Treatment
NICE recommendations:2
- Offer vaginal oestrogen to women with urogenital atrophy (including those on systemic HRT) and continue treatment for as long as needed to relieve symptoms
- Consider vaginal oestrogen for women with urogenital atrophy in whom systemic HRT is contraindicated
- If vaginal oestrogen does not relieve symptoms of urogenital atrophy, consider increasing the dose
NICE advises explaining to women with urogenital atrophy that:2
- Symptoms often come back when treatment is stopped
- Adverse effects from vaginal oestrogen are very rare
- They should report unscheduled vaginal bleeding
How to apply estriol 0.01% cream
- 1Remove the cap from the tube. Use the top of the cap to pierce the metal seal on the tube.
- 2One end of the applicator has a plunger, screw the other end of the applicator onto the tube.
- 3Squeeze the tube so that the applicator barrel is completely filled with cream. This will pull the plunger out.
- 4Unscrew the filled applicator and replace the cap on the tube.
- 5Lie down with your knees bent and spread apart.
- 6Gently insert the open end of the applicator well into your vagina.
- 7Push the plunger firmly but gently. Empty the cream into your vagina by pushing the plunger as far as it will go.
- 8Keep the plunger firmly pressed down. Grip the applicator by the barrel and remove the empty applicator.
- 9Wash your hands afterwards.
- 10Use a sanitary towel to stop your clothes getting stained.
- Note: estriol 0.01% cream contains peanut oil.
