Vaginal dryness is one of the main symptoms that plague women in menopause. Women experience this frustrating symptom when estrogen levels fall to low levels, which can start in perimenopause and worsen once you reach menopause and postmenopause.

To combat vaginal dryness, many women find success with medication that delivers hormones just to the vaginal tissues. Vagifem was one of the most popular forms of vaginal estrogen but it was quite costly. Fortunately, there is a generic alternative: Yuvafem. Let’s talk about Yuvafem and look at the difference between Vagifem and Yuvafem.

What is Yuvafem?

Yuvafem is a form of estradiol that inserted into the vagina. It is a locally-applied form of hormone therapy that treats menopause symptoms that directly affect the vaginal tissues. Yuvafem can be an appealing option for women who struggle with vaginal low estrogen symptoms who do not want or need the systemic effects of HRT. You must have a prescription from your health care provider to be able to use Yuvafem.

Yuvafem can help treat the following symptoms:

• Vaginal dryness
• Vaginal irritation
• Itching
• Soreness
• Painful intercourse
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

These symptoms can affect you no matter what activities you are doing. For example, you can experience irritation, whether you are watching Netflix, working out, or having intercourse. And, as any woman can attest, when your vagina is irritated, it can throw off e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

Women in menopause often experience these symptoms because the ovaries no longer produce enough estrogen to keep vaginal tissues healthy. Estrogen plays numerous roles in the female body, but it is particularly necessary for your reproductive tract. For example, estrogen keeps your vaginal tissues moist with your own natural lubricant, and it thickens vaginal tissues. When vaginal tissues become thinner and drier, it can increase your risk for urinary tract infections. It can also throw off your vaginal pH, putting you at higher risk for bacterial and fungal infections (like yeast).

How to use Yuvafem

Your doctor will direct you on how to use Yuvafem based on your body’s needs. However, most women start by using Yuvafem once daily for two weeks (this is like a loading dose) and then use it two times a week until you decide to discontinue use.

Yuvafem comes in tablet-form and is inserted into the vagina by an applicator.

You should dispose of each applicator after every use.

Yuvafem reviews

Yuvafem is a prescription medication, so you will not find reviews at popular online retailers like Amazon. However, many women share their experiences with Yuvafem in online forums and communities, and through medication resources like drugs.com. On average, women report that Yuvafem is less helpful compared to Vagifem. Many women also find the packaging disagreeable because the plastic applicators must be tossed with each use, and it is hard to separate the doses. Positive reviewers state that the product improved thinning vaginal tissues and dryness.

Yuvafem cost

Your insurance carrier may pick up some, or even all, of the Yuvafem cost. Currently, Yuvafem runs anywhere between $47-63 at some of the most well-known pharmacies in the United States, like Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS.

You may be able to find a Yuvafem coupon on the Yuvafem website or through your doctor’s office. Also, shop around online for a pharmacy that offers the best Yuvafem price. Sometimes, GoodRx can be a helpful resource when searching for the best price and coupons, if applicable.

What is the difference between Vagifem and Yuvafem?

Yuvafem is like a Vagifem generic medication that is made by a different pharmaceutical company. Both drugs contain estradiol, which is a form of estrogen found in the female body. Because different manufacturers make these medications, there may be variations in concentration, inactive ingredients, delivery, and packaging.

Vagifem dosing is the same as Yuvafem, in that both start at 10mcg tablets. Women also usually follow the same dosing schedule, whether they are on Vagifem vs. Yuvafem.

Vagifem is more costly than Yuvafem, which is one of the main reasons why women try Yuvafem. Unfortunately, insurance does not always cover the cost of menopause medications like Vagifem, which makes women seek out more affordable options. Sometimes, this means that women do not have access to the best medication for them.

If you are struggling with vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, or recurrent urinary tract infections, talk with your doctor about how best to manage these symptoms. Many women benefit from systemic and local HRT options. If you are unable to take hormonal medication or would prefer to avoid it, there are plenty of natural solutions you can explore, such as vaginal moisturizers and herbal supplements.

Related: Best Lubricant For Menopausal Dryness

What have you tried to manage vaginal dryness in perimenopause and menopause? Let us know in the our free perry community app. 

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, does not take the place of medical advice from your physician, and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Patients should see a qualified medical provider for assessment and treatment.