LOCAL VAGINAL OESTROGEN FOR DRYNESS AND DISCOMFORT
Vagifem® 10 Micrograms – 24 Vaginal Tablets
Vagifem contains 10 micrograms of estradiol in a small vaginal tablet. It may help relieve vaginal dryness, soreness, irritation and discomfort caused by low oestrogen after menopause.
Vagifem is a prescription-only medicine. Your LIVVE clinician will review your symptoms, menopause history, medical history, current treatment and any warning signs before deciding whether it is appropriate for you.
Menopause-focused assessment
Low-dose local vaginal oestrogen
Single-use applicators
Clear starting and maintenance schedule
Ongoing treatment support
QUICK PRODUCT FACTS
Vagifem at a glance
Here are the key product details, with more information below on suitability, safety, insertion and ongoing use.
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Medicine type
Local vaginal oestrogen
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Active ingredient
Estradiol
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Strength
10 micrograms
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Pack size
24 vaginal tablets
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Starting schedule
Daily for 2 weeks
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Maintenance
Twice weekly
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Applicator
Single use
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Prescription needed?
Yes
Patient reviews
Application video guide
How to use Vagifem
Watch our clinician explain how to use Vagifem correctly, from checking your pharmacy label and inserting the single-use applicator to following your prescribed schedule.
Always follow the directions on your dispensing label and read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.
Video coming soon
How to use Vagifem
Key application steps
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Wash and dry your hands before use.
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Open the blister pack at the plunger end.
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Remove the applicator without pressing the plunger.
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Insert the applicator gently into the vagina until resistance is felt.
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Press the plunger fully to release the tablet.
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Withdraw the applicator and place it in household waste.
Always follow the instructions on your dispensing label and the patient information leaflet.
SYMPTOMS AND SUITABILITY
When might Vagifem be discussed?
Low oestrogen can affect the vagina, vulva, bladder and urethra. Treatment should be based on your symptoms, medical history and any warning signs.
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Vaginal dryness
Persistent dryness, reduced natural lubrication or tightness.
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Soreness or irritation
Burning, itching, tenderness or fragile-feeling tissue.
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Discomfort during sex
Friction, soreness or pain that makes intimacy uncomfortable.
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Everyday discomfort
Soreness during exercise, sitting, wiping or wearing close clothing.
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Urinary symptoms
Urgency, frequency or discomfort may occur alongside vaginal symptoms.
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Symptoms after menopause
Changes caused by reduced oestrogen may continue without suitable treatment.
WHERE VAGIFEM FITS
Vagifem compared with other vaginal treatment options
The right option depends on your symptoms, menopause status, medical history, treatment preferences and whether you need hormonal or non-hormonal support.
| Treatment option | How it fits |
|---|---|
| Lubricants | Used to reduce friction and improve comfort during sex or other vaginal penetration. They provide immediate, temporary relief from vaginal dryness but do not treat the underlying changes to the vaginal tissues 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. |
| Vagifem® | A local vaginal oestrogen treatment containing 10 micrograms of estradiol in a vaginal tablet, supplied in a single-use applicator. |
| Blissel vaginal gel | A low-dose vaginal oestrogen gel containing estriol. Unlike Vagifem, which contains estradiol in tablet form, Blissel is applied as a gel. |
| Other prescription options | Other local options may include estriol cream, another estradiol vaginal preparation such as Gina or Vagirux, or prasterone pessaries such as Intrarosa. |
Local vaginal treatments are designed for vaginal, vulval and some urinary symptoms. If you also experience hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance or other wider menopause symptoms, your clinician may discuss systemic HRT separately.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
What to expect when you start Vagifem
Vagifem is normally used daily for the first two weeks and then reduced to a twice-weekly maintenance routine. Improvement is usually gradual, and the time it takes can vary from person to person.
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First 2 weeks
Use one vaginal tablet daily, unless your dispensing label states otherwise. This starting phase helps restore oestrogen to the affected vaginal tissue.
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First few weeks
Some people begin to notice less dryness, soreness or irritation within 2–4 weeks, although improvement may be slower.
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Up to 8–12 weeks
It can take up to 8–12 weeks to assess the fuller benefit, particularly for more persistent vaginal or urinary symptoms.
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Maintenance and review
After the initial two weeks, the usual dose is one tablet twice weekly. Ask for review if symptoms are not improving, are worsening or new symptoms develop.
Your LIVVE pathway
How assessment and prescribing works
We keep the process clear from the start, so you understand each step before treatment is prescribed.
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Complete your assessment
Tell us about your vaginal, vulval and urinary symptoms, menopause history and previous treatments.
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Clinical review
Your clinician checks your medical history, medicines and any symptoms that need further investigation.
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Prescribing and supply
If suitable, your prescription is issued and Vagifem is supplied by the LIVVE pharmacy.
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Ongoing support
You receive help with insertion, side effects, symptom progress, repeat treatment and review.
Dose and schedule
How often is Vagifem used?
Insert one vaginal tablet using the single-use applicator.
Do not press the plunger before insertion: pressing it too early may release the tablet before the applicator is in place.
| Treatment stage | Typical schedule |
|---|---|
| Starting phase | One vaginal tablet daily for two weeks. |
| Maintenance | One vaginal tablet twice weekly. |
| Missed dose | Use it when remembered, but avoid using a double dose. |
| Review | Review benefit, side effects and continued suitability regularly. |
Always follow your dispensing label if it differs from a general example.
SAFETY AND SUITABILITY
Who may need further assessment before using Vagifem?
Your clinician will review your medical and family history before prescribing local vaginal oestrogen.
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Medical history
Tell your clinician about breast cancer, other oestrogen-sensitive cancers, womb-lining problems, blood clots, stroke, heart disease or liver disease.
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Unexpected symptoms
Unexplained bleeding, bleeding after sex, pelvic pain, unusual discharge or infection symptoms need appropriate review.
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Cancer treatment
Use after breast cancer or alongside medicines such as aromatase inhibitors requires individual specialist discussion.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects and when to contact us
Like all medicines, Vagifem can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
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Local discomfort
Vaginal discomfort, discharge or irritation can occur. Ask for advice if symptoms are persistent or worsening.
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Abdominal discomfort
Some people may experience abdominal pain. Persistent or severe pain should be assessed.
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Headache
Headache may occur. A new migraine-type headache needs prompt medical advice.
“Vaginal symptoms are common — but they are not something you simply have to live with.”
LIVVE provides a discreet, medically guided place to discuss symptoms, understand your options and access treatment where clinically appropriate.
HELPFUL VAGINAL HEALTH GUIDES
Understand your symptoms and treatment options
These related resources can support patients who want to understand vaginal dryness, discomfort and local treatment in more detail.
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Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Vaginal dryness during menopause may also cause soreness, painful sex and urinary symptoms....
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Is Vaginal Oestrogen Safe? Long-Term Use, HRT and Breast Cancer Explained
Learn how vaginal oestrogen differs from systemic HRT, how much is absorbed, whether...
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Vaginal Treatments Compared: Moisturisers, Lubricants, Vaginal Oestrogen and Intrarosa
Compare lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, vaginal oestrogen tablets and cream, Intrarosa and other options...
Read more
Ready to talk about vaginal dryness and discomfort?
If vaginal dryness, soreness, irritation or discomfort is affecting everyday life, LIVVE can help you understand whether Vagifem, another vaginal oestrogen or a different local treatment may be appropriate.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Vagifem is a prescription-only medicine and is supplied only if clinically appropriate after assessment. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow your dispensing label and prescriber’s instructions. Seek medical advice for unexplained vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, unusual discharge, suspected infection or any concerning symptoms.