Imvexxy Questions Answered: Side Effects, Alternatives, & More
women’s health
When women reach menopause, it's not uncommon for them to start experiencing a wide range of frustrating symptoms. While this chapter of your life is inevitable, it shouldn't have to be painful, too!
However, if you have dyspareunia, a type of condition that accompanies menopause and can make intercourse difficult, it may seem like you have to choose between comfort and a full, enjoyable sex life.
That doesn't have to be the case. Imvexxy, a low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy, can help you find relief for vaginal itchiness and dryness associated with menopause.
What is Imvexxy?
Imvexxy is a vaginal insert medication that, once used, releases a substance called "estradiol" directly into vaginal tissues.
This is important for a very specific reason: When you enter menopause, you stop creating high levels of estrogen on your own. Estrogen, which comes in various forms, including estradiol, does many things in the human body. One of those things is keeping the vaginal tissues lubricated, comfortable, and, if applicable, ready for pleasant intercourse.
After menopause, many people do experience thin, dry, and inflamed vaginal walls. The technical term for this is “dyspareunia caused by vulvovaginal atrophy.”
How Does Imvexxy Work?
As our Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com, Dr. Brynna Connor, M.D. notes , “When people go through menopause, they often experience many symptoms that frequently last for seven years or more. However, taking extra hormones as the body stops producing them can help reduce symptoms.” Imvexxy is a perfect example.
Imvexxy works by helping replace some of the estradiol that your body naturally starts to lose around menopause. It’s particularly effective because it delivers the estradiol right where it’s needed, which can produce faster results and alleviate any potential side effects usually associated with the treatment.
Taking Imvexxy will allow estradiol to absorb directly through your vaginal wall, rejuvenating your tissue and then stopping before it causes systemic side effects. This rejuvenation can help increase your quality of life quickly through the cessation of itching and pain. It can also help make intercourse feel more possible and less painful—which can also boost your quality of life.
However, as is the case with all medications, Imvexxy does come with some side effects.
Your Reference List: The Common Side Effects of Imvexxy
If you’re aware of the potential side effects of Imvexxy upfront, you can manage your experience a little better (and even, with some proactive self-care, help reduce these side effects or help them go away sooner).
The side effects of Imvexxy to keep an eye out for include:
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness, discomfort, or sensitivity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Vaginal discharge
- Hair thinning or hair loss
Strategies for managing these symptoms include:
- Keeping yourself hydrated
- Reducing salt intake
- Staying Active
- Wearing supportive bras
- Investing in high-quality OTC pain management medications
- Maintaining good hygiene
- Talking to a dermatologist about any observed hair loss
Serious Side Effects and Risks
There are some side effects of Imvexxy that are a little more severe and should be approached with a little more caution. For example:
- Taking Imvexxy can increase your risk of some types of cancer, including endometrial cancer and breast cancer. This is because using estrogen alone, without progesterone, can set off an unhelpful series of events for some people that may not be in their best interest. Your doctor will want to monitor your health while you’re taking Imvexxy. Working with them, even if it’s inconvenient, is the best way to stay happy and healthy. Further, if you notice any unusual bleeding after taking Imvexxy, report it to your doctor in a timely manner.
- Sometimes, people who take Imvexxy may have a higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as blood clots and stroke. If you have a family or personal history of cardiovascular issues, make sure your doctor knows when they prescribe Imvexxy.
These side effects rae rare but real. While taking Imvexxy may be a good strategy for you regardless of these minute risks, it's important to be aware of what could happen.
What About Imvexxy and Alcohol? And Other Questions
Curious about what taking Imvexxy is really like? Here’s some information that you should know.
First things first: Imvexxy and alcohol. Do they mix?
Taking Imvexxy and drinking alcohol at similar times can have a disruptive effect on Imvexxy's benefits. Alcohol can also exacerbate some of Imvexxy's side effects, including nausea and dizziness. For the most part, it's a good idea to keep alcohol consumption minimal while you're using Imvexxy.
How Long Does Imvexxy Take to Dissolve and Stay in Your System?
Imvexxy is a vaginal suppository, which means that patients administer it by inserting it vaginally and waiting for the tablet to dissolve. A good strategy is to insert the tablet before going to sleep, as that gives the tablet a good amount of time to dissolve and absorb before you’re active again.
Usually, Imvexxy dissolves within a matter of hours. As it dissolves, it allows absorption of estradiol into the vaginal tissues.
Imvexxy’s effects will last as long as the estradiol remains active within the targeted tissues. For most people, this does mean that regular use of Imvexxy will be the most effective.
Is Imvexxy Made From Horse Urine?
No, Imvexxy is not made from horse urine. (Other HRTs may be, but not Imvexxy.)
Instead, it contains synthetic estradiol. It’s made to mimic the hormone that ovaries usually produce, but it is a man-made substance.
Can Imvexxy Cause Cancer?
Using estrogen therapy alone can increase the risk of a few types of cancers, including endometrial cancer and breast cancer.
This does not mean that using Imvexxy will lead to a cancer diagnosis.
What it does mean is that your care team will want to follow up with you on a regular basis and monitor your symptoms and hormone levels. This may seem frustrating, but it’s actually a good way to keep in touch with your overall health—which can give you more ways to feel your best self and overcome any health obstacles you may be facing.
Can Imvexxy Cause Hair Loss?
Yes, Imvexxy can cause some hair loss.
Any drug that causes changes in your hormone levels can. This isn’t a certain side effect, though, and there are some things you can do to mitigate the risk. These include maintaining a gentle hair care routine, and talking to a dermatologist or healthcare professional if you notice hair thinning and you’d like further guidance.
