The first step toward getting treatment.
If you’ve been experiencing bothersome vaginal symptoms, there's help. The first step is to talk about what you’re feeling.
Talking with your health care provider.
Uncomfortable vaginal symptoms are very common after menopause, and your health care provider has probably discussed this with other patients. There’s no reason to be embarrassed, even though it may feel awkward at first. Here are a few ways to make the conversation easier.
Before you go.
Know your symptoms. Use our online tool to create a list of your specific symptoms to show your health care provider; this can be a good place to begin the conversation.
List your medications. It’s important that your health care provider knows about all the medications you are taking.
Do your homework. Learn about the treatment options available; make a list of questions for your health care provider.
Ask for time. When making your appointment, ask the receptionist to schedule extra time so your health care provider isn’t rushed—this may help you feel less anxious. Before your appointment, you might want to keep track of your ongoing symptoms using our downloadable Symptom Diary.
During your visit.
Be honest. Tell your health care provider that you have a sensitive topic to discuss, and be honest if you feel embarrassed or shy.
Be ready. Share the printout of your Symptoms Report, your Symptom Diary, and/or a simple handwritten list of your symptoms.
Use the terminology. It might help to use medical terms to describe your symptoms. For example, “vaginal atrophy” is the medical term for a menopause-related condition that can cause uncomfortable vaginal symptoms.
Ask questions. If you’re concerned about safety, the effectiveness of treatments, etc, just ask. Your health care provider should explain in as much detail as you’d like.
Be your own advocate. You are the best person to stand up for yourself and your needs.
Ask for what you want. Ask for Vagifem® (estradiol vaginal inserts) 10 mcg by name if you think it’s right for you; discuss the details of treatment with your health care provider.
Talking with your partner.
You’ll want your partner on your side so that you can approach this issue as a team. If you’re embarrassed to discuss this, here are some ideas that may help:
Discuss your symptoms.
Write it down. Write your partner a letter, or even send an email. Explain why this is important to you.
It’s no one’s fault. Make sure your partner knows that this is a natural part of menopause—and that it’s treatable.
Share this site with your partner. Send your partner a link to this website. Learning about the condition, and understanding a treatment option, is important for both of you.
Talk about treatment.
Once you begin treatment, share with your partner what to expect.
Vagifem® 10 mcg takes time to work because it treats the cause, rather than just masking the symptoms.
One study, which had a primary endpoint of 12 weeks, showed that Vagifem® 10 mcg reduced a combined score of the most bothersome vaginal symptoms at 12 weeks, but some people may see improvements as early as at 8 weeks of treatment.
Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking Vagifem® 10 mcg and may also restart you later. Your partner can help you be on the lookout for returning symptoms.
