If you are experiencing painful intercourse due to menopause, your doctor can help.
Vaginal symptoms affect millions of women after menopause, many of whom may initially
be embarrassed to discuss it with their doctors. But all it usually takes is a check-up
and brief conversation for your doctor to know whether a prescription treatment
can help.
Talking to your doctor about your vaginal symptoms
While painful intercourse after menopause is common, for some, discussing the symptoms
with their doctor may be an uncomfortable conversation to have. Remember that talking
to your doctor can help you find the right treatment option to provide relief.
Here are a few tips that may help you feel more comfortable:
Before you go:
- Complete and print out your Vaginal Symptoms Self-Assessment
and be sure to take it with you to your appointment.
- Take a look at and print out the Doctor Discussion
Guide to take with you too. Be sure to write in any additional questions you
may have.
- Make a list of all the medications you are taking—be sure to include over-the-counter
medicines and supplements too.
- Know your and your family's medical history—your doctor may ask some questions
before prescribing treatment.
During your visit:
- Use the Doctor Discussion Guide as a way to start the conversation.
- If you don't understand something, ask your doctor to repeat it or explain it another
way.
- Be open and honest. This is about your health and your doctor will understand.
Make sure you get the answers you need.
To help you make sure you get all your questions answered, we created a helpful
Doctor Discussion Guide. Print and bring it
to your next appointment.
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.