sudden allergy to ovestin?

[EllenRipley]

Has anyone become allergic or irritated by ovestin after using it for a while? The very problem I was successfully using it to treat (sore urethra!) has come back with a vengeance. I've attacked it from all sides so far: antibiotics in case of uti, thrush treatment (oral pill, cream & pessary) and various gels for BV & thrush. The problem remains. I had thought maybe I needed a bit more of the cream (I reckon my oestrogen levels are getting even lower - no period for months, starting to get hot flushes throughout the day) but it seems to make the problem worse every time I use it. I'm scunnered! I'm going on holiday soon and frankly I want to leave my ladybits at home. Don't know if it's worth another trip to doc or whether to see if, after all the antiBs and antifungals, I should try let things settle for a bit. Thanks in advance for any advice!

I’ve just started using this and feel so much better already. Please go back to your doctor , there are lots of other treatments . You deserve to feel better

Thanks @Wonkydonkey44
I'm glad it's helped you! I've been using it for over a year with no problems, it's been brilliant. So annoyed I might have to find something else.

I have found that sometimes for no apparent reason, it irritates. This is often when I have 'overdone ' it ( used it every other day.) I have no idea why or how this happens now and then but my thinking is that sometimes it does (if there has been a gap of not using it OR using it too much.) It does settle down eventually.

Your dr will not be able to help- sorry but most don't have a blinking clue about all of this.

There IS no other treatment - except Vagifem which ime of reading forums, many women find more irritating as it's a stronger form of estrogen.

If you are having other signs of peri now- flushes etc- it's def worth thinking about using HRT as well as vaginal cream.

Maybe try using half the dose for a week or so and see how that goes? Assume you are inserting it and not just applying outside?

thanks Jingling, actually just managed to get a doc's appt and yes, you're right - pretty much useless! Tho she was a trainee GP, and very nice. She (unfortunately for her) examined me with speculum etc and said everything looked normal. I handed in a urine sample and swab though very much doubt anything will show up. She recommended staying off the cream for now, which I will probably do (though am concerned the good it has done will now deplete and add to the problem!). Or might try as u suggest - do you mean once a week instead of twice, or twice a week using half dose?. I have been using it internally but also started dabbing a bit on the urethral opening, which would normally help but now instead seems to make the sore sensation worse. I didn't bother asking about vagifem, it does sound like it's a less than ideal alternative.
Need to consider HRT... the flushes aren't really an extreme bother right now. I actually had started using a 'natural' fermented soy & magnesium supplement and it made a massive difference but I've stopped since this flare up in case it was causing it! It's all so bloody confusing and annoying...

I'd stop using it externally as it might irritate' It's not usually the estrogen in it, but the actual cream base that can be the issue.

I'd try half the dose 2 x a week.

There is some research showing if you insert this stuff lower down- so not the full depth of the applicator- it gets to the bits it needs to- bladder and urethra- more easily.

1:4 women need vaginal stuff as well as HRT so you might be someone who gets on with both even though it 's the VA that's more of an issue now.

Hope your hol goes ok!

Thanks so much @JinglingHellsBells, will try the reduced dose - tho slightly scared to put it anywhere near my bits! Will keep it internal. I'd heard that about applying it lower down too, it makes sense.

Going to have a chat with my GP about HRT etc when I return. I've also just bought some 'Yes VM' gel which is meant to be really good, though I've not noticed any difference so far. Kind of resigned myself to a somewhat hindered holiday but maybe the sunshine will do my fanjo some good!

@EllenRipley I seem to have the same problem. Was wondering if you ever found out what was wrong and did you find a cure?

Hi @Clara905 , what's your issue: irritated by Ovestin or urethra problems?

Thsnks for replying! My urethra is burning all the time and I have the urge the pee constantly. Started in July and assumed it was just a uti but all clear. There's no infection so they think it's dryness due to perimenopause, but I'm not sure as I'm 41 with no other perimenopause symptoms. I've done 10 days of vagifem and a bit of ovestin on the outer bits, but I'm no better. It's driving me crazy.

Oh nooooo, you have my sympathies!

I wouldn't completely rule out something hormonal going on, so I would stick with the topical estrogen for a month or two in case it's a case of healing and getting inflammation under control. I found that as soon as I was peri, that's when things flared up, and weren't always directly related to 'just hormones'.
I'm going to be thorough so excuse length - I feel obliged to (over)share because I know how awful this can be and I've read the entire internet on the subject. Apologies if I'm suggesting stuff you've already done!

• 'biofilm' infection - bacteria that's sticking to the lining of bladder/urethra, not picked up by dipstick or lab culture. So you need something to break down bacterial film - I have used monolaurin, lactoferrin and uva ursi. This was ages ago, when I think there was a low level infection and it seemed to work.
• other herbs that def help bladder stuff: buchu, couchgrass, cornsilk, marshmallow. The latter three 'coat' the lining and can help with the stinging/inflammation.
• urology referral - I had this a couple of years ago - turned out had a 'stricture'/scar tissue, so underwent dilation procedure. This, in combo with the ovestin (have also used vagifem), really helped. If you haven't had urology referral already, might be worth asking GP.
• treat yourself for thrush and bacterial vaginosis, even if no obvious symptoms. I've used the usual otc canesten stuff, as well as products called multigyn actigel and bio-activ. All good for one's ladybits. Also bear in mind that the estrogen creams can cause thrush. There's also a great vaginal moisturiser called Yes which is very soothing including for outside bits.
• avoid the usual scented stuff (sanitary towels, soaps etc)I switched to organic cotton tampons etc.
• keep hydrated - if your bits are drying out, dehydration can cause more pronounced symptoms.
• if you're continuing to use topical estrogen, apply the cream internally, low down near vaginal opening, kind of adjacent to where your urethra sits - estrogen will go more directly to urethra.

