FAQ about GYNATROF
GYNATROF is proven and clinically tested. Trials have shown that the product is safe and effective in restoring and maintaining the natural moisture of the vagina. GYNATROF has been used in Europe to treat vaginal atrophy for many years.
- Menopausal women
- Women who should not or choose not to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Women who have recently given birth or who are breast-feeding
- Women taking oral contraceptives
- Women with certain medical conditions (diabetes, cancer, etc.) who may experience dryness
- Women using a pessary, for insertion and maintenance
Do not use GYNATROF if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. GYNATROF can be used during breastfeeding and during pregnancy.
In rare cases, vaginal itching or burning may occur. This reaction has also been observed with other vaginal preparations and usually lasts for a few days only. If you have any concerns you should consult your healthcare professional.
If you have an allergy or reaction to any of its ingredients, the product should be discontinued. In rare cases, vaginal itching or burning may occur. This reaction has also been observed with other vaginal preparations and usually lasts for a few days. Please see the Warnings in the Product Information Brochure on the product package for more detailed information.
In the event of leakage, a panty liner may be useful.
Yes, there is no contraindication against increasing the dosage.
It is recommended that you use GYNATROF after swimming or bathing. The best time to use GYNATROF is at bedtime. If you use the product before you swim or take a bath there is a risk that the water could wash some of the product out, making it less effective.
We do not recommend GYNATROF be used during your monthly cycle, because some or all of the product will be lost along with your flow. However, women with scarce flow – or limited to a few days – should not have problems and can continue to use GYNATROF as directed.
Yes. GYNATROF can be used with condoms and other barrier contraceptives made with latex and polyisoprene, but not with polyurethane.
We recommend that you do not use GYNATROF, immediately before intercourse, if you are trying to conceive as the gel has a low pH, which makes the environment less suitable for sperm. Please note, GYNATROF should not be used as a form of contraception.
The use of GYNATROF is not contraindicated but could alter the absorption of vaginally administered hormones. As a precaution, we do not suggest they be taken together.
Yes, GYNATROF is safe to use during pregnancy.
Yes, GYNATROF is safe to use when breastfeeding.
It is best to use GYNATROF at bedtime. It may be helpful to wear a panty liner as it is not uncommon to experience slight leakage.
A vaginal lubricant is not necessarily a vaginal moisturizer – there is a difference! Vaginal lubricants are normally used during intercourse to help a woman that is not able to produce enough of her own vaginal moisture to comfortably (and painlessly) engage in intercourse. These are short acting lubricants that must be used every time with coital activities.
GYNATROF is a moisturizing lubricant. It has the same effect as lubricants when applied before sexual intercourse, but our studies also show that with regular use GYNATROF improves vaginal hydration and decreases feelings of vaginal dryness, inching, and burning, all day long. In other words, GYNATROF has been formulated to both relieve and treat the vaginal atrophy and its underlying symptoms.
NuvaRing is a contraceptive vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy. It is designed to be vaginally released into the body. GYNATROF is also formulated for vaginal release. As GYNATROF may affect your body’s absorption of NuvaRing, we do not suggest they be taken together. When taking GYNATROF, switching to an oral contraceptive is highly recommended.
GYNATROF is natural and nontoxic. There is no reason to be alarmed if it is accidentally ingested.
GYNATROF has been available in Europe since 2006 with no cases of estrogen sensitivity ever reported.
GYNATROF should be kept at room temperature, approximately 10-25°C. It should not be exposed to extreme temperatures such as in a refrigerator or exposed to direct sunlight.
The reusable applicator should be disassembled and cleaned following each use as follows:
- Dismantle the applicator by removing the piston.
- Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water: rub the applicator with fingers, fill and drain the cylinder repeatedly with water.
- Remove excess water by shaking the applicator and dry with a clean towel.
- Do not boil or use hot water.
Click here to download step by step applicator cleaning instructions.
GYNATROF is now available, without a prescription, in most pharmacies across Canada. Ask your local Pharmacist today. You can also order GYNATROF online at www.amazon.ca.
FAQ about Vaginal Atrophy
You may have no symptoms at all. Or you may have:
Vaginal atrophy also can increase your risk of vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Vaginal atrophy occurs when your body lacks estrogen. Estrogen is a female sex hormone that influences sex traits, growth, and reproduction. The most common cause of a decrease in estrogen levels is menopause. For women who are experiencing vaginal dryness but are certainly not peri-menopausal, there are many other possible causes.
The following can all account for a change in estrogen levels:
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Your risk for vaginal atrophy also goes up if you smoke or if you’ve never given birth vaginally.
Ideally, peri- and post-menopausal women should be routinely screened for VA. The condition is diagnosed based on a woman’s history and a physical exam. A blood test is not required. Your health care provider may initiate a conversation about VA, since women are often reluctant to do so, but don’t wait for you healthcare practitioner to bring this up. You are the best authority and treatment can really make a difference.
The typical sorts of symptoms women report include vaginal dryness, burning or itching, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Urinary problems can also occur, such as urinary frequency, urgency or painful urination.
Pain during sex is perhaps one of the main reasons women seek help for VA. When women experience pain during sexual activity, diminished arousal or decreased desire are often the result. It would be a mistake, however, to see VA as only a sexual complaint, as even activities ranging from vigorous exercise to simply wearing fitted clothing may elicit vaginal discomfort.
Your doctor will want to know what, if any, medications you are taking, as well as any medical conditions, prior sexual problems or of any soaps, detergents, over-the-counter remedies or other irritants you may be using which may contribute to vaginal symptoms.
Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers are non-hormonal alternatives for treatment of vulvo-vaginal atrophy, available over-the-counter. Vaginal lubricants are primarily used to relieve symptoms for a short period of time, most often during sexual intercourse. They are applied locally and act immediately.
In contrast to vaginal lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, such as GYNATROF, are applied regularly, not just with or in anticipation of sex or other vaginal irritative activity. Moisturizers are designed for internal vaginal use and provide longer lasting relief of vaginal dryness, compared to lubricants. They are bio-adhesive and attach to vaginal epithelium, retaining water and decreasing vaginal pH, thus helping to maintain a natural healthy vagina. Studies have shown increased transient lubrication with moisturizers and decreased discomfort during intercourse.
Hormonal solutions have traditionally been prescribed for treating vaginal dryness. For some women this may however not be suitable or they may have concerns about the use of hormones.
Non-hormonal solutions (like GYNATROF) exist and should be used prior to considering hormone therapy. In fact, according to the SOGC (Society of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of Canada): Recommendations and Treatment Considerations:1,2
“Vaginal moisturizers applied on a regular basis have an efficacy equivalent to local hormone replacement for the treatment of local urogenital symptoms such as vaginal itching, irritation, and dyspareunia, and should be offered to women wishing to avoid use of hormone replacement therapy.”
Non-hormonal solutions (like GYNATROF) are gentle and safe and can be used over the counter without prescription. Any concerns about the hormones should be discussed with your doctor.
- Do I have vaginal atrophy?
- Will treatment relieve my symptoms?
- What are my options for treatment?
- What are the risks and benefits of each treatment option?
- How long will I need treatment
- Should I see an endocrinologist?
Questions of a medical nature should be taken up with your doctor.
1. Riduan Joesoef M et al. Bacterial vaginosis. Clinical evidence.bmj.com/ceweb/conditions/seh/160, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Pirotta M. Bacterial vaginosis more questions than answers. Australian Family Physician Jun 2009;38:394-7