Vagifem versus Ovestin

[bananaskin123]

I've suffered from vaginal atrophy now for some years. Started when I thought I had repeated bouts of cystitis. Was started on Ovestin cream by a urologist which was a life saver. Did the recommended course. Finished and had about 18 months with no problems. Saw GP, started full course again and have continued over the years using it once a week as a maintenance dose. GP checked with local gynae who said it was safe to do so but maybe try Vagifem. I had a pack of this at home but as Ovestin seemed to be keeping things at bay decided to continue with this. Been feeling like I had a bout of cystitis, peeing frequently and all the other symptoms but I'm now wondering if Ovestin cream is becoming ineffective so much so that this morning I decided to start the Vagifem but will make an appointment with the GP to discuss further.

Just longing to feel comfortable "down there" again! Any advice greatly appreciated re swapping one for the other.

They are different. Without checking online, I think one is estriol and one is estrodiol- and Vagifem is the stronger one.

If you were happy with Ovestin maybe increase the dose? The maintenance dose is 2 x a week, not once. Some women use it daily. Others use it for 14 days, daily, once in while to get back to the baseline they had at first, then go back to 2 x a week.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'completed the course'. The symptoms don't go away if you stop- you need to use it all the time, forever. If your GP is saying do 2 weeks then a few weeks more, this is incorrect. The newest advice is to use it indefinitely. 90 yr old ladies do!

I prefer Vagifem personally, you need to do a two week load and then go on a maintenance dose and as Polly says it won't go away and life time treatment may be needed.
It is quite safe to use every day if needed, my meno specialist informed my reluctant GP that even at that dose it is only equivalent to one systemic HRT tablet a year.
Do keep up the treatment or things will get worse.

I have used Ovestin it has been fantastic my symptoms had got so much better and I began to sleep better. However, my next prescription was Estriol and my symptoms have returned with avegence. Symptoms of bladder problems insomnia I’m desperate. Why do the drs give you cheaper versions of the cream ? They obvious not the same ingredients or poor quality.