Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Vaginal dryness during menopause may also cause soreness, painful sex and urinary symptoms....
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Vaginal dryness, soreness & discomfort
Vaginal changes during perimenopause and after menopause can cause dryness, soreness, irritation, burning and discomfort during everyday life or sex. Intrarosa contains 6.5mg of prasterone and may be prescribed for suitable postmenopausal patients after clinical assessment.
Vaginal and urinary symptoms can begin during perimenopause and continue after menopause. Intrarosa is licensed for postmenopausal women, so your LIVVE clinician will confirm whether it is appropriate for you or whether another treatment would be more suitable. Some wording remains sex-specific where it reflects licensed medicine information or safe prescribing requirements.
Menopause-focused clinical assessment
Prescription-only treatment where suitable
Pharmacy supply and support in one place
Clear safety, usage and review guidance
Step-by-step support after prescribing
QUICK PRODUCT FACTS
Here are the key details about Intrarosa, including what it is used for, how it is taken and when it may be considered after clinical assessment.
medicine type
Prescription vaginal pessary
Local treatment for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy symptoms.
active ingredient
Prasterone
Also known as DHEA.
strength
6.5mg pessary
Inserted vaginally as prescribed.
usual dose
One pessary nightly
Typically used at bedtime.
used for
Vulvar & vaginal atrophy
Moderate to severe postmenopausal symptoms.
Symptoms supported
Dryness, soreness irritation & discomfort
Including discomfort during everyday activities or sex where symptoms are linked to vaginal atrophy/GSM.
Prescription needed?
Yes
Supplied only after clinical assessment.
where it fits
When other options have not worked or are not tolerated
As discussed with a clinician.
How to video guide
Watch our clinician explain how to insert Intrarosa using the reusable applicator or your finger, why it is usually used once each night at bedtime, and the common mistakes to avoid.
Video coming soon
How to use Intrarosa® pessaries
Wash and dry your hands before use.
Remove one pessary from the packaging.
Insert it gently using the applicator supplied or your finger, following the product leaflet.
Use it at bedtime as prescribed.
Clean the reusable applicator after use if you choose to use it.
Do not use extra doses or change your routine without advice.
Always follow the instructions on your dispensing label and the patient information leaflet.
symptoms
Genitourinary symptoms can begin during perimenopause and continue after menopause. They can affect the vagina, vulva, bladder, urethra, everyday comfort, intimacy and confidence, and may persist or worsen without the right treatment plan.
Dryness, friction or discomfort that does not settle with ordinary lubrication alone.
Dryness, soreness, burning, tightness or pain during intimacy, also known as dyspareunia.
Stinging, itching, soreness or a feeling that the vaginal tissue is fragile.
Discomfort around the entrance to the vagina, with wiping, exercise, tight clothing or daily movement.
Urgency, discomfort passing urine or recurrent UTI-type symptoms can sit alongside GSM, but should be assessed properly.
Many people avoid sex because of pain, dryness or anxiety that symptoms will return.
What is Intrarosa?
Intrarosa® contains 6.5mg prasterone. It is inserted into the vagina, where prasterone is converted locally within vaginal tissue into hormones that help improve the signs and symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy.
It is used for postmenopausal patients with moderate to severe symptoms such as vaginal dryness and irritation. It is not a general HRT replacement and it is not the first choice for every person with vaginal symptoms.
GSM explained
GSM is the term used for vaginal, vulval and urinary symptoms linked to hormonal changes around perimenopause and after menopause. It can include dryness, burning, irritation, soreness, discomfort during sex, urinary urgency and recurrent urinary symptoms.
Symptoms may appear years after periods stop
It can affect vulval, vaginal, bladder and urethral tissues
It can impact intimacy, confidence and quality of life
It is common, but often underdiagnosed and undertreated
Treatment options
Your clinician will help you understand the options available and whether Intrarosa is suitable for your symptoms, medical history and previous treatments.
| Treatment option | How it fits |
|---|---|
| Intrarosa® | A prescription prasterone pessary for suitable postmenopausal patients when vaginal oestrogen, moisturisers or lubricants have not worked well enough, have not been tolerated or are not preferred after clinical discussion. |
| Lubricants | Used during sex to reduce friction and provide short-term relief. They do not treat the underlying vaginal tissue changes caused by low oestrogen. |
| Vaginal moisturisers | Used regularly to support vaginal comfort and hydration. They are non-hormonal and may be used alone or alongside prescription treatment. |
| Vaginal oestrogen | Often considered as a first-line local treatment and available in different formats, including estradiol vaginal tablets such as Gina, Vagifem or Vagirux, and estriol vaginal cream. |
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Intrarosa is a local prescription treatment for vulvar and vaginal atrophy symptoms. It is not an instant fix, so the first few weeks are about using it correctly, checking tolerability and reviewing whether symptoms are improving.
