Replens and Burning: What Users Say

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2020

For Vaginal Dryness "I am on my 3rd use of Replens, after going to the bathroom and wiping, there were white chunks. So, I got up close and personally with my magnifying mirror, and I was shocked at the amount of white globs all over the outside and especially the inside. Bleh! I am 53 and post-menopause. The 3rd use was tonight after my shower, and it does kinda still burn a little, but if it is shedding dead skin, is that a good thing? I'm still not sure if I want to continue using it or not."

• Max...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2020

For Vaginal Dryness "First time user. I just got done inserting Replens and immediately experienced severe burning and redness. Three days later, after cornstarch sitz baths, I called my gynecologist, and she said I may be the 1% that is severely allergic to some ingredients in the gel. I am still burning, but it is severe when urinating. I now have red irritation on the insides of my labia. If you have any resolution to my pain, I would appreciate it."

• Bre...
• April 3, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "Oh, how I had wished I had read the reviews here FIRST! I was diagnosed with vaginal atrophy, but the doctor recommended Replens. Tried the inserts first, all they did was swell me up with 0 lubrication. External gel - same swelling, but this time horrible burning and pain while urinating. It made me itch and burn like a yeast infection. Inside looked as bad as it felt. Decided to try the lubricant in the little packet that came with the inserts. It helped at first, but then - BAM! Soreness, itching, and painful urination with swollen labia internal AND external. On a whim, I took Benadryl, thinking this has GOT to be a bad allergic reaction. Benadryl took away the feeling of being on fire down there a little to save my sanity! I'll take dryness over this ANY day! Definitely need to report your reactions to the FDA!"

• Dog...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 2, 2020

For Vaginal Dryness "I’ve used Replens for a few years now, as was recommended by my gyn. It was a miracle treatment for vaginal dryness. I would get disgusting gray-green discharge that my gyn said was dead cells sloughing off. My current weekly treatments leave me itching and burning, which I blamed on too much citrus in my diet. I had switched from the disposable applicators to the reusable. My last dose was uncomfortable with that applicator. The next morning, I wiped a good amount of bright red blood, which I haven’t had in 20 years! I may have cut myself, but am also having low pelvic cramping that I now realize I had with previous applications. After reading other comments, I don’t think I have developed a sensitivity inasmuch as they made a change to this product."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "Be very wary when using this product. As per many of the ladies on this forum, I have experienced a really bad reaction to this medication and wish I had seen these reviews beforehand. I was diagnosed with severe vaginal atrophy in July, and the first round of HRT has not worked yet, nor estriol pessaries or cream from the Gyn. The GP recommended Replens. Total disaster - horrible burning and pain while urinating. Already had the start of a UTI, which compounded the situation. Inside looked as bad as it felt. Soreness, itching, and pain with swollen labia, internal AND external. I have also had the white clumpy residue. I wonder if that is related to the cramping. I will never use this again and will need to find out how to report these issues. If this product helps someone, then that’s great, but the majority of us are in worse shape from having tried this. If I could rate this 0 or a minus rating, I would. This product should be pulled from circulation."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2018

"Replens was recommended to me by my gynecologist for vaginal dryness/atrophy. Although it provided relief, the day after inserting it, I developed this very strange white, tissue-like vaginal discharge, together with burning and redness. The doctor said that my symptoms were not from the Replens, so I continued using it, but the side effects continued. I have since learned that the tissue discharge is a common side effect for many women."

• CRa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2020

For Vaginal Dryness "Thankfully, I found this thread and found that many others had a similar experience with this Replens cream, or I would have thought that I was the problem. I have used it before a few years ago with no issues whatsoever. It worked like a charm. This time, however, a different story. The burning started within a few minutes and was extremely uncomfortable. I had to apply a cold compress to get some relief... it burnt for about an hour. It’s obvious that this product has changed and should be removed from store shelves. I certainly will not be trying another dose and fully intend on returning it for a refund."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2020

For Vaginal Dryness "Used it one day, and everything was fine. The second time I used it, I immediately started burning. Later that evening, I was bleeding from inside. Looked at reviews and found others that were the same. Not sure if this is what happens in the beginning and then it gets better?"

• Do...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2022

For Vaginal Dryness "I was just getting over a severe yeast infection and was feeling better. I noticed some dryness and decided on this product. Holy moly!!! The clumps of white discharge (I had to scrape off with my finger) and the burn!!! What?!! I was freaking out thinking my YI was back with a vengeance until I read all the comments. How is this still on the market?!!!! We should all sue!!!"

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2020

For Vaginal Dryness "After using Replens, I have had white clumps the next day, as well as reddish, sometimes brownish, and this only happened the next day after use. Not to mention, a couple of minutes after use, I had burning. Once, I had a yeast infection from it within a week, and I've not had a yeast infection in 25 years. Yes, it does moisturize and last, and I love that, but the side effects are not normal."

• JoJ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "I am 56 years old and experienced a surgical-induced menopause after having both ovaries removed 12 months ago. I started using Replens approximately 3 weeks ago, and it states to use twice weekly. My GP prescribed it as I was experiencing what I can only describe as discomfort around the urethra (and just inside the vaginal opening). After using Replen 5 times, it's not helped much, but I haven't experienced the brown discharge or any discharge for that matter, which worries me as if I'm putting it up there, where's it going? I'm writing this as three days ago I started with irritation in the vaginal opening, which has gotten worse. Day 3 today, and only toilet paper with cold water soothes it. The area is sore, red, and has a burning sensation. I've used Canesten thinking it might be that, but after reading these comments, I'm convinced it's Replens that's causing it. I am also on Vagifem twice weekly and HRT 1% daily. This product is expensive too. Going to try natural SYLK now, as lots of women have recommended it."

