To be REALLY EXCITED about starting Ovestin Cream (TMI warning)?

[MrsCardone]

I am in my fifties and post-menopausal. I am married to someone quite a bit younger. I went through menopause a few years back but didn't have any symptoms so did not go on HRT.

Since then, our sex life has gone downhill. Sex became more and more uncomfortable to the point where I started dreading it. We have only had sex twice in 2 years and the last time my labia was so dry and thin that it actually tore .

Anyway, I took myself off to the doctors and she has prescribed me Ovestin Cream. I am so excited to try it. She said it will help with the vaginal dryness and also some will seep into my bloodstream so I'm guessing (she didn't actually say this) that I will start to feel a bit happier.

Has anybody else used this cream? Did it work? I would really like to hear some good experiences if people don't mind sharing. Thanks.

I have the same issue, skin tears really easily, it's horrid isn't it. Fingers crossed we get some positive responses!

@caketiger Are you also using the cream?

She said it will help with the vaginal dryness and also some will seep into my bloodstream so I'm guessing (she didn't actually say this) that I will start to feel a bit happier

I don't think that's how it works! You might get more help on the Menopause board in the Health section.

@AmanitaRubescens Thanks, I didn’t know there was a Menopause board.

I have used Ovestin cream for years and it is amazing; it has helped with my dryness and even stops me getting so many utis and thrush. But it is such a low dose it won’t do anything to your blood results / have an effect systemically. If that’s what you’re after you’d need proper HRT - oestrogel and utrogestan probably - ask your GP or see a menopause specialist. Newson health clinic website has lots of free information.

You can only use ovestin 2/3 times a week so I use Replens (on prescription or you can buy it) on the days in between- it’s non hormonal. The first few weeks you use it you might get some white clumping, that’s very normal and the dead skin cells renewing themselves. After that it should stop.

I think both creams are really good. I am 40 and in early menopause due to autoimmune issues.

(I know the Ovestin doesn’t change blood results because they always say it’s okay for me to keep using it when I have my many blood tests for other things as the dose is so low).

@Bagelsandbrie Thanks for posting, it's good to know it works for other people. I will have a look at Newson Health and also Replens. Thank you.

Is the cream to be used with Vagifem pessaries or instead of?

@AmanitaRubescens

Is the cream to be used with Vagifem pessaries or instead of?

Instead of. They both do the same thing and both contain oestrogen.

Although saying that I guess if you wanted to you could use the Ovestin around the vulva / external area and the vagifem inside (with Ovestin you load an applicator with the cream and insert it but you can also apply it externally as well to help with dryness which is why I like it).

[quote MrsCardone]@Bagelsandbrie Thanks for posting, it's good to know it works for other people. I will have a look at Newson Health and also Replens. Thank you.[/quote]

I am not but I have an appt with menopause clinic Coming up and am planning on discussing it then. I've found the vulva changes really distressing.

@caketiger I am 3 days in and I can already feel a difference. I am not sure if it is a case of placebo affect, but my libido has returned. I haven't tried DTD yet as I am still a bit scared. But definitely the dryness has gone, so I am hoping it will not be as uncomfortable as it has been.

Ovestin works well for me but I find the applicator virtually impossible to clean and would be interested if others find that aspect a problem.

Ovestin was prescribed to me due to urinary problems, but it was a bonus that I’ve discovered it to be helpful in keeping my lady parts soft and comfortable. I also use “Sylk” lubricant on occasion when needed… especially in longer lasting sexual activity.
I’m in my sixties and my OH is also younger than I, so I can appreciate that you feel more confident if you’re at ease before DTD, as well as during.
To keep the applicators clean, I secure them in a netting bag, and put them in with the “whites” when using the washing machine. I found that manually washing them was woefully inadequate, and it felt unsterile not to be able to wash the thick cream out properly.
Hope it makes all the difference to how you enjoy your sex life, coz otherwise it can make you feel pretty awful, and can affect your mood throughout the day.

@Poetrypatty

Ovestin works well for me but I find the applicator virtually impossible to clean and would be interested if others find that aspect a problem.

I find the best way is to fill the sink with hot soapy water and leave it to soak for about 10 mins and then give it a good swish about and then rinse. Obviously don’t do it if you have people hanging around…! I tend to do it when I’m in the shower.

Thank you Bagelsandbrie

And Rawmum30 will give both methods a try