Sex hurts

[Mylifesanightmare]

It hurts like hell to have sex, since the menopause.
I’ve only recently woken up to the fact that I can do something about it; I’m pretty certain the problems vaginal atrophy.
Which is best , Gina from Boots or Vagifem or Ovestin from the dr? Why would someone go to the dr when you can just buy Gina from Boots? ( Is there much of a price difference?)
Thanks for your help.

I really wouldn’t use the flavoured ones to be honest. They aren’t good for a menopausal woman and not recommended, they won’t help the situation and potentially sting. Try the yes one, the more natural the better.

I'm having to take a break from full HRT, but curious about the vaginal estrogen (which may be my next step). What about the exposure to male partners, would oral etc still be OK?

You are going to have to plan it so he doesn't get a mouthful! I am sure it doesn't taste nice. The dose is 2 x a week after the initial 2 weeks x daily.
And insert the cream afterwards, not before if it's an issue.

@DustyLee123 If you're reading still...and in case it's helpful at any time...it's a pharmacist-controlled product.

The pharmacist will ask questions (confidentially) as the product is only available within certain criteria. That includes being over 50 and menopausal.

(This doesn't apply if you are seeing your GP because women of all ages- under 50- can use it, and don't have to be post menopause.)

The over-the-counter isn't a 'pick it off the shelf and pay'. You have to ask for it and the pharmacist will carry out some simple checks.

The products were licensed about a year ago, to save women and GPs having to waste time on something that is simple to treat, but there is still medical guidance over how it's sold.

I don't know about buying it online but presumably there is an online questionnaire too.

He already has a decent set of moobs, I wouldn't want to contribute!

Interestingly, @MorvernBlack I asked my consultant that very same question when I started using Ovestin about 16 years ago. He assured me it wouldn't happen.😀

Hi, you can buy an hrt prepayment certificate, I think it's £19.30 and it is valid for one year which you can buy online via nhs website.

Both Vagifem and Ovestin are on the list and are covered with the certificate.

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc

I use Ovestin i used to buy it as a private prescription but the cost was too great once I retired. I contacted our GP practice by phone and the GP agreed to prescribe- no visit necessary. She needs to check with me again after a year but is happy to prescribe indefinitely while it is needed. Interestingly it has also stopped the recurrent UTIs that I had been experiencing

Thanks for the information; I didn’t know you could get a prepayment certificate.
I’m taking Estriol cream 0.01%; I’ve checked the regulations and it is covered , so if it works I’ll stick with it and get the certificate.

😅