The Replens e‐booklet

The Replens e‐booklet •
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What causes vaginal dryness? How best to treat vaginal dryness? What is Replens? Frequently Asked Questions Contact us Where to buy Replens? What is vaginal dryness? For millions of women, vaginal dryness is a real problem that affects and interferes with their day to day lives. Vaginal dryness is common and can occur at any age. The effects of vaginal dryness vary from woman to woman, ranging from minor discomfort to painful sexual intercourse. Regardless of the level of discomfort, vaginal dryness can impact your everyday life. The major causes of vaginal dryness are: • Menopause • Breast‐feeding • Childbirth • Tampon use • Medications • Excessive exercise • Stress • Radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) which is thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decline in the levels of oestrogen. Along with vaginal dryness, you might also have itching and stinging around the vaginal opening and in the lower third of the vagina. How to best treat vaginal dryness? There are two treatments for women with vaginal dryness – moisturisers/lubricants and vaginal oestrogen. All vaginal treatments work temporarily. The vaginal dryness will return when the treatment is stopped unless the ovaries make more oestrogen. Vagina Moisturisers/Lubricants – Vaginal lubricants and moisturisers can be purchased without a prescription at any chemist or pharmacy. These products do not contain any hormones and have virtually no side effects. Lubricants are designed to reduce friction and discomfort during sexual intercourse. The lubricant is applied inside the vagina or onto the penis just before sex. Vaginal Moisturisers (such as Replens) are formulated to allow water to be retained in the vaginal tissues. Moisturisers are applied into the vagina three times a week to allow a continued moisturising effect. These should not be used just before having sex as they can be irritating. Vaginal oestrogen – Vaginal oestrogen must be must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Several types of oestrogen products are available such as oestrogen cream, the vaginal oestrogen tablet and the vaginal oestrogen ring. What is Replens? Replens Long Lasting Vaginal Moisturiser contains a patented ingredient for soothing and long‐lasting moisture. When you apply Replens, it immediately goes to work to provide vaginal moisture. As the cells of the vaginal wall are regenerated, dry cells are cleared and Replens is eliminated naturally. As with dry skin that you experience on your hands and face, regular moisturising treatment may be necessary to prevent dryness from recurring. Replens is available in a 3 or 10 pack. One application lasts 3 days so a 3 pack will last you 9 days and a 10 pack will last you the whole month. Replens contains numerous active ingredients: • Polycarbophil ‐ has the capacity to adhere long term to the vaginal walls and able to carry multiple times its own weight in water. • Purified water ‐ restores the natural moisture in the dry vaginal walls. • Mineral oil, palm oil glyceride ‐ The oils give a soothing effect to the dry vaginal skin. • Sorbic Acid, Parabens ‐ ingredients for the conservation of the product. Frequently Asked Questions • What causes vaginal dryness? Nearly every woman will experience vaginal dryness sometime in her life. It is most often associated with the normal decline or fluctuation of the female hormone oestrogen. Dryness can also be caused by taking certain medications, exercising intensely, or being under stress. It is also common to experience vagina dryness when douching, using tampons or at the end of the menstrual cycle. • How often should Replens be used? For most women, Replens should be used every three days for best results. However, depending on the severity of your dryness, Replens can be used more or less frequently, as necessary. Replens is safe to use daily. • Can Replens be used as birth control? No. Replens does not contain spermicide. It is not a contraceptive. • Should I use Replens during my period? No. It is best to resume use after your flow completely stops. Contact Us Replens is part of the Omega Pharma range of products To find out more about our range of products, please visit: www.omegapharma.com.au Where to buy Replens?