I've just had another flare up and am waiting on urology referral again to see if stricture is back! I know it's def hormonal because I'm nearly fifty, have about two periods a year and am hot flushing like a maniac so my estrogen is def on it's way out. I bit the bullet with the Ovestin cream and after a reloading dose, I'm now applying it directly to urethral opening, and it's really helped.

I hope at least some of that has helped! Happy to answer anything else. Hopefully it's simply some inflammation and if you attack the problem from a few directions, it'll clear up.
X

Thank-you so much for your lengthy reply, I've taken everything you said onboard.. and now have a urology referral!! Really hope I'll get some answers. Doing vagifem and Yes moisturiser too. It's the hardest thing I've had to deal with in my whole life. X

Hi, I landed on this thread after googling 'ovestin allergy'. I was treated for a bladder infection a couple of months ago. Am still dealing with flare-ups (urgency, burning, ache) despite several tests coming back negative for a UTI. I'm wondering now if it's the HRT that is causing me to flare up. Also wondering about biofilms and whether this is why the urine tests aren't picking anything up. It's all such a mystery and a slow process of elimination. I have an appointment to see a urologist this week and have been desperate enough to go private.
I see this thread was active a while back and would love to know how you are all getting on now and if you have any fresh advice to offer. Thank you!

I had all the symptoms you had and Vagifem fixed it all. I didn't use Ovestin (doc thought it was too messy) but Vagifem pessaries worked wonders, so please give the local oestrogen pessaries a try. Not sure how old you are, but I was 41 when my awful burning urethra and fake UTI symptoms started (but no infection ever found). Discovered it was actually down to Perimenopause and low oestrogen. I was a bit shocked as thought I was a bit young but doc said very normal in the 40's. Please ask for local oestrogen pessaries to try instead of cream.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I will ask my doc for the pessaries instead. I'm 51 and menopausal. I did have a UTI back in January but test after test shows negative and I'm just left with symptom flare-ups. It amazes me how difficult it is to get to the bottom of these issues.

I'm really glad to read that you found a solution to your issue. I echo your sentiment from a previous post - this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with. Wishing you all the best and continued excellent health.

Don't worry, they work a treat & I'm sure you'll be completely back to normal very soon.

Bumping because I am going through hell. Have been on vagifem and ovestin and patches for a while now but am still so sore. It’s 24/7 I used to get a bit of a break in the mornings but now it’s all the time and burns. No itch. Was wondering if I am reacting to the ovestin. Could be anything. I’m on antibiotics but they are not touching it and the urine test showed only some Leukocytes. The only time it doesn’t hurt is during my period.

I found Ovestin burny too. I just use Vagifem now, twice weekly and some water based vaginal moisturiser.

Quick update in case it's useful. I ended up being diagnosed by a urologist with a chronic UTI in my bladder. Am now having the appropriate treatment. It's not something many doctors seem familiar with and doesn't show up on urine tests - hence the negative results – but if anyone is interested I'd be happy to share more details.

@MaiaAd2 this sounds very interesting , currently having lots of issues myself , I'm glad you've got a diagnosis ,.may I ask what your treatment entails ?

Hi, of course @Maltybiscuit . I am currently on long-term antibiotics (not ideal I know, but necessary) and I also take a Hiprex tablet twice a day.
I am under the care of a clinic on Harley Street that dedicates itself specifically to the issue I have. Luckily, I found a GP who is willing to prescribe my meds on the NHS. Feel free to ask me anything else you like either on here or PM me.
I'm sorry you're having issues. Hope you feel better really soon.

@MaiaAd2 thanks I'll PM you

Just found this thread and wondered how you ladies are doing.
Been struggling with that burning sensation, told it was atrophy and given vagifem. After a couple of days I became sore and the itching was awful, after 10 days I could no longer cope. Dr then put me on ovestin, same reaction. After telling me to stop hormone treatments they want to try me on clobetasol, a very strong steroid, to cure the itching. I said pointless if I've stopped using the medications that caused the itching. Then the diagnosis changed to lichen sclerosus, which I have absolutely no symptoms of, no white skin patches, tearing or lumps apart from being in pain which could be attributed to atrophy or a multitude of things. I am absolutely at my wits end, and would appreciate any advice.

Are you using a good vaginal moisturiser for inserting the Vagifem (Yes water based is good, is soothes the tissues very well). I had about a month of use before I felt the benefit of Vagifem, so possibly keep going til symptoms settle? It took a while. Hope you feel normal soon. X

Thanks for the reply. I'm pleased things have helped you. Tbh I haven't been told anything about anything, certainly the first I've heard about using lubrication first, getting anything other than a prescription out of my gp's would help when you do get to see them. They've already taken me off the vagifem, the ovestin is what I would have been on now. I've basically been in tears since starting these medications, can't sit down, standing up hurts, I can't sleep and there's nothing I've tried helps. I wish I hadn't started with this, the existing pain was far more bearable than this. Seriously thinking of a wire brush, it can't possibly be worse.

Not sure how old you are, but if you're 40plus and in the perimenopause or menopause years it does sound just like vaginal atrophy.

The treatment is local estrogen so ovestin or vagifem. That horrible burning will subside once the tissues have enough estrogen again. These 2 estrogen treatments work, but takes a month or so of use and sometimes 2weeks where you use then every single night until the discomfort fades. You then use then forever.