Estradiol topical and Discharge: What Users Say

• Wes...
• November 7, 2018

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "I am a post-menopausal physician who began using Vagifem in 2011 after a total hysterectomy. I had absolutely no problems with Vagifem. It helped with my urogenital symptoms, such as dryness and urinary frequency. When Yuvafem came out, I was also changed to it via my mail-in pharmacy. I started experiencing a significant increase in vaginal irritation, vulvar dryness, and urinary frequency. I had been having vaginal discharge the day after I inserted the tablet with increased irritation and itching. I never had any significant discharge or irritation when using Vagifem. My symptoms got so bad that at the end of September I went back on brand-name Vagifem. My symptoms have been gradually improving. Given my experience, and the fact that so many others on this site and elsewhere have had similar issues, I contacted the FDA. I also complained to them regarding the poor packaging. I feel Yuvafem needs further investigation."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2020

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "After the first dose, I felt a positive change and enjoyed careful intercourse. After the second dose, the discharge was significant and odorous. The day after the third dose and for the next three days, the itching and inflammation were unbearable. I would call the swelling an explosion. Time to try something else."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2020

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "Use of Vagifem to address bladder frequency has caused significant irritation, itchiness, and rawness around the vaginal area, as well as thick white discharge. I have discontinued it and am attempting to treat these symptoms, which have progressed to the urethra. Very discouraging, as many women find it very helpful for postmenopausal conditions."

• NAa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2019

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "Yuvafem makes me spot, and it gets worse over several days. First yellow and dark brown, and then bloody discharge. My doctor checked me out. I’m fine, so it’s definitely this medication. I did not have this problem with Vagifem and will tell my doctor that Vagifem is what I want. I am 63 years old. When I use the Yuvafem, I have to wear a liner. Terrible medication and should be pulled from the market."

• Den...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 21, 2019

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "My primary care physician and ob/gyn doctor recommended the Estring after my periods ended. I used it for 6.5 years, and it worked great - minimal pain during sex with my husband. I couldn't feel it once I inserted it. It's a little tricky to remove at first - reaching in far enough with a finger and hooking it. In the last six months, I've had two episodes where vaginal discharge turned from clearish white to light yellow and had an unclean odor. The first time I removed it for a week, the problem cleared up, and I inserted a new one. This second time seems worse - both times the ring was only one month in place, so it's expensive to have to put a new one in. I'm going to the doctor and see what he says. Good luck - I think it's a great product - I didn't have any other side effects for six years. I'll use it again once the doctor confirms it's still okay for my use."

• Bla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2017

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "No problems with Vagifem. After using Yuvafem for a couple of weeks, I started getting a discharge and feeling like I had an infection with burning and itching. It feels as if I am allergic to something in the drug. Going back to Vagifem."

• Ber...
• April 15, 2017

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "Just recently switched from Vagifem to Yuvafem and find the new generic Yuvafem ineffective and more difficult to use. The packaging alone is unacceptable. Individual applicators cannot be separated; perforations are useless, but the foil wrapping is sharp after opening, and I received a one-inch cut on one of my fingers!! The medication itself is different and does not seem to work. It causes more discharge and other unpleasant changes. No wonder it is cheaper. I am asking my doctor for a name brand only (Vagifem) prescription."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2017

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "I am 67 years old, postmenopausal for 9 years, with typical vaginal dryness but no other issues. No problems with either Vagifem tablets or Estrace cream in the past. I had more vaginal discharge with Yuvafem. After 2 months on Yuvafem, I developed vaginal spotting, fever, and a kidney infection! Was treated with oral antibiotics, and within a couple of days, the vaginal spotting stopped as well. My GYN has since found a benign cervical polyp and attributed the spotting to that, but I'm not convinced. I have never suffered from UTIs, so this was too much of a coincidence. I believe the excessive discharge from Yuvafem led to bacterial overgrowth, spotting, and subsequent urinary tract/kidney infection. I'm back to Estrace cream."

