Still have questions about why intercourse can become painful after menopause? Here are some of the ones we hear most frequently:
How common is painful intercourse after menopause?
Over half of all menopausal women experience painful vaginal symptoms after menopause. While it’s not usually discussed as openly as hot flashes and night sweats, you’re certainly not the only one.
How can I tell if it’s vaginal atrophy?
With vaginal atrophy, you may experience dryness, burning, and itching in and around the vagina. And having intercourse may be painful. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor. There are prescription treatments that can help. To take our quick Vaginal Symptoms Self-Assessment, click here.
Can I just use one of those "personal lubricants"?
Over-the-counter lubricants will give you some temporary relief from your symptoms. But they weren't designed to do what a prescription treatment can. Premarin Vaginal Cream targets the underlying cause of painful intercourse at its source. While you use it, Premarin Vaginal Cream actually restores your body's natural ability to create lubrication, so intercourse can be more comfortable. To learn more about how Premarin Vaginal Cream works, click here.
Will my symptoms go away after menopause?
Unlike other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, without treatment, painful intercourse can persist and become more bothersome over time. Talk to your doctor about whether Premarin Vaginal Cream may be right for you.
Is Premarin Vaginal Cream difficult to apply?
Premarin Vaginal Cream comes with its own applicator that helps you apply it directly to your vaginal tissue. The applicator is designed to help you measure your prescribed dosage neatly and precisely and should be comfortable and easy to use. And its formulation is designed to not liquify, so it’s not messy.
For step-by-step instructions, click here.
How often do I need to use Premarin Vaginal Cream?
Used just two times a week (for example Monday and Thursday), Premarin Vaginal Cream can help relieve painful intercourse due to menopause. You can apply it any time of the day that’s convenient for you, and you don’t need to use it forever. You and your doctor should talk regularly to decide how long you need treatment.
How long does Premarin Vaginal Cream take to work?
In clinical studies, women using Premarin Vaginal Cream experienced relief from vaginal discomfort and painful sex due to menopause within 3-4 weeks.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information I should know about PREMARIN Vaginal Cream (an estrogen mixture)?
- Using estrogen-alone may increase your chance of getting cancer of the uterus (womb)
- Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are using PREMARIN Vaginal Cream. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb). Your healthcare provider should check any unusual vaginal bleeding to find the cause
- Do not use estrogen-alone to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes or dementia (decline in brain function)
- Using estrogen-alone may increase your chances of getting strokes or blood clots
- Do not use estrogens with progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or dementia
- Using estrogens with progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, or blood clots
- Using estrogens with progestins may increase your chance of getting dementia, based on a study of women age 65 years or older
- You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with PREMARIN Vaginal Cream
PREMARIN® Vaginal Cream is used after menopause to treat menopausal changes in and around the vagina and painful intercourse caused by these changes.
It should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, have or had cancer of the breast or uterus, had a stroke or heart attack, have or had blood clots or liver problems, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or think you may be pregnant.
Most common side effects include headache, infection, abdominal pain, back pain, accidental injury, and vaginitis.
Please see Patient Information. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call
1-800-FDA-1088.