You should understand why Intrarosa has been recommended, how to insert it, what the patient leaflet says and which symptoms should be reviewed first.
You may notice discharge or local irritation. Some people do not feel an immediate change, so keep using it as prescribed unless advised otherwise.
Track dryness, irritation, soreness, day-to-day discomfort, discomfort during sex and urinary symptoms so your clinician can judge whether the treatment is helping.
Your LIVVE clinician will review benefit, side effects and ongoing suitability before advising whether to continue or consider another option.
YOUR LIVVE PATHWAY
We keep the process clear from the start, so you understand each step before Intrarosa is prescribed.
We discuss vaginal, vulval, urinary and sexual symptoms, menopause history, current HRT, medical history and what you have already tried.
Your clinician considers GSM, infection, skin conditions, unexplained bleeding, urinary issues and whether examination or GP review is needed first.
If Intrarosa is suitable, your clinician explains how to use it, what to expect, possible side effects and when treatment should be reviewed.
After prescribing, LIVVE checks benefit, side effects, ongoing suitability and whether you should continue, change or stop treatment.
How to use Intrarosa
Intrarosa is usually inserted into the vagina once daily at bedtime. It can be inserted using the applicator provided or with your finger, depending on your preference and the product instructions.
Use exactly as prescribed by your clinician
Read the patient information leaflet before starting
Do not pass your medicine to anyone else
Report unexplained bleeding, persistent irritation or concerning symptoms
After prescribing
Starting treatment is only one part of the journey. LIVVE follow-up helps you understand how to use Intrarosa, what changes to expect, possible side effects and when treatment may need reviewing.
Week 1 support
Clear first-use guidance, storage advice, missed-dose advice and reassurance on how to insert the pessary as prescribed.
Early symptom review
Check vaginal dryness, soreness, irritation, pain during sex, discharge and any new or worsening symptoms before deciding whether to continue as planned.
Treatment review
Review symptom improvement, side effects, ongoing suitability and whether Intrarosa remains the right local treatment for you.
Safety first
Intrarosa is a prescription medicine. Your clinician must check your history before prescribing, especially because the patient leaflet lists situations where it should not be used.
SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Intrarosa can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Your clinician will discuss possible risks and what to do if symptoms occur.
Vaginal discharge
Reported commonly with Intrarosa use.
Local irritation
Persistent soreness, itching or burning should be discussed.
Bleeding or spotting
Unexpected bleeding should always be assessed.
Smear or examination findings
Attend cervical screening and reviews as recommended.
Many people find these symptoms difficult to talk about. LIVVE gives you a discreet place to ask questions, understand your options and access treatment where it is clinically appropriate.
Bladder, UTI & vaginal health HELPFUL GUIDES
These resources can help you understand vaginal dryness, soreness, irritation, everyday discomfort, bladder changes, UTI-type symptoms and the treatment options that may be discussed during perimenopause and after menopause.
Vaginal dryness during menopause may also cause soreness, painful sex and urinary symptoms....
Compare lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, vaginal oestrogen tablets and cream, Intrarosa and other options...
Learn why UTIs and UTI-like bladder symptoms may become more common during perimenopause...
If vaginal dryness, soreness, irritation or discomfort is affecting your life during perimenopause or after menopause, LIVVE can help you understand which local treatment may be most suitable. Intrarosa may be considered for appropriate postmenopausal patients following clinical assessment.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Intrarosa® is a prescription medicine and is only supplied if clinically appropriate following assessment. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow your prescriber’s instructions. Seek medical advice for unexplained vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, new or worsening discharge, suspected infection, symptoms of a blood clot, chest pain, severe headache, jaundice or any concerning symptoms.