Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

• Q:
• What is ESTRING^® (estradiol vaginal ring)?

• A:
• ESTRING is an estrogen indicated for use after menopause to treat moderate to severe vaginal itching, burning and dryness, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, and painful urination.

• Q:
• How might ESTRING help me?

• A:
• ESTRING may help relieve the moderate to severe symptoms of vaginal atrophy that come after menopause such as:
  
  • Vaginal dryness, burning, or itching
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Sudden urges to urinate (use the bathroom)
  • Painful or difficult urination

• Q:
• How does ESTRING work?

• A:
• Once placed in the upper vagina, ESTRING releases estradiol. Estradiol is a natural plant-based form of estrogen, which your body makes less of than it used to make. ESTRING will release the medicine in a steady, low dose for a 90-day treatment period. After 90 days, there will not be enough treatment in the ring to provide you with relief. ESTRING should be taken out at this time. You should talk to your healthcare provider to see if you should continue treatment with ESTRING.

• Q:
• How long does ESTRING usually take to work?

• A:
• It may take between 2 and 3 weeks to restore the tissue of the vagina and urinary tract to a healthier condition. But every woman is different.

• Q:
• How do I store ESTRING?

• A:
• ESTRING should be stored at a room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).

Using ESTRING

• Q:
• How long will I have to use ESTRING?

• A:
• ESTRING contains the estrogen estradiol. Therefore, ESTRING should be used only as long as needed. You and your healthcare provider should talk every 3 to 6 months to see if you need to continue treatment with ESTRING.

• Q:
• How do I insert or remove ESTRING?

• A:
• ESTRING can be inserted by you or your healthcare provider. For step-by-step instructions on inserting and removing ESTRING, click here.

• Q:
• Will I feel the ring inside me?

• A:
• When inserted properly in the upper vagina, most women should not feel the ring once it is in place.

• Q:
• Will ESTRING disrupt my sex life?

• A:
• Most women and their partners should not experience discomfort with ESTRING in place when having sex, so it is not necessary to remove the ring before sex. Some women may choose to remove it prior to sex. However, be sure to put it back in soon afterwards. If you take ESTRING out, be sure to rinse it in lukewarm water before you put it back in. If you feel it, ESTRING may be too low in your vagina. To push it in further, simply use your finger.

• Q:
• Can ESTRING be inserted too far?

• A:
• No. ESTRING cannot be pushed too far up in the vagina or get lost. ESTRING will not go further than the end of the vagina. The cervix (the narrow, lower end of the uterus) blocks ESTRING from going up any further. If you have any concerns or additional questions about inserting ESTRING, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.

• Q:
• How do I wash ESTRING?

• A:
• Wash the ring with lukewarm water and reinsert it. Do not wash the ring in hot water.

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