AIBU to wish I had known sooner about vaginal oestrogen cream?

Did anyone start bleeding after starting on the gel? I don’t really have periods (I have the coil) just some spotting every now and again. Today about a week or two after starting the gel I’ve started bleeding, not super heavy or anything but much more like a period then I’ve had in years

I’ve just started on Bissell Gel.

I’ve been getting recurring UTIs, dryness, pain after sex for well over a year. Asked my old GP if it could be peri, male GP smirked and almost laughed and said no. Gave me more anti-biotics.

I’ve had an urology referral who said one more UTI and he will be give me a long course of antibiotics. And waiting for a gynae referral (over a year now).

I moved a few months ago so have a new GP, a new UTI this week, new GP, I’ll give you antibiotics to clear it but have you considered it’s your age and likely linked to peri / menopause. Yes, yes I have and my GP laughed! She’s like, I’ll prescribe you this gel and I’m sure your UTIs will end and you won’t need the long course from the consultant.

WTF, how can it be so hard!

seriously do not mess around with the crem get insertable slow release like estring.
90 day
makes so much difference
cream is messy and dosage variable

Lycahealth

I had a hysterectomy aged 47 and was given HRT patches. Then the itching, bleeding after sex and UTIs started…I was given a raft of antibiotics and this would last a month before I was back with another infection. My game changing moment was when I saw a female locum instead of my usual GP. She asked about my symptoms and then asked if she could examine me. She said I was suffering from atrophy and no wonder I had all these symptoms. She prescribed vagirux and it was truly revelational!!! She said all women 40+ should be offered it and I can take it for life.

Yes…best thing ever! I am 4 years post menopause and early 50s. I’ve been on oestrogen patches twice a week and recently increased to 100. I also had nightly progesterone but this was not working for me as I need a snack at night! So my doctor said to insert them. I was still having issues with pain, dryness, itchiness so I got the cream too. Issues disappeared overnight!

I think you have to be over 50 and (or?) not had a period for a year to get it over the counter.

Look up the rules before you go or buy online so you know what to say (or not to say) to the pharmacist to get it.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/rmm/3112/Document

estring

I have been prescribed Estriol with the applicator. It has made a huge difference for me.

I use Ovestin, 0.1% oestrogen cream that comes with an applicator. Some women prefer the vaginal oestrogen tablet type pessaries

That's bad but good to know you were sorted.
What private medics did you access ?

sorry but what is it I would actually ask the dr to prescribe?

The cream has the advantage that you can rub it over your vulva which also benefits from extra oestrogen. The concentrated oestriol is not that messy as just about 0.5g/ time

I just give the end of my applicator and tube a wipe with my finger after Ive cleaned it. My vagina and vulva aren’t that grubby. I am more concerned about not using it before sex as my husband’s penis doesn’t need extra oestrogen. I tend to apply it before getting dressed for that reason

YANBU op. It has been life changing.

I went through surgical menopause. If I’d known about Ovesse from the start, I might not have had the problems I now have. Appalling that I’ve had to learn about it off TikTok!

It has not only reduced flare ups of Lichen Sclerosis and reduced urge incontinence, it has even improved my orgasms!

Just to update on this, if you’re using the applicator, you may be missing out on the benefits of the cream for your urethra, labia, clitoris and perineum in general so do consider applying there too.
And on the box warning for cancer - these have been scientifically debunked and some docs are campaigning to have them updated.

Did you look through your test results yourself? To be fair my GP also marked me as "no further action" but when I actually reviewed my own blood test results I noted that my FSH results were through the roof which is a sign of Peri and I went back to them and pointed this out and they then sent me to the specialist.

@cupfinalchaos No!!!! I'm sure the info says do not use hot water.

The only part of the tube that needs cleaning is the outer tube. The inner tube doesn't touch your skin in the same way.

You can just hold both parts under a running tap and with a slow flow you can get the water into the tube(s) and it runs right through.

If you must clean it more than that just use a cotton bud or a scrunched piece of tissue in the end.

It' s not dirty anyway - it's just been inside you.

I have started using it but I feel like it’s giving me thrush?

A narrow bottle brush, possibly designed for boba straws. I simply use it to scrub both parts with warm water and leave them to air dry. Each tube comes with a new applicator, so I bin the old one. Never had any issues as a result.

Thank you!

I have a jug I use only for cleaning them. I soak in boiled water and repeat until the water is clear and not cloudy from the cream residue. Takes very little time.

I have no idea how that awful giff got there. It’s quite worrying. I’ve tried to remove it myself but can’t so I’ve reported. I’d be grateful if you could do the same.

I was passed from hospital department to a different department with scans etc whilst taking antibiotics every couple of months for the UTI’s. Then a different GP (woman) suggested this may be the problem. It depresses me to think back how I was always waiting for a call back from the GP at work and struggling into work every day with a UTI when it was so unnecessary.