Question: What is VagiVital AktivGel? Answer: VagiVital AktivGel is a hormone-free vaginal gel designed to relieve and cure symptoms in women experiencing dryness and/or irritation/itching in the vagina, pain during intercourse, and/or pain during urination.
Question: What ingredients are in VagiVital AktivGel?
Answer: AktivGel contains natural ingredients and is free from both perfume and soap. Its contents are: water, hypromellose, benzoic acid, lactic acid, and sodium hydroxide. The small amount of sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH and is absolutely harmless. The gel is also hormone-free and has a pH of 3.8.
Question: Who can use VagiVital AktivGel? Answer: All women of all ages with symptoms such as dryness and/or irritation/itching in the vagina, pain during intercourse, and/or pain during urination.
Question: What is vaginal atrophy?
Answer: Vaginal atrophy is the medical term for dry mucous membranes. Vaginal atrophy can cause problems such as itching, burning, discomfort, and pain during intercourse as well as
pain and urinary urgency during urination. One may also feel a burning sensation in the vagina. Vaginal atrophy can also cause tenderness and redness outside the vaginal opening. The problems can be lifelong and usually occur a few years after menstruation has ceased (menopause). In some cases, menopause can occur as early as 40 years old. During menopause, the secretion production in the vagina decreases, and the mucous membrane thins and becomes more fragile, depending on the decreased estrogen production.
Question: What causes vaginal atrophy? Answer: Secretion production decreases after menstruation (menopause) has ceased, and the mucous membrane becomes more fragile, depending on the decreasing estrogen production. When the body has decreased estrogen production, vaginal atrophy can occur. This affects women during menopause, but can also occur in younger women during breastfeeding or as a result of illness or medication.
Question: How common is vaginal atrophy? Answer: Vaginal atrophy occurs in 40–60% of all women after menopause.
Question: How does vaginal atrophy differ from other intimate problems?
Answer: Symptoms of dry mucous membranes can be confused with other intimate problems, such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. In vaginal atrophy, the woman does not have problems in the form of discharge.
Question: Can one be cured of vaginal atrophy?
Answer: Problems of vaginal atrophy (dryness sensation, burning, irritation, itching, and pain during intercourse) during and after menopause are lifelong and usually occur a few years after menstruation has ceased (menopause), in some cases as early as at 40 years old. It cannot be cured but the problems with vaginal atrophy can be reduced or completely disappear with treatment, for example, with VagiVital AktivGel.
Question: Is AktivGel completely hormone-free?
Answer: Absolutely! VagiVital AktivGel is completely hormone-free!
Question: How is AktivGel different from other similar products?
Answer: AktivGel is completely hormone-free. Additionally, the gel has a smart applicator with a standardized dose with each use. The gel is free from fats, and the applicator is therefore easy to clean in hot water. Above all, AktivGel is a Swedish product with clinically proven effects.
Question: Is AktivGel the same as Vagisan? Answer: No, VagiVital AktivGel is a gel that does not contain fats, making it non-greasy. The applicator is easy to clean because it does not contain fats.
Question: Is AktivGel the same as Vagifem? Answer: No. Vagifem contains hormones.
Question: Can AktivGel be used in combination with hormone treatments such as Vagifem or Ovesterin?
Answer: Yes. You can use VagiVital AktivGel on days when you are not using hormone treatments like Ovesterin or Vagifem. Using both simultaneously can be very messy with both gel and cream or gel and pessaries.
Question: Can VagiVital AktivGel really work without hormones?
Answer: Through clinical studies, VagiVital AktivGel has shown that 79% of women became symptom-free or significantly improved. The study was conducted by professors in gynecology at Karolinska University Hospital, Uppsala Academic, and Norrland's University Hospital.
Question: What is the mechanism of action? Answer: VagiVital AktivGel normalizes pH, affects the mucous membrane by stimulating the growth of surface cells, and releases water to the mucous membrane over time. This occurs, among other things, through the physiological properties of the gel.
Question: The gel has no active pharmacological ingredient, can it really work then?
Answer: Yes, the gel is composed in such a way that it demonstrates results comparable to clinically proven hormone treatments.
Question: How long is the treatment? Answer: Treatment is given daily with the help of a standardized dose with an applicator for 12 weeks. Thereafter, as needed.
Question: Will you be completely symptom-free after treatment?
Answer: In studies, 79% of participants became completely symptom-free or significantly better after using VagiVital AktivGel. In a customer survey, 81% of participants experienced a clear improvement and 85% would recommend VagiVital AktivGel to a friend.
Question: Is it risk-free to use VagiVital during menstruation?