How Much Does Imvexxy Cost?
For patients in the United States, an 18-insert “starter kit” supply of Imvexxy may cost as much as $550.00.
If you’re looking for a way to save, you’re in the right place. Purchasing Imvexxy as a prescription from Canada can help you save big! Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy 18 inserts of brand-name Imvexxy for about $100.00—savings of up to 81%.
Imvexxy vs. Vagifem
Those familiar with estrogen therapy options may wonder:
How does Imvexxy compare to other similar-seeming products—like, for example, Vagifem?
Vagifem may provide a similar function as Imvexxy, for some people, but it is a very distinct product and not a direct alternative to Imvexxy. Here’s what you need to know about the similarities and differences between Imvexxy and Vagifem.
- Similarities: Imvexxy and Vagifem are both medications for people going through menopause. They contain estradiol, and can help improve vaginal tissue health.
- Differences: Imvexxy is a soft gel insert. Vagifem is a vaginal tablet. This tends to translate to longer dissolve times for Vagifem, while Imvexxy dissolves relatively quickly.
Imvexxy is also available as a very low dose medication, and it’s specifically indicated to help women enjoy better vaginal health as they go through menopause.
While other vaginal estrogen inserts do exist, the low strength of Imvexxy, precise focus, and faster-than-average dissolve time make it a relatively unique women’s health and menopause medication.
Are There (Real) Imvexxy Alternatives?
For many reasons, Imvexxy doesn’t have any direct alternatives.
However, there are other medications that may be in a similar category, though most of them are intended for slightly different purposes.
Some of these medications include:
- Estrace, a type of vaginal cream that contains micronized estradiol that can treat atrophic vaginitis, vaginal dryness, and even prevent osteoporosis.
- Vagifem, a prescription vaginal tablet that can deliver localized estrogen therapy to treat atrophic vaginitis.
- Intrarosa, a medication that contains a substance called “prasterone” (DHEA) that can treat pain during intercourse in postmenopausal women.
- Premarin, a menopause medication that comes in both tablet and cream form that contains conjugated estrogens. It can help treat many types of menopause symptoms, from vaginal dryness to hot flashes and beyond.
- Estring, a vaginal ring that continuously releases estradiol into your system over 90 days to help treat atrophic vaginitis.
- Osphena, an oral tablet that can help moderate to severe pain during intercourse in postmenopausal women.
- Replens, a non-hormonal vaginal moisturizer that can provide long-lasting relief from discomfort and dryness without the need for estrogen, which can be helpful if estrogen does not agree with your body for any reason.
Remember, even though a main ingredient in many of these medications is estradiol, not all estrogen medications are made the same. Some of these medications contain higher doses of estradiol, for example, or aren’t specifically intended for menopause (and instead are indicated for infertility, or other situations in which hormone replacement therapies would be helpful). Others still may not include estrogen or come in forms such as creams and oral pills that may not be intuitive or convenient for consistent application.
Ultimately, selecting the therapy best for you, your body, and your lifestyle is the most important thing. Consulting directly with your healthcare provider is the best way to ensure that you’re getting a medication that is safe and effective for you!
Imvexxy and Sexual Intercourse—Some Helpful Guidelines
For many women, pain during intercourse is a primary reason for considering Imvexxy.
If that’s the case for you, there are a few practical tips that may be of interest when using Imvexxy. They include:
- Timing your Imvexxy use well. If you insert Imvexxy at about the same time each day—for example, just before bedtime—you’ll be well-poised to maintain consistent hormone levels, helping you avoid any side effects associated with rising and falling concentrations of the medication in your blood.
- Prepare a bit before you head to bed. Got a romantic evening planned? If possible, check with your healthcare provider beforehand to see how long they recommend you take Imvexxy, first, for optimal comfort.
- Use lubrication. Grab a water-based lubricant and keep it in your nightstand. When used in concert with Imvexxy, you’ll have the best possible chance of enjoying reduced friction and enhanced comfort.
- Be patient with yourself. Especially if your symptoms prior to starting Imvexxy were quite severe, it may take some time for the relief to kick in. Be as realistic as possible, take your time, and communicate with your partner about how you are feeling before engaging in intimate activities.
- Prioritize being nourished and hydrated. Having a balanced diet, moving your body on a regular basis, and staying well-hydrated all have a big impact on your sexual health. Drink lots of water as you’re beginning treatment with Imvexxy.
- Consider pelvic floor exercises. Speaking of moving your body: As you start taking Imvexxy and any vaginal pain you are feeling subsides, think about incorporating pelvic floor exercises into your routine. These exercises can also help enhance function and reduce pain.
- Maintain good personal hygiene. If at all possible, keep your vaginal area dry and clean. Refrain from using harsh soaps or douches, though, as they can disrupt your existing vaginal microbiome (which is important for health!)
- Indulge in self-care! Before you decide to engage in sexual activity, give yourself some time to rest and relax, or enjoy a warm bath, to minimize any discomfort or anxiety that could still be present (even though you’re using Imvexxy).
Wondering Where to Buy Imvexxy for Less? Right Here
While Imvexxy in the United States can cost up to $550.00 for a starter kit, we’ve got something that should help—the ability to buy the same brand-name medication for significantly less (up to 81% in savings).
Excited to experience what it’s like to ship medications directly to your front door from Canada or elsewhere? We’re equally excited to help. Our team of customer service representatives and pharmacists is here to answer any questions you may have. We can even assist you as you place an order online or over the phone.
The team at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to helping you as you continue on your health journey!
