- What is Osphena®?
- Osphena® is the only FDA-approved oral pill for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia (painful sex), a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), due to menopause. It's not an estrogen, but it works like one to help improve specific vaginal tissue* and help relieve moderate to severe painful sex due to menopause.
- *Increases superficial cells, decreases parabasal cells (these are two types of vaginal cells) and reduces vaginal pH.
- What causes painful sex due to menopause?
- Before menopause, high levels of estrogen stimulate maturation of the vaginal epithelium to generate a thick layer of mature superficial cells. After menopause, a lack of estrogen leaves the epithelium much thinner, with very few or no superficial cells. In many women, this thinning is associated with vaginal dryness, irritation, itching and pain with intercourse, a condition referred to as vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis1.
- How soon can I expect results with Osphena®?
- In clinical studies, most women reported relief of moderate to severe painful sex due to menopause in as little as 12 weeks after beginning treatment with Osphena®. You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly (every 3 to 6 months) about the dose you are taking and whether or not you still need treatment with Osphena®.
- Do over-the-counter lubricants help?
- Many women with moderate to severe painful sex after menopause use lubricants to make sex less painful. However, lubricants only provide temporary relief and do nothing to treat the underlying condition that causes painful sex. It is important to know that if left untreated, painful sex can get worse. That’s why, if you're experiencing moderate to severe painful sex, you should talk to your healthcare provider about Osphena®. With continued use, Osphena® can improve specific vaginal tissue* and help relieve moderate to severe painful sex due to menopause.
- *Increases superficial cells, decreases parabasal cells (two types of vaginal cells) and reduces vaginal pH.
- Who should not take Osphena®?
- Osphena® is not for everyone. Do not take Osphena® if you:
- Have unusual vaginal bleeding
- Have or have had certain types of cancers (including cancer of the breast or uterus)
- Have or had blood clots
- Have had a stroke or heart attack
- Have severe liver problems
- Are allergic to Osphena® or any of its ingredients
- Think you may be pregnant
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are going to have surgery or will be on bed rest.
- What if I have a medical question about Osphena®?
- You can call 1-855-Osphena (1-855-677-4362), Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm EST.
1 Reiter S. Barriers to effective treatment of vaginal atrophy with local estrogen therapy. International Journal of General Medicine. 2013;6:153-158. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S43192