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Using estradiol vaginal tablets (Vagirux) and Estriol cream (Ovestin) at the same time?

(11 Posts)
Oldnproud Mon 22-May-23 14:47:15

Does anyone know if this is normal, to use both of these?

The background is that I have been using the tablets for about 4 years - I have vaginal atrophy, and started suffering from frequent UTIs. They have done the trick for me, as I haven't had a UTI since.

However, I have more recently been suffering from external soreness/stinging. My GP has examined me today, and prescribed me the cream, as the soreness does look like it is hormone related. She also put through another prescription for the tablets, as I was running short of them.

The thing is, I hadn't realized that the cream would be applied intravaginally - I naively assumed that it would be applied externally with a finger. So, I am now wondering if I should only be using the cream. Though if so, why did the GP renew my tablet prescription without saying anything about that?

Before I join the long phone queue to try to get through to the surgery to ask, I thought I'd see if any of you might know the answer ☺

Sparklefizz Mon 22-May-23 14:52:11

Perhaps the pharmacist could answer that question?

Moonwatcher1904 Mon 22-May-23 15:04:43

I had to use Estriol Cream a few years ago. It should come with an applicator which will give you the right dosage to insert.

Moonwatcher1904 Mon 22-May-23 15:14:29

I should have added that I agree with Sparklefizz that you should ask the pharmacist.

Oldnproud Mon 22-May-23 16:16:22

Unfortunately, I can't phone the surgery pharmacy at this time of day, and don't have the transport to go there again in person today. I will play safe and just use the cream until I manage to find out for certain, as doubling up the dose by using both internally doesn't feel right.

Moonwatcher1904 Mon 22-May-23 17:41:13

That's the best thing to do Oldnproud. It seems odd to give you 2 products to use in the same place. As you say it's like doubling up.

Granva Mon 22-May-23 19:57:05

Many women (me included) do use both, the Vagifem internally and Ovestin cream on the ‘outside bits’, with their GP’s blessing. Maybe that’s what your GP intended but didn’t make clear to you. The leaflet that comes with the cream only refers to using it internally with an applicator, but ignore that. Vagifem is much less messy, anyway.

If you want reassurance, perhaps ask GP or pharmacist how often you can use it externally.

Coolgran65 Tue 23-May-23 03:25:24

I was using the little pills inserted. But suffered externally still from discomfort I went privately to a gynaecologist who changed me over to the cream to be used internally but with a little extra smeared on the outside. No more discomfort.

Oldnproud Tue 23-May-23 10:35:03

Granva

Many women (me included) do use both, the Vagifem internally and Ovestin cream on the ‘outside bits’, with their GP’s blessing. Maybe that’s what your GP intended but didn’t make clear to you. The leaflet that comes with the cream only refers to using it internally with an applicator, but ignore that. Vagifem is much less messy, anyway.

If you want reassurance, perhaps ask GP or pharmacist how often you can use it externally.

Thank you, Granva, that is really helpful to know.

I think the way you are using the cream is almost certainly what my GP intended, and would make sense as I am only sore externally. It is certainly what I imagined I would be doing when she prescribed it, although unfortunately she didn't specifically say so
As you say, the leaflet in with the product only mentions internal use, which is what has thrown me.

I still haven't managed to get through to the surgery to query this, but after reading your post (and Googling external use of Ovestin, too), I am confident enough to go with my original assumption that I am meant to use it externally.

Gelisajams Tue 23-May-23 21:57:35

Yes you can use both. My gp assured me. Use a lightweight panty liner with the cream.

Oldnproud Thu 25-May-23 11:47:09

Thank you QuoteGelisajams.