Ovestin cream - a few questions

[dancingqueen123]

I've been prescribed some to try.
Pharmacist says to use every other day.
What happens if you want to have sex? Should you wait until afterwards?
Also, will I use the tube then stop? Or is it something you usually use forevermore?

Use when needed.
I presume it's for atrophy, you will always need to use it.
Everybody is individual, so work out how much, inside or outside or both.
Vagifem I find, is better, but try the cream. It can sting for a while on each application, then is fine.

It’s best to wait till after sex before applying the oestrogen cream. As a guide it generally takes about two hours for the active ingredient to absorb. If you experience any irritation when using the cream mixing it with a little moisturiser like Yes OB can help. The cream can be used both externally on the vulva and internally in the vagina.

Regarding how long to use it that depends on why you’ve been prescribed it. If it’s vaginal atrophy due to postpartum breastfeeding usually symptoms improve when you stop breastfeeding so you no longer need the cream. If vaginal atrophy due to menopause then treatment is long-term as if stopped then symptoms tend to come back. If it helps then it should be put on repeat.

Doc said to just put it on not inside
But chemist has said inside 🤷🏻‍♀️
It's for peri menopause, pain during/after sex

Think I'll just out it where it hurts!

Oh good grief. It's appalling that a GP doesn't know how it's used.

It is for internal use primarily- hence the applicator.

You can also use it externally.

It's licensed for vaginal atrophy- only saying this to point out your GP ought to know.

You use it every day for 14 days as the leaflet says.

Then, it's twice a week but some women need to use it more often.

If you stop, symptoms will come back. VA doesn't 'go away' and it's lifelong treatment.

Sex- use it afterwards or it won't be absorbed very well during the 'action'.

It won't harm your partner if you use it before (I asked my consultant this) but it just won't be very effective for you.

Thanks jingling 💛
It was a gynaecologist!!

Just use it where you need it, there are estrogen receptors all over the genitals.

Re how often to use it, there are guidelines using the 2 week loading dose then x2 week but this doesn’t suit everyone. Often women find symptoms return when they reduce it down. Some women are very sensitive and the loading dose doesn’t suit. Suggest you be guided by how you feel.

If you’re having painful sex ensure you use lube (Yes WB & OB, Sylk or Sutil). Semen can change the vaginal PH and cause irritation and can sometimes help to use condoms with water based lube.

I'm not dry
Don't use condoms. DH has had a vasectomy
It's just a sore pain triggered by sex

They’re just suggestions that other women who get pain triggered by sex have found useful regardless of whether condoms are needed for contraception. Sex can cause friction which can then cause vaginal microtears in the thinner, weaker tissue due to low estrogen leading to pain after sex.

Thank you @over50andfab

what can I say?😨

They may be getting confused with the pessary form of estrogen called Vagifem. That has to be inserted.

and some women use Vagifem internally and Ovestin on their vulva.

But Ovestin works both ways.

The pain you have is caused by shrinkage of the vaginal walls and loss of elasticity. The cells lining the vagina change without enough estrogen. This is why lube etc is just a temporary fix but vaginal estrogen changes the cells back to their 'plump' state.

Dryness is a bit of a confusing term. Many women still produce lubrication, but their vaginas are still getting smaller and the skin more fragile.

Hope the treatment helps. Don't expect a really quick fix- it might take a few weeks.

@JinglingXmasbells i think I definitely need more oestrogen!