Blissel Vaginal Gel

What is Blissel Vaginal Gel?

Blissel Vaginal Gel is a treatment for vaginal dryness that you insert into the vagina. It contains estriol, a type of oestrogen and steroid that occurs naturally in the body. It’s applied straight to your vagina, so it shouldn’t affect other aspects of your health.

Using Blissel Vaginal Gel helps your vagina make its natural lubrication again. This protects you from vaginal infections, atrophy and painful sex. Blissel is the only gel form of estriol currently available. You might find it easier to use than tablets, pessaries or creams.

How does Blissel Vaginal Gel work?

After menopause, your body stops producing as much of the female sex hormones as it used to. This can change how your vagina works. It can lead to the walls of your vagina becoming thinner, dryer and more easily irritated.

Estriol in Blissel Vaginal Gel works directly on the vagina, increasing the oestrogen levels in the area. It makes the tissues of your vagina work normally again and restores the microflora and pH balance. This keeps your vagina healthy and combats dryness. ^[1]

What doses of Blissel Vaginal Gel are there?

Your dose will depend on your symptoms and general health. A clinician will help you figure out the right dose for you. You’ll often start using one 1g tube of Blissel Vaginal Gel a day, which contains 50mcg of estriol per gram. After three weeks, your symptoms will usually have improved and you can lower the dose to one 1g tube twice a week. ^[1]

How to use Blissel Vaginal Gel

Your pack of Blissel Vaginal Gel should come with the required amount of disposable cannulas, one reusable white plunger and one tube of the gel. Only use Blissel Vaginal Gel as your clinician tells you to.

• If you’re using it for the first time, pierce the tube of gel with the spike on the outside of the cap. Don’t use it if the seal’s already been broken.
• Take out one of the cannulas and a white plunger.
• Insert the white plunger all the way into the cannula to make the applicator. Screw the cannula onto the neck of the tube of gel.
• Squeeze the tube of gel until the applicator is full up to the mark. You’ll know when this is, as the plunger stops moving at the mark.
• Unscrew the cannula from the neck of the tube and put the cap back onto the tube.
• Lie down and insert the applicator deep into your vagina. Slowly push the plunger until it is all the way down.
• Remove the applicator from your vagina and take the plunger out of the cannula.
• Throw the used cannula away.
• Wash the plunger well with warm water so it can be reused. ^[1]

How long does it take Blissel Vaginal Gel to work?

Blissel Vaginal Gel is absorbed rapidly. Peak plasma concentrations happen at around two hours after using. ^[1] But it can take some time to see its full effects, as it needs time to change how the tissues of your vagina are working. Most people will see an improvement in the lubrication of their vagina within a few weeks, so they can switch to the maintenance dose. If you have been using Blissel Vaginal Gel for three weeks and you don’t feel it’s working, go back to your clinician or message us if you’re using our service.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Blissel Vaginal Gel?

If you use too much Blissel Vaginal Gel, there’s probably no need to worry. The dose of estriol in Blissel is very low so it’s unlikely to cause problems. There’s a chance you might feel some nausea or experience extra vaginal bleeding. If any of these symptoms worry you, contact your clinician.

If you forget to take Blissel, just apply it when you remember. If it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, you can skip it and carry on with your treatment as normal. Don’t use more Blissel Vaginal Gel than you’re prescribed to make up for missing a dose. If you keep forgetting your dose, try setting an alarm or using a reminder app to help you remember.