it was very reassuring and made me me feel not so nervous in trying the Vagifem. I will stay in touch with you channel and try and get in contact with other women who also suffer the same as I do. thank you again. Jenny Cartwright Melbourne Australia.
Please do. I just went back to my doctor the other day for an exam and he said that the lining definitely looks more healthy. I can feel that it does. I am going to try and stay on it and see how it goes.
Why would you be nervous about a localised estradiol that your vagina needs? You had estrogen up until your ovaries stopped producing as much. And also you produce hormones all over the body. People need to educate themselves on their bodies.
We were very uneducated from our mums ref menopause. Told most of us hot flashes, periods stop might get moody. Nothing about uti , thrush, dryness, pain prolapses or infections. Please tell your daughters mums cause of dryness and uti . i got a small cancer lucky they managed to cut it out of bladder. 5th year remission now. Drink 2 litres of water a day too. Dehydrating and uti with thrush from time to time is bad. I have vagifem it helps but i would ask dr to test progesterone and testerone levels too. There is a kit you can check at home. And apparently there is a cream for vulva areas on the outside which help ref uti prevention. If blood in urine after menopause that is the sign of sonething else gett checked. and urine tested. If dry and thin skinned ask about Mona lisa to thicken the skin as well inside.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 I forgot the waistline apparently on my research no testorone cause thickening of the waist. We only need a little bit as we don't voice to deepen. But increases sex drive as well.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 I forgot to say prosterone test as well it comes in test kit . Lack of it is causes anxiety, depression, kidney trouble, osteoporosis which is handy to know. It is created for lining of vagina as well prevents bacteria disturbing and shredding the skin internally.. look how many woman have the later in life. if dry vagina high risk of these problems. Adrenals create it and the brain connected. . Dhea suppose to treat the three plus keep cortisol at bay.
Omg I get all of my prescription for i0 euros a month full time job as well . Really womens health should be more prioritised for those who can't afford prices
I was just diagnosed with GSM this morning. I never heard of it before. My issue was too frequent UTI’s. Put on prescription cream twice a week. Will let you know how I do after a while. I had a hysterectomy 22 years ago and now at 70 started having issues.
Wow it’s expensive isn’t it. I use Estriol cream and it’s free on the nhs here in the uk for me because of my age but for paying patients it’s £9.90 for a whole tube of cream which lasts a long time. Thanks for the vid.
Hi thanks for sharing this product. Im on the same product akso could you tell me if you have had any spotting like i have had using this . Denise from England 🇬🇧
I did not experience as obvious spotting but I do know that can be a side effect. I would definitely ask your doctor about it though. Always better to be safe.
I have had regular cervical screening every two years...The last attempt a few weeks ago was just too painful. Intimacy is fine...No irritation. No UTI,s. Just a very painful cervical screening ..it wasn't possible to complete.
After 6 months using Vagifem, I began experiencing painful left breast. I also noticed short term memory loss, and episodes of intense anxiety. I would have anxiety attacks over little things that didn't bother me before . I also developed a blood clot in my leg , and had to take a course of blood thinners. After a year of these issues with only minor improvements on vagifem, I decided to stop taking it. After two months, anxiety attacks stopped, no more blood clots, and breast pain gone. However, I continue to suffer with symptoms of vaginal atrophy. My doctor wants me to try Vagifem again.I find it hard to believe the estrogen from Vagifem doesn't go throughout the body. If it remained in the vagina, then why are breasts , brain, and veins in legs affected.
@@Nancy-js5sy This is a question I have posed to my doctor as well, and I was told that because Vagifem is an ultra low dose of estrogen , very little of it would actually make it systemically throughout the body. However, a small amount may. I was also told that those side effects should subside once your body becomes used to the Vagifem. He also told me that it’s best to use the least amount for the least amount of time. I believe that every woman is going to be different in the sense that I have had women comment who have been on it for years and love it, and I have had women comment who have only been on it for a few months and hate it. So unfortunately, everybody is going to react differently and not everybody is going to see the results that they would like to. From my experience, I do believe that it is best to only use the least amount that will help with the vaginal atrophy rather than once a week. And I do believe that this extra estrogen can lead to some side effects. But, this is a decision that every woman would need to make for herself with the guidance of her doctor. I’m sorry that you did not have a good experience with it, and I know how frustrating it is to have the vaginal atrophy come back. I hope that you are doing well now, and have found something that will work better for you. Thank you so much for sharing your comment and for watching my video.
Great info! I didn’t even know about the capsules and ring. I’ve been using the cream at night. The problem is that when i awake in the morning to pee, the 1gm glob of cream just comes out. I know im putting it up far enough because i make sure the applicator damn near disappears into my vaginal canal before i insert the cream it, but it still comes out in the morning every time. I even lay down before inserting the cream but to no avail. Do you have this issue with the capsules other than the 1x you mentioned? Does the capsule fully dissolve? Let me know because i may switch.
I had it come out only one time, but I knew I didn’t insert it far enough after I did it. I try and lay down afterward to give it a little time to dissolve.
