Generic Name: Vagifem (estradiol-topical)
Vagifem Reviews
For Atrophic Vaginitis "The pessaries might be fine, but the packaging is insane. Each pessary has its own plastic applicator and is individually wrapped in foil and plastic. It's an absolute disgrace. Pessaries and one reusable applicator, please. Stop wrecking the planet with this sort of ridiculous overpackaging."
For Atrophic Urethritis "I am 80 years old and I've been taking Vagifem for over 15 years since my surgery (Radical hysterectomy for uterine cancer). I trusted my doctor completely and have not had any problems with UTIs or vaginal dryness. I also use a KY-gel product after my shower and have no problem reaching a climax with masturbation, my only sexual release at my age. I also get Vagifem from Canadian Pharmacy for one-third the cost in the States. My younger sister could not tolerate Vagifem for many of the negative reports here, but she also didn't have cancer and is able to get relief from other meds. I really appreciate your comments and wish all the best to my sisters-at-large."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I was prescribed Vagifem finally after a year of burning, painful sex and constant urine infections. Literally after 3 days, the burning was 70% better and I actually enjoyed sex for the first time in ages! Totally recommend Vagifem and I've had zero side effects. Still got every other perimenopause symptom but one less to deal with is a huge relief! Good luck, ladies!"
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I left a comment in August regarding Vagifem and gave it 10/10 for curing my symptoms of repeated urinary tract infections, but over the last few weeks since starting a new box of Vagifem, I have noticed that for the first 2 days after using it, I too am getting a stinging feeling in the vagina, which also makes me feel like I have a urinary tract infection and tingling in the breasts, which I have not experienced before. Reluctantly, I have stopped the medication as these new symptoms are too uncomfortable, and I am wondering if the manufacturer has changed the formula. Not happy."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "Worst 'medication' I've ever had. Horrific headache, couldn't even get up out of bed safely the day after one and only application, extreme nausea and dizziness, next few days spotting, vaginal pain, burning for the next two weeks until I took some acid regulators. Subsequently have been sleepless, extremely low on energy, cystitis, cold sore - basically everything saying the body's taken a beating. One pessary. Still battling it four weeks later. Never again."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "Does anyone know if any of the ingredients have changed recently? I have been using Vagifem for almost 15 years once a week and never experienced any burning, but recently, out of the blue, I have burning and cannot understand why, as I am using the brand and not the generic as that caused horrible problems. It works great but not happy with the irritation. Thank you."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I've been using Vagifem for a few months now & definitely took several weeks for my symptoms to calm down. Before using this, my entire vaginal area had become dry, hypersensitive & sore, and sex was so painful. Vagifem has restored lubrication & I feel like me again, so happy with results. Also, I have had no hot flashes since I started taking it & these were happening multiple times a night. I also have not had a UTI since & have been having them every couple of months most of my adult life."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I tried Vagifem for two weeks, and while I think it probably helped with soreness inside and plumped things up, it also caused irritation of the urethra, whereby I had a constant pressure, feeling like a need to wee all the time, burning, and stinging inside. I couldn't live with it, and it kept waking me up at night. These symptoms started when I used Vagifem and stopped when I stopped it. I really hope there is an alternative, as I think, for many, Vagifem is a miracle."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I have been using Vagifem for many years now, and although it's helped my symptoms a great deal, I find the recommended dosage of 1 pessary twice a week is not enough to keep me comfortable. However, my doctor refuses to prescribe me any extra. Imagine my surprise on visiting the Menopause Matters site to find many women there are prescribed it 5 times a week as twice a week doesn't relieve their symptoms. Apparently, each Vagifem pessary used to be 25mcg (equal to 50mcg a week), but for some unknown reason, they reduced it to 10mcg per pessary (which equals 20mcg a week)."
For Atrophic Urethritis "I am 43 and was skeptical about using Vagifem as I did not have vaginal dryness, which is what it says it’s for. However, I have had problems with ongoing bladder leaking since giving birth to a very large baby and, most recently, consistent UTIs. All I can say is, thank goodness the female doctor I had told me to try this. I have not had any urine leakage at all since I started using Vagifem, which is a miracle, and no bladder infections. There are so many women my age with this issue, it should be prescribed more for this. It’s so good and amazing!"
For Atrophic Urethritis "Have been having very painful cystitis and UTIs for over 4 years. I have been given numerous antibiotics over this time. After 1 to 2 weeks of finishing the course, it was back again. I was then kept on antibiotics full time. The specialist then suggested Vagifem. The first one did sting, so I didn't take more. I then tried again 3 weeks later, and the pain and inflammation started to ease. After 4 years of antibiotics that didn't work, I had found a breakthrough med. I cannot believe at the age of 57-62, the GP never thought lack of estrogen could be the cause."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I used Vagifem as prescribed by my Gyn. I used this product as directed for on an off for a period of 2 years. I developed fallopian and ovarian cancer last year. I have had to have a hysterectomy-oophorectomy and excision of tumors. I feel that this was related to my taking the Vagifem even though my Gyn stated that this was a small dose of hormone and would not cause any adverse problems. I have since found that this is not the truth!"
