Vaginal Dryness Treatment

What it is

Vaginal dryness occurs when the tissues of the vulva and/or vagina become less moist, less elastic, and more prone to irritation, especially during sexual activity or daily function. It is commonly due to hormonal changes (particularly decreased estrogen) such as during perimenopause or menopause, but may also be influenced by medications, medical treatments, or health conditions.  

Without appropriate treatment, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), or increased urinary‐tract symptoms.  

How it works

Treatment aims to restore moisture, support tissue health, and address underlying hormonal or lifestyle factors:

• Non-prescription support: Vaginal moisturizers (used regularly) and lubricants (used at intercourse) replenish moisture and ease friction.  
• Hormonal therapy (local): Low-dose vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, or rings deliver estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues to restore thickness, lubrication and elasticity—while minimising systemic exposure.  
• Systemic or alternative therapies: When dryness is part of a broader menopausal/atrophy syndrome, options like selective estrogen receptor modulators (e.g., Ospemifene) or other prescription treatments may be used.  
• Lifestyle & adjunctive care: Good hydration, gentle vulvar hygiene (avoiding harsh soaps/scented products), regular sexual stimulation or pelvic activity, and addressing medications that contribute to dryness.  

What it treats & key benefits

Indications:

• Vaginal and vulvar dryness, itching or burning.
• Discomfort or pain during sex due to dryness or thinning of tissue.  
• Tissue changes from menopause or hormone deficiency leading to reduced lubrication and tissue resilience.

Benefits of treatment:

• Restored comfort, reduced friction/irritation.
• Improved sexual function and less pain during intercourse.
• Enhanced tissue health (thickness, elasticity) with local estrogen therapies.
• Better daily comfort, improved quality of life for intimate health.

Treatment process & expectations

• Consultation: Review of symptoms, health history, medications (especially those affecting hormones), sexual function, prior treatments.
• Initial regimen:
  • Begin with non-prescription moisturizers/lubricants; evaluate comfort and symptom improvement.
  • If symptoms persist or tissue changes significant (e.g., atrophy), move to prescription options (low-dose vaginal estrogen, tablets, rings, etc).
• Session frequency & duration: Many moisturizers/lubricants used regularly (moisturiser 2-3× per week; lubricant as needed). Hormonal therapies may require initial daily use then maintenance 1-2× per week.  
• Downtime: Minimal. Non-invasive therapies involve no recovery. Vaginal estrogen application may require follow-up but no major downtime.
• Results timeline: Many women notice relief of dryness quickly (days to a few weeks). Tissue changes (thickness/elasticity) may take several weeks.
• Maintenance: Ongoing use of moisturizer/lubricant; hormonal therapies may require continued or cyclical use as recommended by provider.

Considerations & Suitability

Good candidate if you:

• Experience persistent vaginal dryness or discomfort despite basic non-prescription therapies.
• Are in midlife, perimenopausal or menopausal with symptoms of vaginal tissue change.
• Are open to a medically supervised solution (especially if hormonal therapies are considered).

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