That is a very good question and one that I posed to my doctor as well. The response I received was that, although it is an ultra low dose of estrogen, a small amount may still get into the bloodstream, and therefore cause symptoms like we would experience when on our period. However, I was told, and according to the research I’ve done, it is supposed to be a much safer route than taking an oral dose, where it systemically goes throughout the body. I was also told that once your body adjust to using it, the side effect, such as breast tenderness should go away as it did for me .Not sure if this helped to answer your question, but it is definitely something that you would want to discuss with your doctor before you decide to use it.
I also have this burning. It’s horrible. I’ve been using ice packs the last couple days. I’ve had this for years and it’s getting worse. Have estrogen patches and tried the cream but the cream burned bad. Want to try tablets. Don’t know my diagnosis yet
The burning was probably my worst symptom. I have been using the inserts for a couple of months now and it has made a huge difference. I just went back to the doctor the other day and he said my vaginal lining looks so much healthier. Hopefully you can give the inserts a try and they can help. But just keep in mind that it takes a good couple of months before you notice the changes. Also, just a FYI, when I first started using the tablets, it did burn a little after I inserted them but after weeks of using it, that has definitely declined. I still feel a little burning after inserting a table but it goes away after a few hours. Nothing like the burning I felt before using the inserts though.
@@healingwisdomarts Could you possibly get switched to the vaginal tablet? The tablet can burn some as well but after a few hours, at least in my case, it goes away.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 The burning is due to raw skin and should stop after few min. I have the burning without using anything and have tried everything 4 yrs. now with no help. Now on gabapentin still burning.
Hi just turned 65 and discover this atrophy problem having a lot of itching at times my doctor put me on evening primrose and the use of coconut oil but am still itching
Have you checked with your doctor to make sure you don’t have a yeast infection? Usually a yeast infection will cause itching. And when you have the vaginal atrophy, yeast infections can be common because of the pH levels not being right. I would definitely check with your doctor about getting on some type of treatment..
I think that is why they have the three options, so that if one product has too many side effects, a woman can try a different product. I am happy you found something that works. The Vagifem burns a little for me when I first insert it but within a couple of hours, it's fine. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this. I was prescribed both the cream and the pills on two separate occasions. After reading the insert and doing a little research, I discovered that Vagifem has only a 40% efficacy and plenty of risk. Am curious as to why you use the word, “people” when the word you want is “women”. I don’t know any other than women who have this problem. Looking forward to your update. Th
Thank you for your comment. I'm curious as to where you received your info regarding a 40% efficacy rate and plenty of risks. I suppose there will always be that one site that says something completely different from every other site. But those are the sites you need to be very careful believing. I have researched this product for months and relentlessly questioned my doctor about any risks. And what I have found is that it is most definitely a safe product to use due to the low dosage of estrogen that is being inserted into the vagina. That and the fact that it is not fully entering the blood stream as a oral pill would and you are only using it twice a week after your initial dosage. These are certainly questions you can address with your doctor for more reassurance and every "woman" can only make this decision for themselves. I will be doing a follow up video, now that I have been on it for over two months now. Thank you again for watching.
I’m not so sure this doesn’t fully enter the bloodstream. If I put a sublingual pill under my tongue, does that mean it doesn’t fully enter my bloodstream? I would ask multiple doctors if you are correct in your statement and do more research. I rubbed prescribed Divigel on my inner thighs and my gynecologist told me that it goes directly into the bloodstream. To me, thighs are like no wound at all; whereas, the vagina is like an “open” wound. If the Divigel can travel directly into my bloodstream through healthy, solid skin, wouldn’t a dissolving tablet in the vagina have even more of an effect? I liked your video. I think healthy discussions in the comment section are good. This is edited after I finished watching the end of your video. The packaging or what you read online about all these feminine products will say they are safe and that it affects so few women negatively, until you are the “one”. You don’t want to ever receive that dreaded cancer diagnosis. You don’t ever want to be the one sitting in the waiting room for your turn at radiation, or while waiting for your appointment with your oncologist, seeing all the patients going back to “that room” (chemotherapy).
If it gets bad enough and you can't get in to see a doctor, I would either go to urgent care or the emergency room. There is no reason for you to be in pain or to suffer. I would also let the doctor office know you are in pain and need to get an appointment asap.
It's all very well and helpful but all this is very very expensive, I'm a man and my wife has been suffering for years and I mean suffering it hurts me, we are not all made of money you see, we are from the UK and it doesn't help as we are so behind here.
Did your wife ask the doctor if there might be a good alternative? Once she gets situated with the Vagifem, she can try and go down to using it once a week opposed to twice a week. That could save money as well. Good luck.
I have this diagnose in post Menopause sbd im using Vagifem at the moment can cause gel like clear substance i saw this on the applicator i was wondering if this is normal
That is definitely something you would want to check with your doctor about, but once the tablet begins to melt, it can produce a gel like substance. Just to be on the safe side, I would mention it to your doctor.