• Per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "Really interesting to read these reviews. I’ve been using it for the last few weeks, every 3 days. I’m loathing the white, tissuey discharge, which, as others have said, you literally need to scrape out yourself. The sight of it on my partner after having sex: mortifying. I’ve also had burning and awful cervical cramping and shooting pains, far worse than during a period, and some brown discharge. I’ve been blaming it on an endometrial biopsy I had a month ago, yet the cramping symptoms are repeatedly clearing by day 3, but coming back with a vengeance as soon as I use the product. I’m giving up, which is such a shame, as it gives a midcycle, ovulatory-feeling discharge, but every day."

• Ser...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 9, 2019

For Vaginal Dryness "Reading the comments here makes me feel lucky it works for me. I am 69 and use it every 2 to 3 weeks before sleep. Occasionally, I get 20 minutes of a burning sensation, probably because I've left it too long between applications, but thankfully, no bleeding."

• sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "Started bleeding after the 2nd application. I'm 55 and haven't had a period for 5 years. Bleeding hasn't stopped yet, and neither has the burning. I've made a doctor appointment, it's that bad. This stuff needs to be pulled. I hope the effects can be reversed."

• Mg6...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "I too wish I had read these posts! I started taking Replens on the advice of my GP at the same time I was taking antibiotics for a UTI. Two days after I finished the antibiotics, I used another dose of Replens (every 3-day dosage) and felt cramping and bloated. The next day I had vaginal itching. The following day I experienced itching and burning, so I thought it was a yeast infection due to antibiotic use (even though I took probiotics). So I used an over-the-counter yeast medication. But I'm still having the cramping, also the brown discharge and now white discharge. I will see my MD if it doesn’t go away. I had taken 4 doses of Replens."

• Whi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "I’m so glad to have found that others have had issues with this. It came highly recommended. I’m only 34 but have had a full hysterectomy due to uterine cancer. Each time I have tried using this stuff to treat vaginal dryness, it BURNS. Not sure a little sting, it feels like an acid burn for a good hour or so. After using it this last time, I’ve developed an infection and discharge, which I’ve never had before. I’ll definitely be discontinuing use of this."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2020

For Vaginal Dryness "Decided to try this product as it is estrogen-free. After my first dosage, it burned. The next morning, I went to the bathroom, while wiping myself, there was a tinge of light pink on the paper. Needless to say, I will not be using a second dose. I was hoping for a solution to this problem, but this is not going to be it."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2022

For Vaginal Dryness "Vaginal dryness attacks fast with menopause. When I started Replens, I had the shedding and white clumps. Stick with it, three months in, everything is better. I can be intimate, no more burning. It takes a little time and will burn at first, but it's worth it."

• Rar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "It burned pretty bad the first time I used Replens. I also tried prescription Imvexxy, and it burned. I’m now trying hormone pellets and a hormone cream because I cannot have intercourse because that burns too. I am so frustrated. I can see why women give up intercourse. I won’t be using the Replens again."

• Dee...
• August 8, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "About 10 min after using Replens, I felt the leaking and started getting a burning feeling, so I googled it and found this site. Like everyone else, I wish I had seen this first. The burning started to get more intense. Luckily, I have a shower that also has a handheld sprayer. I went in and spread my vag and sprayed cool water inside for a while to try to flush it out. Not sure how far up it went, but the burning stopped and it felt better. Tossed the rest of the box. Will now try to figure out some other way to get rid of dryness to alleviate painful sex."

• Har...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2023

For Vaginal Dryness "I've been experiencing a lot of dryness and tearing, especially since my hysterectomy, and was recommended this to combat my symptoms; the side effects aren't really worth it, though. The discharge I can understand, but after a few uses, it feels like any irritation I had is just getting worse. It stings when I put anything in my vagina now, and since I also tried to use it externally, my vulva has been itching and burning for days. I wanted to be patient and see how I'd fare after a few more doses, but things just keep going downhill, so I'm going to find another product instead. Replens does help with dryness, but that's the only good thing I think I can say about it."

• red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "Same here, was fine for the first few goes. Now I can't get it anywhere near me as it feels like when you eat a really hot chili, only up there. Going back to my GP. There has to be something better than this."

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "I’m type 2 diabetic and it causes me to be dry. Tried this 1x and now I feel like something was seriously wrong! Thought I had an infection, but it’s a reaction to this stuff. Swollen inside and out, feel raw with burning, and urinating is very painful. Will not use again."

• Pri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 21, 2021

For Vaginal Dryness "I have persevered with Replens pessaries on and off since menopause for over 5 years. It burns like crazy initially, and the pessaries scrape the skin going in. Very painful. This then turns to constant itching. There is momentary relief, having that feeling of lubrication, but by the next day, it has all fallen out, and back to square one again. The pain of insertion puts me off using it as it gives me urinary infections. I've been to about 6 different consultants who said there was nothing wrong with me, and I just didn't know where to turn. I have had no relief for nearly 6 years. Going to the toilet is painful, and sex is completely out the window."

• Gay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2022

For Vaginal Dryness "Avoid this stuff at all costs! I was looking for something to help with dryness and burning caused by perimenopause. I used this twice and had a lot of watery discharge at first. I had sex the following day, and afterwards I had brown discharge. I had to insert and remove 3 tampons in a row to pull this stuff out, adding to the discomfort. I then started to get greyish discharge with black specks, burning, and cystitis feelings. I feel right back to square 1 with my symptoms, which were improving with Vagifem. I’m terrified about what I’ve done to my insides!"