• Thi...
• October 10, 2021

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "I had tried so many things to deal with vaginal atrophy. Intercourse was extremely painful, and I thought my sex life was over. Then my nurse-midwife suggested Imvexxy. Game changer. After a week, the results were incredible. Some reviewers talk about the discharge, but I found if you insert it a little higher and at night (wear underwear), there's far less. I haven't noticed any of the side effects some folks have. I take 10 mcg 2x per week. I also wish, though, that there were no dyes in this product. AND they did hike the price! Hopefully, I can get this resolved."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2023

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "I’m 62, had a hysterectomy at age 40, did not do HRT, and am not sexually active. I needed Estrace 3 times a week on the opening of my vagina for dryness. In 2022, however, I had 6 UTIs and lower back pain. My urologist thinks I have cystitis and vaginal dryness and prescribed 10 mcg of Imvexxy twice a week. I’ve used Imvexxy for three weeks and have been experiencing night sweats and a pink discharge from the medication. I use a leftover applicator to insert the capsule, not my fingers. I insert it more than 2 inches, but the discharge still leaks out. The opening of my vagina still feels dry. I’ll have to see if the UTIs go away with continued use."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2022

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "I’ve been using Imvexxy for about 1 month. I’ve noticed hot flashes and night sweats have increased. I’m having leg heaviness and tiredness, as well as lower back pain. Insomnia has also gotten worse. I get a burning sensation and discharge after usage. I take 10 mcg every two days. I will reduce my usage to once a week and see if the symptoms resolve. I will keep you posted."

• Con...
• December 9, 2020

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "After 2 years of using BI pellets for HRT, had to choose an alternative and chose Yuvafem. Got Yuvafem but assumed it would work the same. Yuvafem application tool very uncomfortable to insert. About 2 weeks of using this product, had some discharge and itching. Thought - yeast infection and purchased a 3-day OTC. But didn't use it and the next day the symptoms were gone. After 2.5 months of using Yuvafem, recently started noticing what looked like a brownish discharge/spotting. Spoke to an ob-gyn's nurse, decided to wait till Monday and see if it's better. That night I had burning inside my abdomen. All weekend, felt like I had a UTI with abdominal and back pain. Monday, my GP doc did a urine test which was negative. After an additional 24 hours, the culture was still negative for UTI. At that point, started reading reviews about Yuvafem and found many similar stories to what I am experiencing. I will not use this product again and I hope the burning and internal pain go away soon!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2018

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "Initially it was great. And on the upside, it is effectively treating the vaginal atrophy. But now, a year later, for the couple of days after each insert, I have discharge to the point that it feels like urinary incontinence. It's uncomfortable, and frankly, it's gross. I have to wear a panty liner, there's so much of it."

• CB7...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 11, 2020

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "I like the idea of estrogen to help keep my skin, hair, and lady bits young. But lately, I had a discharge, and docs at walk-in clinics say my urine is fine. They acted as if I’m imagining a discharge and odor. Then I thought I should check if they are side effects of the Estring. They are. I removed it and will go with the vitamins I am taking for skin, hair, and joints. Seems safer for sure. No one wants discharge and odor. Not worth any touted benefits."

• Oph...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2017

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "I have suffered from vaginal/vulvar pain since menopause started about 5 years ago. I've been treated by various doctors for vulvodynia/interstitial cystitis, but my current doctor suggested the Estring because I have obvious atrophy symptoms that could account for a lot of my symptoms. Sadly, this product just made my vaginal/bladder issues worse - pressure, irritation, and discharge. I waited 3 weeks but finally removed it myself. Hoping I'll start feeling better soon. I wasted $279 to feel even worse. They should consider a redesign with a softer and more comfortable ring and bioidentical estrogen to reduce health risks. I've seen a lot of negative reactions online to this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2018

For Atrophic Vaginitis "All negative posts regarding TEVA estradiol are accurate. I, too, have experienced the cheap packaging, UTI recurrences, all vaginal atrophy symptoms returning, and vaginal discharge requiring panty liners. There is no way this is the identical composition of Vagifem. NO WAY. Shame on insurance companies forcing this substandard generic on women with vaginal atrophy. I was on Vagifem for several years, with no problems. Perhaps if all of us experiencing the return of our burning and painful symptoms were in the same room with all of them who created this TEVA pill and applicator, they would witness firsthand the ineffectiveness of their product. I have contacted my doctor and my pharmacy. I am insisting they discontinue TEVA and rewrite my prescription for Vagifem, no matter the cost. I hope more women do the same."

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2015

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "I just removed the ring after 3 weeks because after two weeks I started having hot flashes, low back pain, and vaginal discharge. It has been 3 days now, and the symptoms are abating. I did not like the bloat I was feeling and will go back to the Estrace cream, which is not as convenient but with which I did not have side effects."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I used this estradiol cream for a few months and at first thought it was helping but then had a vaginal discharge that caused severe itching and developed into a fungus outbreak that took several weeks to remedy with medication. I am very concerned after reading the side effects that are irreversible."

• Tot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2020

Estradiol topical for Atrophic Vaginitis "After one dose of Yuvafem, I will not use this awful stuff! I had discharge and burning and feeling like I have to pee. I can't believe how horrible this stuff is. I will be reporting it to the FDA."