I was unsure of how deep to insert, I may have been inserting too deep because didn’t seem like it’s working for the discomfort during sex. But you saying about an inch means I may have been inserting too deep.
I just went with what felt comfortable to me. Then I would try and lie down (which is why I would use at bedtime) to give it a chance to dissolve. I'm not sure how long you've been on it but it took a good six weeks for me before I felt any relief.
You can do it anytime of the day, but I always did it at night so that I could give the tablet a chance to dissolve while I was lying down and sleeping. I was always so afraid I wasn't inserting it far enough, so I just didn't want it to end up falling back out.
I don't think your doctor would prescribe it (it is by prescription only) if you didn't have it yet. There are over-the-counter treatments that you could try (I will do a video on that soon) and I also just did a video about how incorporating soy into your diet can also help. Do you go in for regular gyn visits for a pelvic exam and pap smear? If so, I would mention to your doctor that you are concerned about this and he can check your cervix when he does the pelvic exam and let you know if you are showing any signs of Vaginal Atrophy.
I just went to my doctor and he prescribed it without examining me. He said it’s not necessary. I am really concerned, I don’t know if I should start taking it or it’s too early.Should I wait until my symptoms are worse?
Vagifem is only available by prescription but there are OTC treatments for vaginal dryness that you can try. I would ask your doctor for any suggestions.
I have been on Vagifem for almost four months now and it has 100% helped me. I am not sexual active at this time so I'm not sure about intercourse, but I have read and heard that it also helps tremendously with that as well.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 in your other video you said you wanted to stop eventually. Did you stop and if you have did your symptoms come back? Please let us know if it ever does.
I have been using vagifem 3 times a week for a few months (I might now cut down to twice) It has helped me so much. Have no more Bladder infections which I suffered from a lot and very dry painful intercourse is gone too. It works
It worked very well for me as well. I am now down to once a week and so far, so good.
@Kellybone827 the painful sex is my issue. Did the med increase the body’s natural lubrication?
@@msmj9102 Yes
Good info,im 68 take it twice a week not stopping, no symptoms, helps a lot.
Very good to hear. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for such a great explanation. Just today I was put on this treatment and I was so nervous about it. With all the material I’ve read and your experience I feel much better. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
You are very welcome. I just went back to the doctor yesterday and was told it has absolutely been working to restore the health of the lining. I can feel that it has and thus far, am so happy that I decided to try it. Good luck!
“Normal HRT” is a patch or a cream applied topically. It does not absorb into the bloodstream like an oral pill would. It’s a lifesaver - along with the vaginal estrogen.
I’ve had to switch from all bar soap or body wash except for unscented body wash. Anything scented highly irritates my skin down there. Also sometimes if my skin is irritated down there a small amount of coconut oil helps. Also, lubricant for intimacy is a must now. Thank you for talking about this! We don’t need to suffer in silence. If your Dr won’t help you with then get a new Dr. I had to.
I am so happy to hear you were able to get some relief. I also suggest women do their own research so that when you go to the doctor, you are armed with information and can participate in the conversation. Thank you so much for sharing and good luck with everything!
Interesting, finding this channel, as my wife has been through cancer, diagnosed as stage 4, but living a good life still, with the correct medication. She has zero interest in any intimacy any more, thus going from loving couple, to companions. I can only imagine the amount of men out there dealing with the loneliness of the woman you use to have, and the craving of wanting to love her. We've drifted apart, but I'm thankful for such channels, at the very least to explain why! My wife has been through surgeries, where fallopian tubes and ovaries where taken as well, thus I understand there is hormonal changes as well, which is quite possibly why she has changed, in giving no praise for deeds done for her, condesending opinions with friends and family present, thus putting me down. It's tough, and I see no end to it, but as mentioned, I appreciate this channels topic to have an understanding, so thanks for doing so!
@@Powerstroke98 From all of the research I’ve done, and God knows I’ve done plenty, having the ovaries and fallopian tubes removed decrease estrogen and testosterone, which will definitely affect a woman’s sex drive. However, there are options available that can help with that. You are definitely not alone in what you are going through, and certainly how you feel is valid and understandable. I’m curious how old your wife is, if she has gone through menopause yet. I would definitely go see her doctor together to discuss the options and treatments that are available to help with this issue. I’m sorry that you are both going through this. I hope everything works out. This is definitely an unspoken side effect that should probably be discussed more for couples who are suffering because of it. Perhaps you bringing it to the forefront can help others as well. Unfortunately we don’t always have control over what happens to us in life, but we do have control over how we choose to handle it. I would just try and stay strong through this. Sometimes that strength can take us to the most unexpected places as we learn and grow along the way.
Thank you for your video. I was recently diagnosed with GSM and was prescribed the Estradiol tablets. I will start taking them this week. I appreciate you sharing your story.
@@kimberlygrable6025 Thank you for watching! I hope all goes well.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this detailed video. Your symptoms are identical to mine. I think at around 12:40 when you mentioned your doctor saying that a little bit of urine splashes on the cervix which irritates it you meant to say when it splashes on the vagina. I am currently struggling whether or not I should use vagifem again. I used it after menopause and it worked great for me. But I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and told to stop using it. There are varying opinions as to how safe it is for breast cancer patients. But dealing with these symptoms of GSM is so debilitating.