Answer: In the studies that have been conducted, menstruating women have not specifically been examined, but it should not be dangerous to use the gel during menstruation although it can be cumbersome, and if you use a tampon it will also "soak up" some of the gel, i.e., you do not get as good an effect. The gel adheres to the mucous membrane, i.e., it does not run out, but during the heavier part of menstruation, we recommend that you can make a stop. In atrophy (dry mucous membranes), it may also be wise to choose something other than tampons as they can dry out the vagina if you have scanty menstruation, a better alternative could then be a pad or menstrual cup if you feel comfortable with it.
Question: Can VagiVital AktivGel be used during pregnancy?
Answer: The studies that have been conducted so far have been on women with vaginal atrophy after menopause. No scientific studies have yet been conducted during pregnancy, so documentation is lacking.
Question: Can I use AktivGel during the breastfeeding period?
Answer: Breastfeeding women can use AktivGel.
Question: Does AktivGel help against urinary tract infections?
Answer: We have no clinical studies that testify that the gel works against urinary tract infections, however, many of our customers testify that they have fewer urinary tract infections as the gel cures and relieves dry mucous membranes which often can be the cause behind urinary tract infections.
Question: Can vaginal discharge occur after prolonged use of VagiVital AktivGel? Answer: When you have used VagiVital AktivGel for a longer time, the vagina can to some extent return to a normal environment, that is, white discharges can occur. If the discharges are discolored or smell bad, you should contact a doctor.
Question: Can you use your finger instead of the applicator to apply the gel?
Answer: You can use your finger instead but then it is of course important that you do it carefully and with a clean finger.
Question: Can you overdose on VagiVital AktivGel?
Answer: The risk of overdosing is minimal.
Question: It seems like thin plastic flakes are coming off the applicator. Why is that? Answer: Gel that is not washed off after use dries and forms transparent flakes on the applicator. It is therefore important that the applicator is washed thoroughly in running water after use.
Question: Should you only use AktivGel internally with the help of an applicator or can you also use the gel externally if you need it?
Answer: It is normal to be dry also on the outside of the vagina. Women who have tested the product in clinical trials (about 500 patients) have in some cases also used it externally. They then put a little of the gel on a finger and then applied it externally to the vagina. It has worked for them in most cases. AktivGel has no hormones in the product and is completely safe.
Question: Can AktivGel be used as a lubricant?
Answer: AktivGel can be used as a lubricant and it works initially, then the actual gel dries up as it gladly transitions to the mucous membrane. The product is primarily not developed to be a lubricant to be used during intercourse but it is developed to eliminate dryness in the vaginal mucous membrane and then it is good in the long term. This makes the mucous membranes much more lubricated. The studies we have show that those who use AktivGel say that the dryness in the vaginal mucous membranes is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the women say that pain during intercourse is greatly reduced. The women who previously had bleeding in connection with intercourse say that they are gone after using AktivGel. VagiVital AktivGel is fragrance-free and does not irritate the mucous membranes but helps them instead to regain the same mucous membrane as one had before e.g., menopause. Many women who have used AktivGel also tell that by using VagiVital AktivGel continuously they do not have to worry about preparing for possible intercourse. Studies that are done on AktivGel show that women who have bleeding during intercourse (before study start) become completely free from bleeding after intercourse when using VagiVital AktivGel.
Question: How should I dose AktivGel? Answer: In the clinical studies we conducted with VagiVital AktivGel, we see very good results after 30 days (4 weeks). The results improve somewhat further at the follow-up after 12 weeks. Therefore, we normally recommend daily use for 12 weeks (3 tubes) and then switch to use as needed. In user surveys, most respond that they use the product daily for 30 days. After that, it is most common to switch to use every other day or every third day. So you can expect an improved result after 30 days of daily use, but we recommend 90 days. After that, switch to use as needed.
Question: What happens if I stop using AktivGel?
Answer: Our studies show that the effect diminishes over time. After 14 days without treatment, the effect is halved. Our recommendation is to switch to using our gel every other day after 3 months of use. Experiment until you are satisfied! VagiVital has no hormones in the product and is completely safe for long-term treatment.
Question: How do I correctly dose the applicator?
Answer: We know that some customers inadvertently press gel out the sides of the applicator. This can easily happen. Then it does not last as intended. The effect is that you then end up washing away what is not used when cleaning the applicator. We have ensured that all products we send out contain a quantity between 36-37 grams, which equates to the same in ml. One dose is 1 ml, tests show that when the gel is extracted from the tube, about 3.5 grams (3.5 ml) remain. Thus, the rest should suffice for 30 doses.
Question: Can VagiVital replace the estrogen ring I otherwise use?
