Making Sexual Activities More Pleasurable
There are many products you can use to help make sexual activities more pleasurable. Examples are lubricants, lingerie, and sex toys. You can buy these online, over the phone, or from a specialty store.
The following is a list of specialty stores in New York City, as well as some national websites. You can buy products from these websites, no matter where you live. You can also search online for other specialty stores near you. MSK does not endorse any of these companies.
To Use The Vaginal Tablet Follow These Steps:
How The Treatments Are Different
Talk with your health care provider about the treatment options available based on your family and medical history and your personal preferences. Ask about the different types of treatment and what might work best for you. You can also read more about local estrogen therapy options.
What is the most important information I should know about Vagifem® ?
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Natural Progesterone Vs Progestin
Let me be crystal clear here, progestin, the synthetic stuff you find in hormonal birth control like the combination pill and IUDs is absolutely nothing like your natural progesterone. And I take issue with this misinformation being spread.
You know how many times I come across a research study saying progesterone does harm only to find they were studying progestin? Or how about how the fact that the pharmacist hands out warnings about progestins when I prescribe bioidentical progesterone to my patient, which leaves them scared and confused? And believe me, the progestin outcomes are scary.
Its this kind of misinformation that confuses women and keeps them from getting the help they need.
Progestin is altered in order to create a patent and may be synthesized from androgens . On a biochemical level, it looks nothing like the natural stuff you make. And progestin brings a whole lot of inconvenient and downright scary side effects like increased cancer risk, heart attack and mood disorders.
Whats The Difference Between Vagifem And Estriol Cream
Vagifem is a common and popular alternative to Estriol cream. One of the differences between the two medications is that Vagifem comes in the form of a vaginal tablet, whereas Estriol cream exists as a cream. While vaginal creams usually have fewer side effects than tablets, the results from using tablets are usually more noticeable and faster than using cream. Vagifem contains estradiol, which is a stronger form of oestrogen compared to estriol that is found in Estriol cream.
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To Use The Vaginal Ring Follow These Steps:
Efficacy And Safety Of Local Vaginal Estrogen Treatment
Four local vaginal estrogen treatments are available in the United States for the treatment of vaginal atrophy . They are well tolerated and considered equally effective by NAMS. In the VIVA survey, 13% of respondents who reported experiencing vaginal discomfort reported they had used vaginal hormone creams, 12% reported they had used vaginal hormone tablets, and 1% reported having used a vaginal hormone ring. Because vaginal estrogens fall into the general category of estrogen therapies, package inserts on local vaginal estrogen treatments carry the same warnings as systemic estrogens. The following sections aim to provide a concise review of the most recent and relevant data concerning the efficacy and safety of local vaginal estrogen treatments.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Oestrogen Vaginal Cream
Like all medicines, vaginal oestrogen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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Conditions Treated By Estriol And Estradiol
Estrogen is most commonly used as hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. Estrogens are often combined with progesterone or other steroid hormones called progestins. Estradiol is FDA approved to treat symptoms of menopause. These symptoms include vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and flushing of the skin. Other menopausal symptoms include vaginal atrophy, or vaginal dryness, inflammation, and thinning.
Estradiol can also be used in late-stage breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is used to help decrease the severity of the cancer . For women with ER-positive breast cancer that has metastasized, high dose estradiol may be used as therapy. According to studies from Maturitas, if breast tumors express the ESR1 gene, the cancer may respond well to estradiol therapy.
Estradiol tablets are also approved to treat advanced prostate cancer that is androgen dependent. While estrogen levels can contribute to prostate cancer, estradiol can be used as palliative treatment in some men. Studies show that estradiol is an effective form of therapy for certain types of prostate cancer.
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How Common Are Problems With Vaginal Dryness
Very common.
So many people come to my office thinking something is wrong with them when theyre experiencing menopause symptoms, like vaginal dryness or painful sex, Brightman says. The truth is, these symptoms are common, but often under-treated.
Many people experiencing vaginal dryness arent aware of the treatment options, so knowing what to ask for and that help is available is half the battle.