Thank you for pointing that out. A long video like that can be very hard to do. I am sorry to hear about everything you are going through. I would definitely talk to your doctor about your options with the breast cancer diagnosis. Hopefully there is something that you can be put on to help. I would also research it as much as you can so that you can make notes of things you would like to ask your doctor. Please keep me updated and good luck!
Use it... and try the gels/creams. Do not let doctors scare you. And it will deteriorate if you do nothing.
thank you for your video and sharing your story. This was very well put together and your very well spoken and very on track and not all over the place like some videos i seen. I really appreciate that.
Thank you so much! I just wanted to share with other women what I have gone through and give them as much information as I could to help them along on their own journey. It can be scary and confusing and I am just so happy to have this platform. Please feel free to share your own experience anytime!
Hi there ... I am a few years older than you and started getting urinary tract pain just like you described. I was put on Estrace cream to use locally (fingertip application). This has worked very well because you are able to put the cream directly over the urethra opening (to build up that tissue). I just thought I would mention it to you in case Vagifem isn't working for you - there are so many options available. Take care 💝
The Vagifem has worked great for me but if this cream allows you to use less estrogen and still work, that is a good thing. The only thing I was ever told or read about the creams is that it isn't a controlled amount- meaning because you are controlling the amount of cream you use, it will always be a little different. So there is the chance of using too much at times. I am glad you have found relief using the cream. And I will definitely be asking my doctor about it, just to see if maybe that might be an even safer treatment. Thanks so much for the information.
I am nearly 60 years old i have been on vagifem for 2to 3 months
And have had some great relief from this product.
That is great to hear. Good luck and thank you for sharing your comment.
What were your symptoms? How long did it take for relief? I have ongoing burning.
My main symptom was burning in my vagina. I experienced it all times throughout the day. I also developed a bladder infection and felt like I was peeing more than normal. I used the vagifem as directed, being inserted one tablet into the vagina every evening for 14 days then twice a week after that and I finally started to feel relief by the fifth to sixth week. And ever since then thankfully my symptoms have not came back. I have also gone down to using it only once a week night instead of twice a week.@@jeanluby4636
My main symptom was burning in my vagina all times throughout the day and evening. I also developed a bladder infection and felt like I was peeing more often. I used the Vagifem as directed and finally felt some relief by the 5th to 6th week. My symptoms have not came back. I also am now down to using Vagifem one a week instead of twice a week.@@jeanluby4636
I’m on the same medication for one week now. One more week of every day then twice a week as well. I had such pain pressure every day. It was awful I already feel better I hope it works for me. I’m going to use it till it’s up and see how I am. I couldn’t live with the urinary issues or the pain and pressure. Thank you I’m so happy I am not alone in this. I’m 66 yrs old and never had issues before.
Your symptoms sound just like mine were. It took me six weeks before I felt the full benefits of it. It most definitely was a life changer, that is for sure. I did recently go down to only using it once a week opposed to twice a week (I did do a couple of videos on that). I just wanted to put the least amount of estrogen in my body (although very little of it is said to enter the blood stream) so that I could continue to keep using it. I'm so afraid if I stop, my symptoms will come back. I hope you get relief. Please keep me updated🙂
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859So i have been
on it for 2 weeks now going to twice a week
and i am feeling better, i still get a little irritation some days but not every day. The
side affects i got were headache and depression. I am hoping that the sadness
leaves once i am down to twice a week. Have you heard of depression while being
on it?
Does it leak out?
@@tenbroeckpatterson396 No it does not
@@tenbroeckpatterson396 Actually it is the best of them all most are messy I found creams sticky and no relief This little pill is inserted with with it's own applicator you notice absolutely nothing. It did take me more than a month to feel relief now down to twice a week. Has been the easiest to use.
Your video was almost exact what I went through with the Pap test coming back inconclusive so I went back three months later and came back with very low estrogen so I’m on vagifem and putting Replens external moisturizer on the outside which really helped with the itching and burning! Thank you for your video.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for describing your symptoms and experience, and for all the information on GSM. I'm in very early post menopause, on HRT via low dose birth control pills, and might have this condition starting to develop, I'm not sure. I'll definitely be talking to my menopause doc about it when I see her for an HRT change in a couple months.
I’m happy I could share my experience. I hope all goes well with your appointment.
Thank you kindly, I needed this information. I’ve started today with the medication.
Good luck and I hope all goes well!
Excellent review! You were so great and answered my questions. Thank you!
So good women are talking about this. I have an RX for the cream, but haven't used it yet as I was waiting until after I came back from 2 vacations and the end of the school year. I've worked with a PT for pelvic floor including Kegel's and Hypopressive exercises. The hypopressives are what really changed things for me. Really helped my "sneeze pee" problem. I feel less nervous to try the cream now. Thanks.
