What is Intrarosa and how do I use it?

Intrarosa is a hormone pessary that is inserted into your vagina. It’s used to treat changes in and around the vagina that commonly occur when hormone levels decline during the perimenopause and menopause.

This can lead to symptoms of vaginal dryness, such as soreness, itching and pain during sex. Declining levels of hormones can also cause urinary symptoms such urinary tract infections, urgency or occasional leaks.

Intrarosa is one of the newest treatments available in the UK and contains a hormone called DHEA, which your body produces naturally. Once inserted into the vagina, this hormone is released and converted to both oestrogen and testosterone

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How does Intrarosa work?

Intrarosa is made with a plant-derived form of DHEA, combined with coconut and palm oils. As the pessary dissolves, these ingredients also help to lubricate and improve the condition of the affected vaginal and surrounding tissues leading to improvement of symptoms. Research has also shown that women using Intrarosa have a lower future risk of developing urinary tract infections and symptoms too.

Who is Intrarosa suitable for?

Intrarosa is usually safe for long-term use and can be used alongside HRT or on its own. It can also be a good option for those who experience irritation from other topical products.

When and how do I use Intrarosa?

Intrarosa is a small, waxy pessary that you insert into your vagina every day, using the applicator provided. You can insert it when you’re standing up or lying down and can be inserted either in the morning or the evening.

Symptoms should begin to improve within 12 weeks, with continued improvement over time.

Can I expect any side effects?

The most common side effect is vaginal discharge, which occurs when the waxy pessary melts and leaks out of your vagina. The discharge is whitish in colour. In the absence of other symptoms this is normal and does not mean you have a vaginal infection or irritation. However this does not occur for most women using Intrarosa pessaries.

What are the benefits?

Intrarosa is the only vaginal non-oestrogen treatment available. Research suggests that testosterone therapy can help to combat the symptoms of vaginal dryness, so it may be beneficial that the DHEA in Intrarosa releases both oestrogen and testosterone directly to the affected area.

What doses does Intrarosa come in?

Each pessary contains 6.5mg of prasterone, which is a type of steroid. It’s biologically identical to the hormone DHEA, which is made naturally in the body.

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Resources

British National Formulary (BNF): Prasterone