Ovestin cream application advice

[Lilith84]

I'm seeking advice from people who have experience with ovestin cream. My GP prescribed it recently for vaginal dryness and frequent UTI symptoms. I'm having such difficulty in applying it using the applicator as I find it really uncomfortable. The first two nights I managed to put it in but even after I pressed the plunger thing, when I took it out I noticed some cream was still inside the applicator. Tonight I found it so uncomfortable trying to insert the applicator that in the end I gave up. I had put some lubricant on the outside of the tube but it didn't really help. Has anyone figured out an easier way to apply this cream? Thanks.

You could try just using your finger, although that won't get as much in as the applicator as it will tend to 'sit' at the entrance. But it might get you started. Is it a long time since your periods stopped/ have you ever used tampons recently?

Thanks for your reply. I was thinking the same re: finger. I haven't had periods in a good few years because I'm on the mini pill which never takes a break. Was put on it due to high blood pressure. I don't know if I'm perimenopausal or anything, I'm 38. But things haven't felt right down there for a long time, it's so dry, constant UTIs and sex painful. When GP attempted to examine with speculum last week it was so painful she had to stop. Have referral for TV ultrasound but wanted to make a go of this cream for a few weeks first in hopes it would make that easier. The GP suspected I would find the ultrasound extremely painful as things stand based on exam last week. It's all very upsetting tbh. To answer your question re: tampons, I never really used them. I always used sanitary pads when I had periods.

Why not ask your GP for Vagifem? It's a tiny pessary and although I've not used it, I think the applicator is like a small match stick. Some women use Vagifem inside and ovestin outside. There is also a newer version of Vagifem with a different name, which doesn't use a plastic applicator- might be paper.

Are you being referred for a TVS for a particular reason? It's true that you will need some improvement first before they scan you. If it's necessary you can also buy (be prescribed?) dilators of various sizes that you can use yourself to help increase the 'stretchability', but you need to use the topical estrogen first.

Thanks for advice. When I was with the GP she mentioned pessaries and cream so I thought that's what I'd be getting but then the prescription that was sent to pharmacy only had cream on it so I don't know.

TVS ref is because I had a CT Urogram to check kidneys etc for any issues causing frequent stubborn UTIs, abdominal pains etc and that came back clear. GP then thought it would be worth checking for ovarian cyst (this was also mentioned to me at A&E as a possibility). Presume it'll check for fibroids as well. I'm nearly sure something will show up in that scan - things haven't felt right down there for a long time. In hindsight I wish I'd gone to a gynaecologist ages ago but live and learn I guess. Thanks again for your advice.

I went for an abdomen and pelvic ultrasound late last year. While I was there the lady (sorry don't know her medical name) asked to do a TV scan which showed 2 very large fibroids in my womb that prevented her from seeing one of my ovaries. The TV procedure itself was absolutely fine, they stopped if I asked them to and gave me a break. I could easily have one again and I'm a coward, it was far easier than having a smear. I also have frequent UTIs and am currently suffering but I couldn't stand have a TV scan at the moment, id have to wait till the uti had cleared up a bit. I'm convinced the fibroids are causing the frequent UTIs but my gp just wants me to wait to see if the menopause naturally shrinks them. They said there is medication to shrink them but usually give it to people who suffer heavy periods and I hardly ever have a period now (I'm 54). Sorry not much help, just wanted to say I sympathise with you.

I hope @Lilith84 that your will be tested for early menopause as it sounds as if you may be suffering. it's hard when you are using oral contraception but you need a referral to a gynae to discuss all of this.

The infections are a common thing with vaginal atrophy- which isn't really just that, it's the whole bladder thing as well, as low estrogen allows bacteria to catch hold more easily because the pH of the tissues is out of synch and also everything is just dry and thin.

You can have an abdominal US to check your ovaries although a TVS gives a better picture , and you don't need a full bladder for it.

I hope you get some answers, but, seriously, get yourself checked out for early menopause which will be through blood tests.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I've seen lots of people say the TVS is much easier than a smear, think I'm just worried cos even the applicator is too much for me at the moment for whatever reason. Hopefully if I can master putting in the cream then scan will be more comfortable.

I feel your pain with the UTIs they're so uncomfortable. GP gave me every possible antibiotic last year and none did anything. Eventually she found a solution that worked. She gave me two oral tablets for thrush and a one off antibiotic sachet called Monuril. Had to take one thrush tablet and the sachet first day and then second thrush tablet a few days later. Instant relief. Found the Monuril the best of all, would it be worth trying for you?

Something that worked for me recently with a new UTI was these tablets called Utipro Plus they're available in Boots and probably other chemists. They're being promoted as a good alternative to antibiotics, GP told me there's a lack of evidence for them but they seemed to really work for me! Took two tabs twice a day for five days and the UTI cleared. I was able to check as I have test kit and it went from a strong positive to negative. Hope this helps you.

Hope the fibroids do shrink. My older sister and mom both had them before, I know they were treated but must ask them how.

Thanks so much @JinglingHellsBells really appreciate the advice. Makes complete sense as you explain it. Determined to get this sorted.

Thanks so much for the kind words and the recommendation of Utipro plus. I'll be heading to Boots this afternoon!

You're welcome @MRSAHILL fingers crossed they work for you. Let me know how you get on. I think it was Day 3 of taking them before I saw an improvement but all clear by Day 5. Failing this, maybe give the Monuril one off sachet a go. It's OTC in Spain and France but prescription only in Ireland unfortunately. Best of luck and hope you feel better soon.