I hope it goes well once you start it. Thank you for watching!
Just wanted to mention that the cream is different from the Vagifem tablets. The tablets are controlled at 10mg. I've read and been told that when using the cream, the mg can change each time, since there is really no way to use the exact same amount each time. Might be something to look into and speak with your doctor about. I would definitely try and use the safest product that will work. Please keep me updated.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 It's just topical not enough to be of concern can be used rest of your life
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859I just started on estrace generic (estradiol vaginal cream) and it’s been life changing! There is an applicator that comes with it that you screw the tube into and it measures it out perfectly. You insert like a tampon and done. I also use a tiny amount externally. I can’t believe the benefits I’ve had in under a month’s time!
If you’ve not already found Dr Heather Hirsch here on TH-cam definitely give her channel a look. She talks about their different forms of vaginal estrogens and her reasons for prescribing each type. She’s incredibly informative and very up to date of the most recent studies. I started HRT (patch and progesterone pill) but it wasnt until I started on Estradiol vaginal cream that I saw a major reduction of any symptoms. I didn’t realize how bad things were until they weren’t an issue any longer. It’s crazy that so many of us suffer and some of us don’t even realize it because it’s gradual.
I’ve never heard that explanation of the black box warning. What I always hear from providers is that that black box warning comes with systemic estrogen and should not be included on localized estrogen packaging. Menopause providers are lobbying to have that black box warning removed, but they have not been successful to date.
My doctor did say that they are trying to get that black box label removed because it is deterring women from using this product. He actually said that it makes him very upset. I think that is why asking questions and doing your own research is so important.
@joannepigliavento I had a hysterectomy at age 51. I started on an estrogen patch. Didn’t like it. They kept coming off and stuck to my clothes. Then I went on vagifem. I forget why I stopped that. I ended up using Divigel. It’s a clear gel that comes in tiny individual packets. My gyno put me on that because it goes directly into the bloodstream rather than having to go through the liver. Want to protect the liver. I went in knowing that these drugs can cause breast cancer just as every woman should know that the pill can, too. After showering every morning, I would rub this small amount of gel on my inner thighs. In 2020, I started using it less and less because it was actually a pain to rub it on after my shower. After about four days, I would feel the hot flashes coming on, so I would start using it again. This cycle went on until July of 2021 when I noticed a funky spot on my left breast. Then when I felt it, it was a definite lump. This was shocking because almost every day while I am showering, I check my breasts and armpits for lumps! Turned out to be breast cancer. I had a mastectomy on my left breast, several cancer containing lymph nodes removed, radiation, and now I’m taking an (get this!) anti-estrogen pill every day to rid my body of all estrogen! I thank God every day that I didn’t have to take chemotherapy, but I am on a very expensive “chemo” drug that I have to take twice a day. I wish I could go back and do it all over again. I would have gone through menopause as gracefully as I could. On top of everything, I’m going through menopause now! I just postponed it for seven years. The best and greatest advice I could give a woman is, take no estrogen in any form ever! Use coconut oil for intercourse, and after showering, rub a little Vaseline outside of your vagina for the itching. I’m now 61.
@@maggieg5719 I am very sorry to hear of the experience you had. I can totally understand why you would be upset. Was the doctor 100% sure the cancer was caused from the cream? That there was absolutely no way you could have gotten it even if you didn't use the cream? From what I've read, the cream is different from the Vagifem tablet because you can not 100% control the amount of cream you use, meaning the mg can change each time, while the Vagifem tablet is controlled at 10mg. In my case, the burning after being postmenopausal for 5 years, was horrible. I couldn't make it through my day without wanting to cry, the burning was so bad. After using Vagifem for 3 months, it has completely gone away. Now I use it only once a week instead of twice a week and after six months, I will stop taking it completely. Not sure if the burning will come back, I will cross that bridge when I get to it, but I am so thankful for not having to feel that constant burning any longer. I wish I knew if using Vagifem will eventually lead to cancer. But I have no way of 100% knowing that. Just like I have no way of 100% knowing if I would get breast cancer even if I never used Vagifem. It was good that you felt the lump and was able to do something about it before it spread. And I can only keep telling everyone woman who is using Vagifem to stay proactive by doing those self breast exams, going for the mammograms and the Pap Smears. And telling their doctor if they notice any changes or have any concerns. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and I wish you nothing but the best.
and that's not because they have good reason ... for us women there's no hurry!!
@@maggieg5719 I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that. I hope you’re doing well now! Thank you for sharing your story 😘
I finally broke down and started on Estrace. So far so good. I feel a bit unsure of not using Progesterone along with it. Thanks for your content!
You are very welcome. I think the best thing to do is just do your research and ask your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have. In so many of these cases, the benefits out weighs the risks.
I was told anything topical is not enough to cause concern
You need to stop listening to doctors they have no idea about HRT overall. Unless it's a specialist that has up to date knowledge and training.
