Anyone on Vagifem?

[ChaliceAlice]

Hello, after a visit to the gynaecologist, I have been prescribed Vagifem for VA.

If you take this medication, do you mind sharing your experience of it please.

I hate the idea of the long stabby looking applicator!

The applicator just looks so stabby and long. I'm having flashbacks to my nans knitting needles.

I’ve been on it for a year now. I can’t have regular HRT due to endometrial cancer but they are happy for me to use this. I wouldn’t be able to have sex without it and I know when I’ve missed a dose. The trick is not to insert too far. I agree the applicator is a bit thin and stabby!

@ChaliceAlice You don't have to use the applicator, if you can manage without. Just try it with your finger.

I find it best used at night

I've been on it for 6 months. I was prescribed after seeing a urinary gynecologist. I was having the most awful recurring cystitis, passing blood etc. Nearly always after sex. She said I looked very sore down there, skin inflamed, thin etc. Literally gave me no natural resistance to infection and was the perfect environment for the bacteria to breed. Since using Vagifem I've been far more comfortable down there and not a hint of any infection. Been such a relief!

The applicator isn't that bad, I find it more uncomfortable putting a tampon in, and I was told to do it at night, after my last wee, as it stays in your vagina abit longer.

I was having many , many UTIS so put on Vagifem. It really has made a difference.

I use it daily, had to get a bit firm with my GP who wanted me to use it twice a week.
From some nights getting up every hour for a wee to now managing 7/8 hours without needing to go.
I use the vagifem, I was once prescribed vagirux but I've got arthritic hands and struggled to use the tablet without dropping it.
I box up the used applicators and put them in the recycling.
I saw someone on Facebook who uses them for labelling seedlings which made me laugh.

It's great. The Heineken of medicaments...refreshes the parts...

Hi. I've been prescribed vagirux too. Haven't started it yet but having read this thread I'm keen to do so. Im also on patches (75) and progesterone tablets for days 15-26. Should I start my initial 14 days of vagirux after finishing with the progesterone or doesn't it matter? The box seems to suggest it doesnt matter but seems odd to me.

Also a separate question... can I have sex with my husband when I'm taking the tablets or should I try to make sure we only do that on the off days?

😂😂😂😂

We don't have sex on the days I use it, apparently a slight chance it could get stuck on the end his penis and I assume that wouldn't be a good thing!!

I'm so glad to have found this thread. The GP has confirmed peri with blood tests a few weeks back but it's been going on for years. Im 47 now. I finally decided enough was enough with the needing to per sensation when I'd only just been it was walking downhill and the post wee escapes as soon as I bent forward to take off my shoes or pick something up. I am fed up of wearing party liners and smelling urine. It's made me feel dirty and upset. So she's referred me to the Women’s physio and prescribed vagifem due to an anterior prolapse. I know it's very common but I found it quite upsetting. Maybe that confirmation that I'm getting old and things are slowing down in there. My last period was April. Hot flushes are now distrusting my sleep a little bit aren't bad really. Will the vagifem really help with the stress incontinence and prolapse? I've found your comments really reassuring but no one has mentioned a prolapse so I'm not sure it will.

Just pooping back on to say that it's a miracle hormone and since starting it on Friday night I have t had so much as a drop of leakage. Fir any woman reading this and feeling embarrassed or ashamed about leakage please see your GP. I wish I'd done it months ago. I might have s dance around tomorrow and see how they goes. I've not even worn a panty liner today. I forget to put one on and it's liberating.

That's interesting. I used Vagifem for a few months, but then I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.......once all that was sorted I was told to stop using it because it was contra-indicated. 🤔

@CointreauVersial I had to beg for it to be prescribed. Yes it is contra indicated, but the dose is really, really low. Something like a whole year of Vagifem is equivalent to one patch or something.

I was finding sex really painful and it was affecting my relationship with DH so my consultant was willing to let me try. I’m not on any other HRT though.

@CointreauVersial CointreauVersial I don't think it is contraindicated after endo cancer- not now anyway. It's even possible for women to take HRT after endo cancer, if it was caught early (Stage 1) . Have you sought another opinion?

I've just been swapped to vagirux and was delighted to see the reusable applicator

@Doggydarling you can buy vagifem over the counter now, if your GP won't prescribe enough of what you need - I think it's called Gina?

I also read somewhere that vagifem used to be stronger and the dosage of each tablet has been reduced, so some women do need it more than twice per week to get what they need.

I didn't get on with vagirux - the applicator was not as good quality and I kept losing the tab on the bathroom floor.
Good idea about recycling the applicators though - will feel less guilty about requesting vagifem specifically now.

Yes, Vagifem used to be 25 micrograms, it's now 10

I like the idea of using the applicator fur labelling seeds. I'm intending to grow sweet peas from seed off for my current plants next year. Or maybe turn them into some kind of feminist sculpture. I'm amazed at home quickly it's worked and that it's worked at all.

Thanks for info about using it post-endo-cancer. It was my oncologist who said no, but I have a follow-up next month with the gynae consultant so I might ask her (she's a bit more pragmatic) . It makes such a difference!

OP any update on how you are getting on with it - when you started noticing a difference ? I just started vagifem last night.

Opinions please. I've been prescribed Vagirux, not for general dryness, itching or UTI's but just discomfort when having sex. Have tried lubricant's with varying success. Really unsure about starting Vagirux due to this one issue and since menopause my sex drive is rock bottom anyway. DH is very patient and understanding and doesn't overly go on about it.
Has anyone tried anything else with success that is only needed prior to or during sex?
Also, re menopause - anyone suffering from general body ache? Not pain, but stiffness which is noticeable after sitting down? Thanks in advance.

I mainly started vagifem because KY just wasn't cutting it any more. It also perked up my libido, hence my comment upthread. So my opinion is, give it a go!

You are talking about two different things. One is a temporary lube for use during sex and the other Vagirux is for prevention or relief from things that you may not be aware of yet eg vaginal atrophy and degeneration of the whole of the urogenital system which can develop due to lack of oestrogen. I assume you are not on any HRT at all? I would have a look at some websites eg https://www.balance-menopause.com/subject/vaginal-dryness/