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Vagifem and vaginal dryness?
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11-01-2010, 10:10 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 93
Hysterectomy: July 10th, 2009
Ovaries: Undecided
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Vagifem and vaginal dryness?
The doctor strongly recommended today that I take Vagifem for vaginal dryness. According to him, my recent pap smear came back "unacceptable" (not abnormal), due to vaginal dryness. Apparently the ccells disintigrated or something. Also, I've been getting repeated urinary tract infections, another sign of low estrogen. I had a TAH a little over a year ago, and I'm still surprised that I even had a pap smear-I thought no cevix meant no pap. All this stuff is new to me. So what's Vagifem like, and most importantly, what side effects should I be on the lookout for.
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11-02-2010, 07:35 AM
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Posts: 89,397
Hysterectomy: April 4th, 2002
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Vagifem and vaginal dryness?
Hi Simba32!
Vagifem is a tiny, low dose estradiol tablet. It comes pre-loaded in its own disposable applicator. The applicator is very slender--smaller around than a pencil. To use, the applicator is inserted into the vagina and then the plunger is pushed, which releases the Vagifem into the vagina. Usually it's prescribed to use nightly for two weeks and then is used just twice a week for maintenance.
I've never had any side effects from using Vagifem. It really helped when I was having vaginal dryness/atrophy issues. There are some members who report experiencing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes when using Vagifem. That may or may not be your experience if you decide you are going to use it. Here is a link to good information on the subject: Vaginal Dryness.
As for Paps post-hysterectomy, I continue to get that test annually at my well-woman checkup though without a cervix, it's called a vaginal vault smear. It's an important test to detect vaginal cancer. Not all doctors suggest that women have the test post-op but I'm glad my doctor is in favor of it. I think it's worth having done for peace of mind.
I hope this helps!
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11-02-2010, 09:13 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 93
Hysterectomy: July 10th, 2009
Ovaries: Undecided
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Re: Vagifem and vaginal dryness?
Thanks so much for this info-I feel better about it now. As far as the menopause symptoms-well, I went a year after my TAH without any hormones, so I'm used to handling menopause symptoms. I used my first Vagifem pill this morning, and I can't understand how come a little pill like that doesn't just turn around and fall out! I was so afraid of that, I stayed lying down for over 30 minutes afterwards. And it was about an hour before I got up the courage to go to the toilet. Then I looked afterwards to make sure the pill hadn't fallen out. I guess that's something I'll get used to. Has anyone ever had the pill fall out again, and if so, what did you do?
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11-02-2010, 09:22 AM
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Posts: 89,397
Hysterectomy: April 4th, 2002
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Vagifem and vaginal dryness?
 When I was using Vagifem, I inserted it at night, before going to sleep. I figured it had the best chance of staying put and dissolving that way. However, there were a couple of times when I did insert one in the morning and I never experienced having one come out. If that were to happen, I would probably just start over with a new applicator/tablet.
Good luck with this!
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11-02-2010, 09:49 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 93
Hysterectomy: July 10th, 2009
Ovaries: Undecided
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Re: Vagifem and vaginal dryness?
Duh-why didn't I think of this? Do it at night before I go to sleep. I guess I'm in such a habit of taking pills in the morning. But nighttime would make so much more sense for this one.
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