I use the estrogen cream in a tube. I had a. Blood clot so I was weary as was my Dr. but my uro( I have IC and kidney stones) I have tried the vaga fem but stopped. The cream is much cheaper. It has helped So Much with uti’s itching and pain. I have pelvic pain disorder and it has helped so so much with that.I try to do once or twice a week. The cream and I’m sure vaga fem stays local so Uro’s recommend it even for people had blood clots and even from what heard breast even cancer. My mom had a pessery when she was older and She had Excruciating pain when the Dr. had to take it out and clean it and reinsert it. I was in with her at her appts. It was horrible to see the pain even with pain meds taken before.
HPV doesn't lead to ovarian cancer so don't worry about it.
I like them very much , they have helped immensely. But I wish they would dissolve a little faster. I insert it before bed and sleep a good 8 hours but sometimes still find the pill coming out. I have to insert it a little higher and that helps a lot.
I had that happen a few times as well.
Yes, likely not inserting deep enough Never had a problem, there's lots of room
Thank you for the video it was very reassuring and made me me feel not so nervous in trying the Vagifem. I will stay in touch with you channel and try and get in contact with other women who also suffer the same as I do. thank you again. Jenny Cartwright Melbourne Australia.
Please do. I just went back to my doctor the other day for an exam and he said that the lining definitely looks more healthy. I can feel that it does. I am going to try and stay on it and see how it goes.
Why would you be nervous about a localised estradiol that your vagina needs? You had estrogen up until your ovaries stopped producing as much. And also you produce hormones all over the body. People need to educate themselves on their bodies.
I’ve been using them for years. They are wonderful. No more vagina dryness and apparently it also helps with bladder prolapse etc.
When this is prescribed for you, Do you use it when in your menstrual period too,? or you omit days you menstruating.
We were very uneducated from our mums ref menopause. Told most of us hot flashes, periods stop might get moody. Nothing about uti , thrush, dryness, pain prolapses or infections. Please tell your daughters mums cause of dryness and uti . i got a small cancer lucky they managed to cut it out of bladder. 5th year remission now. Drink 2 litres of water a day too. Dehydrating and uti with thrush from time to time is bad. I have vagifem it helps but i would ask dr to test progesterone and testerone levels too. There is a kit you can check at home. And apparently there is a cream for vulva areas on the outside which help ref uti prevention. If blood in urine after menopause that is the sign of sonething else gett checked. and urine tested. If dry and thin skinned ask about Mona lisa to thicken the skin as well inside.
@@denisehitchens1418 Thank you for all of your wonderful advice!
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 I forgot the waistline apparently on my research no testorone cause thickening of the waist. We only need a little bit as we don't voice to deepen. But increases sex drive as well.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 I forgot to say prosterone test as well it comes in test kit . Lack of it is causes anxiety, depression, kidney trouble, osteoporosis which is handy to know. It is created for lining of vagina as well prevents bacteria disturbing and shredding the skin internally.. look how many woman have the later in life. if dry vagina high risk of these problems. Adrenals create it and the brain connected. . Dhea suppose to treat the three plus keep cortisol at bay.
Omg I get all of my prescription for i0 euros a month full time job as well . Really womens health should be more prioritised for those who can't afford prices
I totally agree!
I was just diagnosed with GSM this morning. I never heard of it before.
My issue was too frequent UTI’s. Put on prescription cream twice a week.
Will let you know how I do after a while.
I had a hysterectomy 22 years ago and now at 70 started having issues.
Please let me know how it goes. I hope you will be able to find much relief!
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 Thank you.
Thank you!
I have the burning at present it’s horrible but not as often now using vagifem
I would stick with the treatment. It can take awhile before you feel the full benefits.
Wow it’s expensive isn’t it. I use Estriol cream and it’s free on the nhs here in the uk for me because of my age but for paying patients it’s £9.90 for a whole tube of cream which lasts a long time. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you for watching
Thank you so much❤️
You are very welcome!
Look up sally Norton on her study. Could be oxalates.
Hi thanks for sharing this product. Im on the same product akso could you tell me if you have had any spotting like i have had using this .
Denise from England 🇬🇧
I did not experience as obvious spotting but I do know that can be a side effect. I would definitely ask your doctor about it though. Always better to be safe.
I have had regular cervical screening every two years...The last attempt a few weeks ago was just too painful. Intimacy is fine...No irritation. No UTI,s. Just a very painful cervical screening ..it wasn't possible to complete.
Did your doctor have any idea what might be causing it?
You might try asking the doctor if you can insert the speculum yourself if the problem was that insertion by the doctor hurt.
After 6 months using Vagifem, I began experiencing painful left breast. I also noticed short term memory loss, and episodes of intense anxiety. I would have anxiety attacks over little things that didn't bother me before . I also developed a blood clot in my leg , and had to take a course of blood thinners.
After a year of these issues with only minor improvements on vagifem, I decided to stop taking it. After two months, anxiety attacks stopped, no more blood clots, and breast pain gone.
However, I continue to suffer with symptoms of vaginal atrophy. My doctor wants me to try Vagifem again.I find it hard to believe the estrogen from Vagifem doesn't go throughout the body. If it remained in the vagina, then why are breasts , brain, and veins in legs affected.