How Long Does Ovestin Cream Take To Work
When women are initially prescribed Ovestin Cream for vaginal dryness, most commonly they will apply the treatment once a day for 2 – 3 weeks. Most women will see noticeable improvements to their condition within this time.
If you do not feel Ovestin Cream has offered you adequate relief by 4 weeks you should speak to a doctor for further advice.
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About Your Vulvovaginal Health
The parts of your vulva are:
- The inner and outer lips of your labia . The inner lips are called labia minora and the outer lips are called labia majora .
- Your clitoris .
- The opening of your urethra . The urethra is a tube that carries urine out of your body.
Figure 1. Your vulva
Some people can take the hormone estrogen to slow down this process. However, its not a safe choice for everyone. A hormone is a chemical that helps control how different parts of your body work.
Vaginal and vulvar dryness is a common problem for many people. There are ways to improve this. Below are some suggestions to help you manage vaginal and vulvar dryness and tightness. Talk with your healthcare provider about which ones may work best for you.
Can You Use A Vaginal Moisturizer With A Condom
Generally, yes.
If you have any doubts, check the moisturizer or lubricants directions for use. One exception is oil-based products.
Oils will break down the latex in many condoms, and a damaged condom may not protect you from an undesired pregnancy or an infection from your partner, Jacobson notes.
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Estrogen Cream For Vaginal Dryness
Monique Rainford, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine. She is the former chief of obstetrics-gynecology at Yale Health.
The myth that the normal process of aging causes profound physical loss or disability has fueled ageism for eons a healthy older person has no problem seeing, hearing or thinking. Moreover, many healthy older people still have vigorous libidos and sex lives.
In an estimated 50 percent of women, hormonal changes attributable to menopause can lead to vaginal dryness and other symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause . Despite the availability and efficacy of local vaginal estrogen therapy , only about 60 percent of those experiencing GSM seekor are providedmedical help and guidance. Many women wait a year or more to consult a healthcare provider but the majority will use over-the-counter lubricating gels and creams to alleviate GSM. In other words, a breakdown in the system attributable to both providers and patients keeps several million older women suffering from GSMa condition that is readily treated with estrogen creams and other low-dose vaginal estrogen products.
Are Phytoestrogens Dangerous
The health benefits of consuming phytoestrogen-rich foods likely outweigh the potential risks, so these foods can be consumed safely in moderation.
However, limited research has suggested that there may be some risks and complications associated with a high intake of phytoestrogens. These findings are mixed and inconclusive, so more research is needed in humans.
Thus, strong conclusions about the dangers of phytoestrogens should be approached with skepticism.
Potential concerns people have raised about phytoestrogens include the following:
- Infertility. While some research states phytoestrogens may harm reproductive health, the bulk of this research has been conducted on animal models, and strong human studies are lacking (
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How Is Low Estrogen Treated
Women who have low levels of estrogen may benefit from hormonal treatment. Hormonal treatment is the standard for low estrogen. There are non-hormonal options to help relieve symptoms. Non-hormonal options are preferred for women at high risk for breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease.
Relieving Dryness And Pain: Which Vaginal Estrogen Is Best For You
Key takeaways:
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Changing hormones during menopause can cause bothersome vaginal and sexual-related symptoms like dryness, pain, and low sex drive .
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Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants are the typical go-to options for these symptoms.
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Vaginal estrogen products are also available with a prescription from your healthcare provider. These topical estrogen medications come in various forms, including creams, rings, and tablets.
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Estrogen Side Effects And Risks
Hormone therapy is not without its risks. In fact, hormone therapy is not used as widely as it once was because research began revealing complications with long-term use, such as cancer and heart risks.
However, thanks to these studies, doctors and medical researchers have a better understanding of who will benefit most from estrogen therapy and who should try other treatments.
The risk factors and side effects associated with estrogen use include:
- Blood clots: Estrogen increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause stroke, heart attack, and even death.
