Vagifem: Vaginal Oestrogen Pessaries
Vaginal Oestrogens
Vagifem vaginal oestrogen pessaries for vaginal and urinary symptoms of the menopause, available on prescription from Dr Fox.
Start order
How to buy Vagifem pessaries online from Dr Fox
To order Vagifem vaginal pessaries from our online pharmacy for UK delivery:
- Read medical information about vaginal oestrogen HRT
- Answer medical questions to check for eligibility
- Order reviewed by doctors - medication posted from UK pharmacy (Royal Mail Tracked 24 service)
For further information see online prescriptions - how it works.
Vagifem vaginal pessary prices
| Product | Dose | Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Vagifem | 1 pack x 24 vaginal pessaries | £35.50 |
| Vagifem | 2 packs x 24 vaginal pessaries | £70.50 |
Price match guarantee
Prescription issued online - small prescription fee per order.
Prescription fees
Dr Fox supplies medicine on prescription and charges a small prescription fee based on the order value of each prescription.
Prescriptions are issued by our doctors online and sent electronically to our pharmacy.
| Order value | Prescription fee |
|---|---|
| up to £10 | £1.00 |
| up to £20 | £2.00 |
| up to £40 | £3.00 |
| over £40 | £4.00 |
If you have your own private paper prescription please post to our pharmacy (details).
Dr Fox prices are 25%–50% lower than other UK online clinics.
Delivery charges
UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 (1-3 working days with tracking).
Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.
Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.
About Vagifem
Vagifem pessaries come in the form of a tablet and contain a small dose (10 micrograms) of 17-β oestradiol. This is the same type of oestrogen your body naturally makes before menopause, often called bioidentical oestrogen.
After menopause, oestrogen levels drop. This can cause the skin around the vagina and vulva to become thinner and drier. You may notice:
- Vaginal dryness or soreness.
- Discomfort or pain during sex.
- More frequent urinary symptoms or infections.
- Increased urinary infections.
These changes are sometimes called Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
Vaginal oestrogen often helps to relieve these symptoms.
How does Vagifem work?
The oestrogen in these pessaries stays mainly in the vaginal tissue, so it's not absorbed into the whole body in significant amounts. This means:
- You get the benefits locally.
- The risks are much lower than with full systemic HRT.
- You don't need to take extra progestogen with them.
How to use Vagifem pessaries
At first: Insert one tablet vaginally every night for 2 weeks.
Then: Insert one tablet vaginally two nights per week (every 3-4 days).
The tablet goes into the top of the vagina using a small plastic applicator.
- Vagifem comes in a ready-to-use applicator.
Insert the applicator like a tampon. Press the button or plunger until you hear/feel a click. The tablet will dissolve in place and release oestrogen where it's needed.
Who can use Vagifem pessaries?
Vagifem pessaries are suitable for most women with symptoms of vaginal dryness or menopausal genitourinary symptoms. They can be used on their own or alongside full HRT.
Despite vaginal oestrogen causing much less risk than full systemic HRT, manufacturers generally advise against its use if a woman has been advised not to use systemic HRT. However, after careful assessment, a GP or gynaecologist may prescribe vaginal oestrogen pessaries in these cases.
There is a short online medical questionnaire to ensure treatment from Dr Fox is suitable.
Other medicines and Vagifem
These pessaries rarely interact with other medicines.
If you use other vaginal products (creams, pessaries, gels), use them at a different time of day. They will not damage condoms.
Side effects from using Vagifem
Possible side effects are rare but can include:
- Mild irritation if the applicator is used roughly.
- Headache, tummy discomfort, vaginal discharge, bleeding, or soreness.
Stop treatment and see a doctor immediately if you get:
- Signs of an allergic reaction.
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
- A sudden, severe headache or migraine.
- Swelling in one leg, chest pain, or difficulty breathing (possible blood clot).
- High blood pressure.
- Pregnancy.
Important: If you have vaginal bleeding after the first 3 months of use, arrange a review with your GP to check for cause.
Further information is in the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.
Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine.
Vagifem FAQs
Does Vagifem affect condoms?
No, there are no oils within Vagifem pessaries and so they will not affect condoms. Vaginal creams and gel however can affect condoms.
Do vaginal oestrogen pessaries contain lactose?
Yes. All vaginal oestrogen pessaries contain lactose. This may not be a problem if only your gut is lactose intolerant but they should not be used if you are allergic to lactose.
Authored 20 January 2026 by
Dr C. Pugh
MB ChB University of Liverpool 2000. NHS GP and GP appraiser. GMC no. 4712688
Reviewed by
Dr J. Tweedie,
Dr B. Babor
Last reviewed 29 January 2026
Last updated 20 April 2026
Editorial policy
The order process
Choose medication, register, and pay
Dr Fox issues prescription online
Pharmacy team post medication direct
