Divigel is used when planning pregnancy when the patient has endometrial hypoplasia. The lining of the uterus is too thin for a fertilized egg to attach to. And even if the zygote is complete, conception still does not occur. Divigel helps to achieve a given goal - to conceive a child. The drug must be used under the supervision of a doctor, otherwise it can provoke severe uterine bleeding, which will further delay the desired goal.
The principle of action of the drug, its composition and release form
Divigel is a hormonal drug that acts as an anti-climatic agent. It is designed to compensate for estrogen deficiency in the female body. The main active ingredient is synthetic estradiol. It plays a key role in the development of the fallopian tubes, as well as the uterus and vagina. Most often, Divigel is prescribed to patients who are planning to conceive. Indication for consumption: the thickness of the endometrial layer is below normal, which does not contribute to the normal fixation and development of the fertilized egg.
The endometrium is the inner mucous membrane of the uterus (mucosal layer), supplied with numerous blood vessels and lining its cavity.
Divigel is a hormonal drug that helps compensate for the deficiency of the hormone estrogen in a woman’s body.
Normally, the function of the endometrium preserves and maintains the hormone estrogen. It prepares the lining of the uterine wall to receive the embryo.
Please note: pregnancy cannot occur if the endometrium is too thin. The pathology is usually called hypoplasia. The disease can be diagnosed exclusively with the help of ultrasound and tests.
A diagnosis is not a death sentence. It will be possible to restore hormonal balance through special medications. Divigel is recognized as one of the most effective, since it directly affects the growth of the endometrium. The main element of the composition (synthetic estradiol) contributes to the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. Divigel is also responsible for normalizing the menstrual cycle, reducing the percentage of cholesterol in the blood, normalizing the functioning of the cardiovascular system and is actively involved in protein communication. Divigel can also be prescribed for the purpose of carrying out preventive measures for bone diseases during menopause and to compensate for estrogen deficiency during menopause.
Divigel has the following composition:
- synthetic estradiol (500 mcg);
- auxiliary components (carbopol, propylene glycol, ethanol, water, trolamine).
Divigel is used exclusively externally. The alcohol contained in the drug evaporates immediately after it hits the surface of the skin. A small amount of estradiol can accumulate in the subcutaneous tissue and subsequently enter the circulatory system.
Please note: the synthetic hormone, due to the external method of application, does not undergo hepatic metabolism. The concentration of the drug components, which is established in the blood plasma (serum) when they enter the body at a stable rate, occurs earlier if we draw an analogy with oral administration.
Divigel is produced in the form of a gel and is sold exclusively by prescription. The price per package, depending on the region and dosage, can vary from 400 to 1000 rubles.
Positive Impact
Since Divigel is a drug that contains a chemical analogue of estradiol, its regular use increases the estrogen content in the body. As a result, the endometrium begins to grow more actively. The mucous layer not only thickens, but also becomes more blood-filled, and its nutrition improves. All this together significantly increases the likelihood of pregnancy after, and sometimes during, a course of treatment.
As already written above, Divigel and ovulation are not directly related to each other.
The drug is used to treat infertility if it occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance or thinning of the endometrium.
Indications for use, Divigel for IVF
Divigel promotes the normal course of pregnancy during IVF by replenishing estrogen levels.
According to the instructions, Divigel is prescribed to women who suffer from a lack of estrogen during the artificial period (cessation of the menstrual cycle using medication, radiation or surgery, to solve a number of gynecological disorders related to hormonal levels ) or natural menopause. The gel can also be prescribed for the development of osteoporosis during menopause.
Divigel is prescribed to women to maintain pregnancy, as well as its normal course during IVF. After the embryo is “planted” in the laboratory, the endometrium takes responsibility for its further development. If the latter is not properly prepared for embryo implantation or has insufficient thickness (less than 5 mm), then the fertilized egg will most likely be rejected. To avoid such a fate, women are recommended to use estrogen-containing drugs until the embryo is “transplanted.” Divigel is able to replenish estrogen levels and thereby thicken the uterine mucosa.
Does it affect ovulation?
The drug Divigel is used to obtain a “lush” endometrium, into which a fertilized egg can easily be implanted. The medicine has no effect on follicle growth and ovulation. If the drug is used alone, without additional stimulants, then its use begins from the first days of the cycle. By the time the follicle opens, the thickness of the mucous layer of the uterus reaches the desired level. The use of the drug with stimulants involves alternating use, as a result of which the patient requires an increase in the dose of the estrogen-containing drug.
Contraindications and side effects
If you use the gel under the strict supervision of a specialist, then negative effects occur extremely rarely. If used incorrectly or overdose, the following adverse reactions may occur:
- internal poisoning of the body or intoxication;
- migraine and frequent dizziness;
- high blood pressure (hypertension);
- change in body weight;
- redness and rash in the area where the gel is applied;
- mental disorders;
- bloating and colitis;
- deterioration in the quality of vision;
- swelling.