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I had painful sex, vaginal bleeding, thrush for years due to a very early hysterectomy. I've been using Vagifem for seven years now and my life has completely turned around. I was first prescribed its use in the UK every time I had vaginal bleeding, but a wonderful gynae in South Africa told me that I should be on small doses for the rest of my life."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "Beware, ladies! I was reassured by my GP that topical estrogen like Vagifem is so weak and mild it rarely causes side effects. But after taking Vagifem nightly for two weeks, I started having dizzy spells. I took my own blood pressure, and it was 153/85. Normally, it is 121/74! I stopped taking the pills immediately, but 6 days later, my blood pressure is still high, and I am just hoping it goes down soon. This may be an uncommon side effect, I don't know, but the warning about strokes got me worried."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "Vagifem truly changed my life. Intercourse was almost impossible for me before my doctor prescribed Vagifem. Intercourse felt like knives in my vagina, and my tissues were so dry, raw, and painful that I was in constant pain. I have been using it now for about a month, and the difference is unbelievable. No more pain or irritation. No side effects so far."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "Got prescribed Vagifem about 18 months ago and original hair loss was minimal. Had used this on and off in that time. More hair loss. Ouch. Used or started again a month ago. Experienced major hair loss and now have half as much as I used to. Scalp is visible in lots of areas. Will never use again and can only hope that hair will return."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I had been using Vagifem for about 8 years, and now I have uterine cancer. I am having a hysterectomy next week as a result. When my cancer surgeon found out I was using Vagifem tablets, he immediately had me stop it."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "Rectal wall bulging problem. Used Vagifem for many years and a couple of years in, started to suffer from repeated internal rectal wall bulges that caused major discomfort and required ligation via rubber banding by a Colorectal doctor every time - around 10 times. The rectal wall bulges kept recurring, and I also experienced pressure in the lower abdomen when pressing down to pee. Stopped Vagifem over a year ago - have not had one single rectal wall bulge since!! I believe that Vagifem caused tissue, muscle, and structural changes where it should not have."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "No side effects and saw an immediate improvement, as well as a more peaceful state of mind, which may or may not be in my head, but I don't care. I felt great taking this medication, and it helped with the painful entry/sex that I was experiencing. Now, no problems!"
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I am in my late 60s and for the past few years have suffered at least 6-7 urinary tract infections a year. The urologist suggested using Vagifem as directed and apart from headaches and nausea for the first few days, I have not had any problems. My urinary tract infections have dropped significantly to 1-2 a year. I now only use it once a week and find this sufficient for keeping everything comfortable. I live in the UK, so my prescriptions are free. I will continue using it for as long as my general practitioner is happy to prescribe it."
For Atrophic Urethritis "Changed my life, was out of my mind with pain and cystitis constantly, never thought for one minute would get any improvement, but Vagifem has helped immensely, but if I stop using them I go back to square one, so my gynaecologist said I need them for life, so pray they never stop producing them."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "For those who may not be aware, you can purchase a 3-month supply of Vagifem through Canadian pharmacies for approximately $55. I have been using this approach for years and have never had a problem. If the cost of Vagifem is an issue for you, do yourself a favor and explore this alternative."
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I’m 60 years old and have had multiple urinary tract infections over the years. My doctor just started me on Vagifem 3 weeks ago, as well as progesterone oral tablets. In the last week, the burning, itching, and irritation are driving me crazy. I’m trying to deal with it and applying topical OTC creams as well as natural balms to try and calm my vaginal area down. I’m going back to the doctor tomorrow as I can’t stand this anymore. I was really hoping this medication would work for me, I wonder what the next step will be?"
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I have been on a low dose (10 mg) Vagifem for the past 9 years at least. I have always tolerated it well, but recently, I have experienced feelings of discomfort, and I wonder if the manufacturing process of the pessary has changed?"
For Atrophic Vaginitis "I have been using Vagifem 10 mcg for 8-9 months, and I just switched to Estrace vaginal cream 1g. Vagifem kept my vagina healthy, but the estrogen doesn't reach the external genital area, which remains dry. With the cream, I'm able to use it in the vagina, but I spread a little extra on the outside."
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Other brands
Yuvafem, Estring, Estrace Vaginal Cream, Imvexxy
Professional resources
- Estradiol Vaginal Insert prescribing information
Other brands
Yuvafem, Estrace Vaginal Cream
Related treatment guides
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Atrophic Urethritis