Answer: Our product VagiVital AktivGel has very good clinical data where more than 500 women have participated and more than 80% of users experience relief from the product for vaginal atrophy. The studies have been conducted at Karolinska Hospital in Huddinge, Academic Hospital, and at Norrland's University Hospital. Patients have been especially satisfied with its effect against vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and burning and itching. Furthermore, women who had problems with pain during urination have been completely helped. We know that some women use our product in combination with estrogen. However, we have no studies on combination use. The great thing about our product is that you cannot overdose it since it contains no hormones.
Question: I have had less discharge since I started using AktivGel, what should I do? Answer: Our clinical studies show that the gel has shown very good effects if you have extremely dry mucous membranes. Normally, we recommend continuing to use AktivGel daily for 12 weeks and then as needed. If you personally experience less discharge as a problem, you should stop using AktivGel and contact a gynecologist.
Question: It stings when I use AktivGel, what should I do?
Answer: It is not uncommon to experience stinging initially when you start using VagiVital AktivGel. This is usually due to the vaginal mucous membranes being dry and fragile. Our recommendation is to continue with AktivGel, but if the stinging continues, use the gel every other day initially.
Question: How often should I use VagiVital AktivGel?
Answer: VagiVital AktivGel is based on several years of research, it cures the driest mucous membranes and relieves both itching and irritation by adhering to the mucous membrane and releasing moisture over time, restoring pH, and stimulating the growth of the mucous membrane's surface layer. It is completely hormone-free and suitable for women of all ages and recommended by gynecologists. The gel is safe, and we recommend initially starting with a 90-day course and then using "as needed," which can be anything from every day to twice a week or less often.
Question: Can a doctor prescribe VagiVital Gel and does it then fall under the high-cost protection?
Answer: Unfortunately, our product is not included in the high-cost protection. However, there is an opportunity to buy it cheaper on our website by ordering a 3-pack, where you get a discount on the order.
Question: Is there a trick for easily cleaning the plastic tube?
Answer: It is fine to use really hot tap water. Heating up to 100 degrees is not good. An easier way to get it clean is to disassemble the applicator, you can see how to do it on the user instructions.
Question: When should I use AktivGel, morning or evening?
Answer: It doesn't matter what time of day you use the gel; in our clinical studies, it has been used in the evening, but it is not a requirement.
Question: What should I consider when using VagiVital AktivGel?
Answer:
· It's important to read the user instructions.
· Do not use VagiVital AktivGel if you have a vaginal infection (such as a yeast infection); in such cases, you should consult with a doctor.
· The integrity of a condom or pessary may be affected when used simultaneously with VagiVital AktivGel and should therefore be avoided.
Question: What side effects have been reported?
Answer: Possible side effects:
· After applying VagiVital AktivGel, temporary mild local irritation/itching/stinging or minor bleeding may occur. If this persists, stop using VagiVital AktivGel and consult your doctor or pharmacy staff.
· With long-term use of VagiVital AktivGel, some patients may temporarily experience minor discharge. If the discomfort persists, stop using AktivGel and consult your doctor or pharmacy staff.
· In rare cases, the use of similar products has caused urinary tract infections, kidney infections, or pelvic pain. If this occurs, contact a doctor and discontinue use of AktivGel.
Question: Does VagiVital AktivGel also work for younger women?
Answer: Yes! The gel works for all women! Instances of intimate discomfort and dry mucous membranes can occur at different periods of life, for example, after breastfeeding, cancer treatment, illness, or menopause.
Question: What should I do if VagiVital AktivGel does not provide the desired effect?
Answer: You can repeat the course as needed, but please consult a doctor to discuss the best way to proceed.
Question: Is VagiVital AktivGel over-the-counter? Answer: Yes.
Question: Who is behind VagiVital AktivGel?
Answer: It is Swedish Peptonic Medical AB. A Swedish company that has been researching improved women's health since 2009 and launched its first product, VagiVital AktivGel, in 2018.
Question: Can VagiVital AktivGel be used if you have had breast cancer?
Answer: Yes. Since it is hormone-free, there is no risk of negative impact on a possible recurrence.
Question: Can VagiVital AktivGel be used if one is on aromatase inhibitors (common in breast cancer treatment – now recommended for up to 10 years)?
Answer: Since VagiVital AktivGel is hormone-free, there is no risk that the product will affect your own estrogen production. Currently, a study at Karolinska University Hospital is ongoing with women who are on aromatase inhibitors. Peptonic Medical AB aims to demonstrate that AktivGel is effective even for this very difficult-to-treat group. Note, however, that the CE marking of the product means that even customers/patients who are on aromatase inhibitors can use it.