If you use the gel under the strict supervision of a specialist, then negative effects occur extremely rarely.
There are also contraindications to the use of Divigel. These include:
- high blood sugar;
- benign or malignant formations in the genital area;
- tumor of the breast or pituitary gland;
- endometriosis (appearance of endometrial cells in unusual places: on the peritoneum, in the ovaries or fallopian tubes);
- thrombosis (formation of blood clots inside blood vessels);
- impaired metabolism of lipids (organic compounds);
- bleeding in the uterus;
- pregnancy (taking the drug during pregnancy can cause congenital deformities in the fetus, various defects and anomalies. The use of Divigel during gestation is possible only in case of estrogen deficiency after IVF, when the lack of therapy can lead to interruption of pregnancy);
- stroke;
- allergy to certain components of the drug.
Important: in order to increase the effectiveness of the gel, it is recommended to combine it with drugs that contain folic acid.
During the course of treatment, taking antibiotics is strictly prohibited, due to the possible aggravation of negative symptoms.
Action of Divigel
Divigel is produced in the form of a transparent gel, which is applied no more than once a day to clean skin. The drug is absorbed and enters the bloodstream within a few minutes after application. The effect of Divigel is enhanced if you simultaneously take hormonal medications for the thyroid gland.
When used daily, the gel restores a woman’s hormonal levels, thereby accelerating the natural process of conception.
Application diagram
When using Divigel, you should follow the application regimen and dosage. In order for the drug to restore hormonal levels and help conceive a baby, and not vice versa, you should adhere to several rules:
- The gel should be applied regularly at the same time;
- The procedure can be skipped for no more than 12 hours. If the hour interval exceeds this time, then treatment should be continued from the next day. Failure to follow the recommendations for use can lead to undesirable consequences and even bleeding;
- You should start using Divigel on the 1st day after the end of menstruation;
- The gel is rubbed into the abdomen, lower back and forearms;
- After the procedure, you should not shower for 2 hours;
- Before applying Divigel, you should make sure that there is no inflammation or irritation on the skin;
- For a faster onset of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe the use of folic acid in parallel with the gel;
- The use of antibiotic gel is not recommended.
The duration of use of Divigel must be indicated by the doctor; it usually lasts from 10-25 days. Afterwards, stop taking it for 2-3 months. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the female body.
Before starting treatment with Divigel, you should carefully study the instructions for use and carefully follow all recommendations. Only correct use of the drug can guarantee further success.
Preparation for therapy with Divigel
Before starting therapy, the patient must undergo a complete medical examination:
- Donate blood for hormones.
- Conduct a blood test (biochemical) for bilirubin (bile pigment, which reflects the condition of the liver).
- Take a blood sugar test.
- Check the blood for clotting using a coagulogram.
- Submit a smear of mucus from the cervix for oncocytological examination.
- Get an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
- Get a mammogram.
Using the data obtained, it will be possible to identify possible ailments that are incompatible with taking Divigel.
What day should you start drinking when planning?
An excess of estrogen can be just as negative as a lack of it. Therefore, it is important to understand that the hormonal system is not a field for experimentation, especially in the process of preparing for the conception of a new life. The exact regimen and dosage of Divigel is determined by the doctor. In each specific case, a woman’s level of hormones may be different, therefore the amount of their “adjustment” will also differ.
Traditionally, Divigel is recommended for use before ovulation. When planning a normal pregnancy, preparing the endometrium of the uterus begins on the first day after the end of menstrual flow. That is, when the “old” cells were completely out, conditions appeared for the growth of new ones. In this case, the duration of treatment is adjusted by the gynecologist. Typically, the drug is taken from days 5 to 15 or 25 of the cycle.
If a woman is planning an IVF procedure, her doctor may recommend that she start using Divigel two weeks before the expected date of embryo transfer, and then continue using it after the “important event”.
You should not prescribe Divigel yourself and stop it without consulting a doctor. Even if the drug is poorly tolerated or, conversely, the woman feels “already good,” any amateur activity can be fatal.
Features of using the drug Divigel
Women who are planning a pregnancy need to use Divigel gel daily, at the same time. One application of gel per day is enough. The drug must be distributed to the area of the lower abdomen, as well as the lower back, shoulders and forearms. The product is absorbed within 2 minutes. It is not advisable to wet the gel-treated areas with water for 2 hours after application. The course of therapy should begin the next day after the end of menstruation. Its duration is also determined by a specialist, based on the health status of the potential mother.
Important: the dosage is determined by the doctor (the average dose is 1 mg of estradiol per day, which is equivalent to 1 gram of gel); it is prohibited to increase it yourself. The amount of the drug directly depends on the existing problem and symptoms.
Contact of the gel with the mucous membranes of the internal genital organs should be avoided. The same applies to the mammary glands and face. Other drugs can only be taken in consultation with a specialist; amateur activities are completely excluded.