@@Nancy-js5sy This is a question I have posed to my doctor as well, and I was told that because Vagifem is an ultra low dose of estrogen , very little of it would actually make it systemically throughout the body. However, a small amount may. I was also told that those side effects should subside once your body becomes used to the Vagifem. He also told me that it’s best to use the least amount for the least amount of time. I believe that every woman is going to be different in the sense that I have had women comment who have been on it for years and love it, and I have had women comment who have only been on it for a few months and hate it. So unfortunately, everybody is going to react differently and not everybody is going to see the results that they would like to. From my experience, I do believe that it is best to only use the least amount that will help with the vaginal atrophy rather than once a week. And I do believe that this extra estrogen can lead to some side effects. But, this is a decision that every woman would need to make for herself with the guidance of her doctor. I’m sorry that you did not have a good experience with it, and I know how frustrating it is to have the vaginal atrophy come back. I hope that you are doing well now, and have found something that will work better for you. Thank you so much for sharing your comment and for watching my video.
Great info! I didn’t even know about the capsules and ring. I’ve been using the cream at night. The problem is that when i awake in the morning to pee, the 1gm glob of cream just comes out. I know im putting it up far enough because i make sure the applicator damn near disappears into my vaginal canal before i insert the cream it, but it still comes out in the morning every time. I even lay down before inserting the cream but to no avail. Do you have this issue with the capsules other than the 1x you mentioned? Does the capsule fully dissolve? Let me know because i may switch.
I had it come out only one time, but I knew I didn’t insert it far enough after I did it. I try and lay down afterward to give it a little time to dissolve.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 so does it dissolve completely??
This was very informative. Thanks! If it does not get absorbed in the bloodstream, why do the breasts get tender?
That is a very good question and one that I posed to my doctor as well. The response I received was that, although it is an ultra low dose of estrogen, a small amount may still get into the bloodstream, and therefore cause symptoms like we would experience when on our period. However, I was told, and according to the research I’ve done, it is supposed to be a much safer route than taking an oral dose, where it systemically goes throughout the body. I was also told that once your body adjust to using it, the side effect, such as breast tenderness should go away as it did for me .Not sure if this helped to answer your question, but it is definitely something that you would want to discuss with your doctor before you decide to use it.
Is the oestrogen cream any better than the insert pills or can you use both ?
That I'm not sure but the insert pill seems to have very little side effects.
Thank You.
You're welcome
I also have this burning. It’s horrible. I’ve been using ice packs the last couple days. I’ve had this for years and it’s getting worse. Have estrogen patches and tried the cream but the cream burned bad. Want to try tablets. Don’t know my diagnosis yet
The burning was probably my worst symptom. I have been using the inserts for a couple of months now and it has made a huge difference. I just went back to the doctor the other day and he said my vaginal lining looks so much healthier. Hopefully you can give the inserts a try and they can help. But just keep in mind that it takes a good couple of months before you notice the changes. Also, just a FYI, when I first started using the tablets, it did burn a little after I inserted them but after weeks of using it, that has definitely declined. I still feel a little burning after inserting a table but it goes away after a few hours. Nothing like the burning I felt before using the inserts though.
cream burns like hell
@@healingwisdomarts Could you possibly get switched to the vaginal tablet? The tablet can burn some as well but after a few hours, at least in my case, it goes away.
Moisturizer and DHEA
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 The burning is due to raw skin and should stop after few min. I have the burning without using anything and have tried everything 4 yrs. now with no help. Now on gabapentin still burning.
Hi just turned 65 and discover this atrophy problem having a lot of itching at times my doctor put me on evening primrose and the use of coconut oil but am still itching
Have you checked with your doctor to make sure you don’t have a yeast infection? Usually a yeast infection will cause itching. And when you have the vaginal atrophy, yeast infections can be common because of the pH levels not being right. I would definitely check with your doctor about getting on some type of treatment..
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859vaginal atrophy can cause terrible itching. Burning and itching
لازم ترجمة بالعربي
Thank you
You are very welcome.
The Vagifem insert burned so very badly I had to stop it and use a cream which does not burn.
I think that is why they have the three options, so that if one product has too many side effects, a woman can try a different product. I am happy you found something that works. The Vagifem burns a little for me when I first insert it but within a couple of hours, it's fine. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this. I was prescribed both the cream and the pills on two separate occasions. After reading the insert and doing a little research, I discovered that Vagifem has only a 40% efficacy and plenty of risk.
Am curious as to why you use the word, “people” when the word you want is “women”. I don’t know any other than women who have this problem.
Looking forward to your update.