- Cancer: Estrogen may increase your risk of certain cancers, specifically breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about your personal health history, your family history, and your risk of breast cancer.
- Birth defects: If youre using estrogen or hormone therapy and become pregnant, your pregnancy may end prematurely. If youre able to carry a pregnancy to full term, birth defects are common for babies born to women using estrogen.
- Dense breast tissue: Women who take estrogen may develop dense breast tissue. Dense tissue makes reading mammograms harder, so detecting breast cancer in its early stages may be difficult.
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Alternatives To Prescription Estrogen Cream
Is there an alternative to Premarin vaginal cream? It has helped eliminate frequent bladder irritation/infection after sex, but I would prefer to use something else.
Andrew Weil, M.D. |March 26, 2002
Revised 11/24/2009
Premarin vaginal cream is a prescription product designed for women whose estrogen levels are low, as they are after menopause. Im assuming that your bladder irritation and infections stem from post-menopausal vaginal dryness, a common cause of these problems. You could try cutting back on the dosage if youre concerned about reliance on the drug, but there are alternatives you can explore.
My colleague Ann L. Mattson, MD, medical director of the Boulder Valley Womens Health Center in Colorado and an associate fellow at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine here at the University of Arizona, suggests the following non-prescription options which she says have been shown to be helpful in reducing the vaginal dryness that occurs with menopause and should indirectly improve bladder symptoms associated with intercourse:
You can also minimize the chances of developing bladder problems by emptying your bladder before and after intercourse. To reduce the risk of recurrent bladder infections, increase your water intake and drink three ounces of cranberry juice per day or take one 500mg tablet of cranberry juice supplement daily.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical exam, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test at least yearly. Follow your doctorâs directions for examining your breasts report any lumps immediately.
If you are taking hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause, your doctor will check every 3 to 6 months to see if you still need this medication. If you are taking this medication to prevent thinning of the bones , you will take it for a longer period of time.
Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take hormone replacement therapy, because this medication may interfere with some laboratory tests.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Ovestin Cream And Weight Gain
There is no contemporary research that suggests that links the use of HRT to weight gain or weight loss, however, there have been reports by women that they have gained weight whilst using HRT.
The use of oestrogen-only HRT such as Ovestin Cream may cause some women to experience fluid retention which also may make women feel bloated. This normally improves within the first 3 months.
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Can You Buy Estrogen Tablets
The U. All estrogen therapy medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration . There are some hormones that are marketed as bio-identical hormones and are not approved by the FDA. The drugs are available without a prescription, and they are not regulated to the same standards as prescription drugs.
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How Should I Use This Medication
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. This medication is not approved for use in children.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Why It Is Essential To Maintain The Level Of Testosterone In Your Body
It is well known that testosterone is the sex hormone that helps in the sex drive of a man and in producing sperm cells. It plays a significant part in the improvement of masculinity in a man by increasing his muscle mass, facial hair and all-round physique. Testosterone also helps in controlling the mood, energy, sleep and also the distribution of fat. With lowered levels of testosterone, men can suffer significant damages like low sex drive, fatigue, infertility, depression and even insomnia.
While in women, they can experience issues such as male pattern baldness, facial hair growth, infertility and acne. Some men lack essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium and vitamin D, and these are essential nutrients which assist in producing testosterone they are in fact, the main ingredients. With an effective workout and a fatty diet, testosterone can also be enhanced coupled with over the counter testosterone boosters.
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What Is Male Breast Enlargement
The most common reason why men are interested in male breast enlargement is that they are either cross-dressers or transgender, hoping to have a more realistic bust line in their clothing. Many of these men do not wish to undergo hormonal treatments that can cause weight gain and muscle loss, so they opt for natural male breast enlargement products that are easier on the body yet equally as effective.
Even though you may think that men could never have natural breasts, that is simply not the case. By altering a mans natural hormonal balance, a man will begin to grow breasts just like a woman would. Products that can help a man achieve this will usually not alter any other aspect of his body, which is also very important.
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