Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while using vaginal oestrogen - Brand names: Vagifem, Gina, Ovestin, Vagirux

Vaginal oestrogen and pregnancy

Vaginal oestrogen is not known to be harmful in pregnancy but if you think you might be pregnant, stop using it and talk to your doctor.

Vaginal oestrogen and breastfeeding

There is not much information about using vaginal oestrogen for HRT while breastfeeding. Most information comes from the use of other forms of oestrogen as a contraceptive.

If you're breastfeeding and need to use HRT, vaginal oestrogen is not usually prescribed, unless a specialist recommends it.

Talk to your doctor about non-hormonal preparations which might be more suitable while you're breastfeeding.

Vaginal oestrogen and fertility

Using vaginal oestrogen is unlikely to affect your fertility.

Vaginal oestrogen does not act as a contraceptive.

Even if you think that you've gone through the menopause, there's a small chance that you could become pregnant. You're advised to use contraception for at least 1 year from your last period if you're over 50 years old and for 2 years if you're under 50 years old. Discuss this with your doctor or family planning practitioner.