Important: if pregnancy occurs while using the drug, therapy should be discontinued. This should be done gradually, since abrupt withdrawal is fraught with spontaneous miscarriage. The algorithm for completing the course must be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Video: technique of applying Divigel
Application
A single dose of the drug is 1 g. The package contains one or another number (depending on the configuration) of single-dose film bags. That is, each package contains 1 g of the drug. This product is prescribed for application once or twice a day. The exact required dosage is determined by the doctor, who also determines the duration of treatment (usually at least two months), and sometimes the area where the product is applied.
Structural and functional analogues of Divigel gel
In terms of the active substance, as well as the therapeutic effect, the drug Divigel has analogues.
Table: Divigel gel analogues
Name of the drug | Compound | Release form | Reception features | Contraindications |
Estrogel | 1 gram of gel contains 600 mcg of estradiol - the main ingredient. Additional substances: carbomer, ethanol, trolamine, purified water | Estrogel is produced in the form of a gel in tubes of 80 grams, dispenser included | The use of Estrogel is recommended to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of menopausal syndrome (including artificially induced menopause), as well as for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis during the postmenopausal period. The mode of use can be cyclic or continuous. The duration of therapy and dosage of the gel are selected individually for each patient. It is recommended to apply 1 dose once a day, in a thin layer to the skin in the lumbar region, abdomen, as well as forearms or shoulders, until absolute absorption. The gel should be applied to an area of skin that is no larger than the area of the patient’s palms. It is advisable to use the drug in the morning or evening. It should be applied to clean skin. | Estrogel is contraindicated for use in:
|
Klimara | The drug includes estradiol in the form of hemihydrate in a volume of 3.9 mg. Additional substances: glyceryl monolaurate, isopropyl myristate, acrylate copolymer, ethyl oleate | Klimara is produced in the form of an oval-sized patch (4.5 cm x 3.3 cm). Inside there is a film with a homogeneous matrix, which is transparent and contains the active substance | The purpose of the drug: to reduce the severity of negative symptoms due to estrogen deficiency in the body after surgery or after the onset of natural menopause. The Klimara patch is applied weekly, regularly and is not removed for 7 days, after which it must be replaced with a new one |
|
Estrofem | One tablet includes 2 milligrams of estradiol, blue paste, titanium dioxide, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, talc, gelatin, corn starch, lactose monohydrate | Available in the form of blue, round, film-coated tablets | Estrofem is used as hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with signs of estrogen deficiency, including after a history of hysterectomy. It is also prescribed for the prevention of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period and when planning pregnancy. continuous course. If the desired effect is not observed within 3 months or the drug is poorly tolerated, the dose can be reduced or increased | The drug is contraindicated in:
|
Every woman dreams of becoming a mother, but no one is immune from problems with conception and pregnancy. Trouble can arise for many reasons. One of them is thin endometrium. The author of the article was no exception to the rule. The pathology was discovered as a result of visiting a specialist due to repeated unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant. The doctor prescribed an ultrasound of the uterine and pelvic organs, as well as tests to determine hormone levels. The study showed the presence of hormonal imbalance. The drug Duphaston was prescribed. Afterwards, the doctor prescribed Divigel to restore estrogen deficiency from days 5 to 25 of the cycle, 2 sachets at a time. I smeared the area in the lower abdomen and lower back for a month. Side effects include bloating and colic in the abdomen, as well as heaviness in the chest and aching pain in the lower abdomen. I decided to stop the course. However, a month later she discovered that she was pregnant. I assume that the drug played its role and was effective.
Contraindications
In what cases should this remedy not be used? Taking estrogen in the form of a topical gel has fewer contraindications than taking it in tablet form. However, in some cases it is still undesirable to use it. These are situations such as:
- The presence of benign hormone-dependent tumors in the reproductive system;
- Hormone-dependent endometrial diseases;
- Breast cancer, current, suspected, or history;
- Presence of bleeding of unknown origin from the uterus;
- Thrombosis;
- Liver tumors;
- Depression of liver function, liver failure;
- Cholestatic jaundice;
- Porphyria.
In addition, the gel should not be applied to damaged areas of the skin - areas of rashes, burns, cuts, etc.
How does Divigel combine with other drugs?
Divigel is a hormonal drug. It helps regulate the amount of substances produced by the body in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. Theoretically, its use after ovulation does not have any positive effect on the condition of the female organs. However, some doctors prescribe a long course of therapy if further use of the gel is necessary.
During pregnancy planning, other hormonal medications are also prescribed to maintain the woman’s reproductive system in an optimal state for bearing a child. These medications have their own tasks: stimulation of follicle growth, maintenance therapy for the second phase of the cycle, promoting the release of the egg from the ovary. It is important to choose a treatment regimen that is suitable for a woman and take into account the possible incompatibility of certain drugs. This is a reason to consult a doctor about the use of Divigel when planning conception, and another argument why the gel cannot be used without a specialist’s prescription.