Th
Plenty of risk what do you mean it sounded very good and safe now Im confused again
I’ve used vagifem for a few years, it has helped, I still have UTI’s but feel less frequent with using vagifem
Thank you for your comment. I'm curious as to where you received your info regarding a 40% efficacy rate and plenty of risks. I suppose there will always be that one site that says something completely different from every other site. But those are the sites you need to be very careful believing. I have researched this product for months and relentlessly questioned my doctor about any risks. And what I have found is that it is most definitely a safe product to use due to the low dosage of estrogen that is being inserted into the vagina. That and the fact that it is not fully entering the blood stream as a oral pill would and you are only using it twice a week after your initial dosage. These are certainly questions you can address with your doctor for more reassurance and every "woman" can only make this decision for themselves. I will be doing a follow up video, now that I have been on it for over two months now. Thank you again for watching.
I’m not so sure this doesn’t fully enter the bloodstream. If I put a sublingual pill under my tongue, does that mean it doesn’t fully enter my bloodstream? I would ask multiple doctors if you are correct in your statement and do more research. I rubbed prescribed Divigel on my inner thighs and my gynecologist told me that it goes directly into the bloodstream. To me, thighs are like no wound at all; whereas, the vagina is like an “open” wound. If the Divigel can travel directly into my bloodstream through healthy, solid skin, wouldn’t a dissolving tablet in the vagina have even more of an effect? I liked your video. I think healthy discussions in the comment section are good.
This is edited after I finished watching the end of your video. The packaging or what you read online about all these feminine products will say they are safe and that it affects so few women negatively, until you are the “one”. You don’t want to ever receive that dreaded cancer diagnosis. You don’t ever want to be the one sitting in the waiting room for your turn at radiation, or while waiting for your appointment with your oncologist, seeing all the patients going back to “that room” (chemotherapy).
@sandrab601 Please read my reply to the comment above your comment.
So you end up having the burning all day?
The burning is so painful, sometimes have difficulty passing water even though I want to, difficulty trying to see dr.
If it gets bad enough and you can't get in to see a doctor, I would either go to urgent care or the emergency room. There is no reason for you to be in pain or to suffer. I would also let the doctor office know you are in pain and need to get an appointment asap.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 I have also tried that, answer was see your doctor.
Me too my wee dribbles out tho
It's all very well and helpful but all this is very very expensive, I'm a man and my wife has been suffering for years and I mean suffering it hurts me, we are not all made of money you see, we are from the UK and it doesn't help as we are so behind here.
Did your wife ask the doctor if there might be a good alternative? Once she gets situated with the Vagifem, she can try and go down to using it once a week opposed to twice a week. That could save money as well. Good luck.
I have this diagnose in post Menopause sbd im using Vagifem at the moment can cause gel like clear substance i saw this on the applicator i was wondering if this is normal
That is definitely something you would want to check with your doctor about, but once the tablet begins to melt, it can produce a gel like substance. Just to be on the safe side, I would mention it to your doctor.
I was unsure of how deep to insert, I may have been inserting too deep because didn’t seem like it’s working for the discomfort during sex. But you saying about an inch means I may have been inserting too deep.
I just went with what felt comfortable to me. Then I would try and lie down (which is why I would use at bedtime) to give it a chance to dissolve. I'm not sure how long you've been on it but it took a good six weeks for me before I felt any relief.
That's insane the price over there. Dreadful ripping people off.
I have a question do you have to insert the vagifem at night? I have been doing it in the afternoon.
You can do it anytime of the day, but I always did it at night so that I could give the tablet a chance to dissolve while I was lying down and sleeping. I was always so afraid I wasn't inserting it far enough, so I just didn't want it to end up falling back out.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 Thank you i will keep you posted
I don’t have atrophy yet but I just got in menopause, do you think I can prevent atrophy if I start using Vagifem now?
I don't think your doctor would prescribe it (it is by prescription only) if you didn't have it yet. There are over-the-counter treatments that you could try (I will do a video on that soon) and I also just did a video about how incorporating soy into your diet can also help. Do you go in for regular gyn visits for a pelvic exam and pap smear? If so, I would mention to your doctor that you are concerned about this and he can check your cervix when he does the pelvic exam and let you know if you are showing any signs of Vaginal Atrophy.
I just went to my doctor and he prescribed it without examining me. He said it’s not necessary. I am really concerned, I don’t know if I should start taking it or it’s too early.Should I wait until my symptoms are worse?
10mcg
Shocking ...
Have you gained any weight? Im only 36 n started on this for painful bladder syndrome x
I have not. Since the Vagifem stays local into the vagina, I don't think it should affect weigh but the oral dose might.
Can we purchase OTC ?
Vagifem is only available by prescription but there are OTC treatments for vaginal dryness that you can try. I would ask your doctor for any suggestions.
Has it been 3 months? Has it helped with pain during intercourse?
I have been on Vagifem for almost four months now and it has 100% helped me. I am not sexual active at this time so I'm not sure about intercourse, but I have read and heard that it also helps tremendously with that as well.
Vaginal atrophy just keeps getting worse.
Are you currently on any treatments?
Did your symptoms go away?
It took 6 weeks before I finally felt relief and continuing to take as directed, so far my symptoms have not come back.
@@thatmiddleagedlady3859 in your other video you said you wanted to stop eventually. Did you stop and if you have did your symptoms come back? Please let us know if it ever does.
Thank you.