Hello! Today we are going to talk about a very important health problem that many women in our society are a little hesitant to talk about openly, but it affects many people, and its solution. With the natural stage of life called menopause, some women may experience pain or discomfort during sex. The reason for this is the change in hormone levels in the body. So today we are talking about a treatment that can help with this discomfort.
What is this drug called Prasterone?
Simply put, Prasterone is a medication used to reduce vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse after menopause. It comes as a vaginal insert. You may have heard of it as DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) . They are the same thing.
This medicine works in a very strange way. When it enters our body, it is converted into a hormone called estrogen within the tissues of the vagina. It is this estrogen hormone that decreases with menopause. So when estrogen levels increase in the vagina, dryness in that area decreases, moisture and flexibility are restored, and pain is relieved. The special thing about this is that this process occurs mostly in the vagina, which is different from treatments that provide hormones to the entire body.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
As with any medication, it is important to tell your doctor about your complete health history before using this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Cancer conditions: If you have previously had or currently have breast cancer, uterine cancer, or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding: After menopause, after your normal menstrual cycle has stopped, if you have vaginal bleeding, you should report it.
- Allergies: If you have any allergies to Prasterone, DHEA, other hormones, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or are expecting to become pregnant in the near future.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
Based on this information, your doctor will be able to decide whether this treatment is suitable for you or not.
Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly.
It's very simple to use, but it's important to follow the instructions exactly.
1. This is not an oral medication: The first and most important thing to remember is that this is for vaginal use only . Do not take it orally for any reason.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after using the medicine.
3. Best time: It is usually advised to use this at night before going to bed . This gives the medicine enough time to dissolve and work properly while you are asleep.
4. Follow the instructions: Use only as directed by your doctor, for the prescribed amount of time. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice, or use more than the prescribed amount.
5. Keep away from children: This medicine is not approved for children, so keep it safely out of their reach.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
What to do if you forget a dose for a day?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you think, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Let's also learn about side effects.
Like all medicines, some people may experience side effects. But most people don't. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | What you should do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. | This may be an emergency. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Abnormal vaginal discharge: A discharge that is different from usual, has a foul odor, or is very itchy. | Call your doctor immediately and tell him. |
| Recurrent bleeding: Post-menopause, recurrent vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain. | This is something you should definitely inform your doctor about. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Vaginal discharge | This may be normal, but if you are uncomfortable or if it is different from usual, talk to your doctor. |
| Minor irritation or discomfort in the vagina. | If this persists or gets worse, tell your doctor. |
The importance of regular medical checkups
It is very important to see your doctor regularly while taking this medicine to check how you are doing. This medicine may change the results of your Pap smear. You will also need to have a pelvic exam at regular intervals. This is to make sure that you are in good health.
How to store medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator (between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
We hope this information will help you understand this medicine better. But remember, this is just a summary. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Prasterone is a treatment for pain during intercourse after menopause. It is a pill that is inserted into the vagina.
- Before using this, you should tell your doctor your complete health history, especially any history of cancer or abnormal bleeding.
- Use this medicine at bedtime, exactly as directed by your doctor.
- If you notice anything unusual, such as unusual bleeding or a severe allergic reaction, notify your doctor immediately.
- It is mandatory to undergo regular medical checkups while taking this treatment.
- Never be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about your concerns.
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