Gina
Oestrogen levels decline after the menopause and this can cause changes in our vaginal health, with around 1 in 2 women experiencing vaginal dryness, itching or uncomfortable sex. You don’t have to put up with the symptoms of postmenopausal vaginal dryness. There is now an effective treatment available without a prescription from your pharmacist that targets the cause as well as the symptoms of vaginal dryness after the menopause.
Discover more about Gina
Gina is the first and only treatment available without prescription that is clinically proven to target the cause of vaginal dryness, soreness, burning, itching and painful intercourse after the menopause for women aged 50 and over who have not had a period for at least 1 year.
Gina is a small vaginal tablet that comes in a pre-loaded applicator which delivers a low dose of oestrogen directly to the vaginal wall, to treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness.
Gina is clinically proven to work by restoring your vaginal health. This is done by improving flexibility and elasticity, helping replenish moisture, and restoring vaginal tissue. Gina starts to rebalance pH levels in the vagina after 2 weeks.
Symptom relief can be felt after 8 weeks. Gina can continue to work as long as it is used because it replaces oestrogen. If treatment stops, oestrogen will gradually decline and symptoms may return.
Gina can be used as long as you and your pharmacist agree it's helping and it is still suitable for you. You should discuss this with your pharmacist every 3 months.
How to use Gina?
Thickened vaginal lining
You may not feel it, but Gina
starts to thicken the lining of
your vagina after only 2 weeks.
Works by restoring vaginal health
After 8 weeks, Gina starts to
relieve the uncomfortable
symptoms of vaginal dryness.
Relief from symptoms
Gina starts to restore pH
levels after week 2, and by
week 12, vaginal pH may
begin to return to premenopausal
levels.
Helps restore pH levels
Gina can continue to
work as long as
it is used. A study of women
using Gina for a year showed
consistent and significant
improvement in symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
What is vaginal atrophy?
expand_moreVaginal atrophy (VA) is the thinning of the walls of the vagina caused by decreased oestrogen levels after the menopause. This can decrease flexibility and elasticity and reduce natural lubrication and moistness.
Vaginal atrophy is caused by the decrease in oestrogen levels after the menopause and is often progressive. This means that it can get worse over time. The impact of the symptoms can vary hugely from woman to woman – from a minor irritation to greater discomfort.
What is Gina?
expand_moreGina is a small vaginal tablet that contains estradiol. It delivers a low dose of oestrogen directly to the vaginal wall. It is unique in the way it treats and relieves the uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching, burning and painful intercourse.
Gina is the only product effective at treating the cause of vaginal dryness after the menopause without prescription. Gina comes in a pre-loaded hygienic applicator designed to deliver the correct dose.
How old do you need to be to use Gina?
expand_moreGina is suitable for the treatment of vaginal dryness after the menopause for women aged 50 and over, who have not had a period for at least 1 year.
Do I need a prescription?
expand_moreNo, you can get Gina directly from your pharmacy or an online pharmacy. However, you will need to answer some questions to check that it is suitable for you.
How is Gina different to a lubricant or cream I can buy from the pharmacy?
expand_moreA lubricant or cream will add moisture to the area to alleviate the symptoms of vaginal dryness. However, Gina is the first and only treatment available without prescription that is clinically proven to target the cause of vaginal dryness, soreness, burning, itching. It contains a low dose of oestrogen, delivered directly to the vaginal wall, to treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness. This helps the tissue restore its own elasticity and moisture.
Does Gina contain oestrogen?
expand_moreYes. The oestrogen in Gina is chemically and biologically identical as the oestrogen produced naturally by women’s ovaries. Gina works by applying a small amount of oestrogen directly to the vagina, treating the cause of vaginal dryness.
How often do I use Gina?
expand_moreInitial dose: Insert 1 vaginal tablet each day for the first 2 weeks of treatment. Maintenance dose: Insert 1 vaginal tablet twice a week, leaving 3-4 days between each dose Each pack has 24 vaginal tablets with applicators.
How do I use Gina?
expand_moreEach vaginal tablet is 6mm in diameter and is inserted into the vagina using the pre-loaded single use applicator. See the full patient information leaflet.
What are the possible side effects of Gina?
expand_moreLike all medicines, Gina can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Headache;
- Stomach pain;
- Vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort.
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- An infection of the genitals caused by a fungus;
- Nausea (Feeling sick);
- Rash;
- Weight increase;
- Hot flush;
- High blood pressure.
Very rare: examples of very rare side effects which may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people include
- Diarrhoea;
- Water retention;
- Worsened migraines;
- Generalised hypersensitivity (e.g. anaphylactic reaction/shock).
*For full list of side effects see patient information leaflet.
If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects via the Yellow Card Scheme at: yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or the MHRA Yellow Card app in Google Play or Apple App Store.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS: Stop using this medicine and seek urgent medical attention if you have a serious allergic reaction to Gina: A serious allergic reaction may occur only very rarely. Signs may include:
- Suddenly feeling unwell with sweating;
- Vomiting;
- Difficulty in breathing;
- Rapid heartbeat or feeling dizzy.
Stop using Gina and seek prompt medical advice from your doctor if:
- You develop any new vaginal bleeding, spotting or itching.
- You have endometriosis and your symptoms have come back.
- A vaginal infection develops while you are using Gina.
See the full patient information leaflet for more information.
Who cannot use Gina?
expand_morePlease see the full patient information leaflet for more information on contraindications, warnings and precautions around using Gina.
