What is Imvaggis?

Imvaggis pessaries are a form of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for women experiencing symptoms of menopause — in particular, vaginal dryness and discomfort.

Imvaggis contains the female sex hormone estriol, which is a form of oestrogen that is exactly like the oestrogen produced by the ovaries. By replacing the lost estrogen directly in the vagina Imvaggis can restore elasticity and lubrication to your vagina and surrounding tissues. Thereby relieving soreness and irritation.

What is Imvaggis used for?

Imvaggis is specifically used to treat the changes that happen in and around the vagina during and after menopause.

This can include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Vaginal irritation
• Itching
• Problems with urination
• Pain during urination
• Vaginal pain and discomfort during intercourse
• Possible bleeding during intercourse

These menopausal symptoms are caused by the drop in oestrogen levels during and after menopause.

How long will it take for Imvaggis to work?

Your symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort should improve after about three months of using vaginal oestrogen treatments or moisturisers. If you have still not had an improvement after three months, you should see your doctor, as sometimes these symptoms can be due to other conditions. It is also very important to see your doctor if you have any unusual bleeding from your vagina

Imvaggis for bladder problems

As the tissues in the vagina and vulva lose their elasticity during menopause due to a drop in natural hormone levels this can lead to symptoms such as painful urination, urinary incontinence and frequent infections (cystitis).

Using imvaggis can improve the elasticity and lubrication of your vagina and surrounding tissues reducing these unpleasant symptoms.

Is Imvaggis safe?

Imvaggis are a very low-dose hormone and have been well tolerated by many women. They are environmentally friendly as due to their small size and shape they do not require an applicator.

Due to the low dose that is applied directly vaginal estrogen treatments can be taken safely for a long time, with no associated risks compared to oral or other HRT gels that are applied directly into the skin.

The most common side effect is increased discharge though for a full list of the product warnings please read the patient information leaflet

Alternatives to Imvaggis

There is a range of local oestrogen medications that can be used to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort which can be found here:

You can also use vaginal lubricants such as Sylk or Replens MD alongside Imvaggis to help decrease discomfort experienced during the day and whilst having sex.

Pessaries are the most common choice though some women do choose creams and gels to apply externally too.

Not every treatment will work for every woman. Some women will find that one treatment works for them when others do not - it can be a bit of trial and error. It can also be true that you use one treatment internally and one externally.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...
  
• https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.themenopausecharit...