From Woman's World · Cailey Griffin · · 2m
Vaginal Dryness Solutions Explained
Doctors reveal which product helps with vaginal dryness during menopause.
In brief
Doctors reveal which product helps with vaginal dryness during menopause. Vaginal lube reduces friction during sex but doesn't treat dryness; moisturizers soothe daily dryness; estrogen cream addresses tissue changes from low estrogen. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Quick answers
- What is vaginal dryness?
- Vaginal dryness means the vagina and vulva lack enough natural moisture causing burning, itching, or pain during sex.
- Why does vaginal dryness happen?
- Lower estrogen levels during menopause cause vaginal tissue to become thinner, drier, and less elastic.
- When do you notice dryness?
- Dryness often occurs during sex, pelvic exams, or when urinating due to reduced lubrication.
- Who benefits from lubricants?
- Women experiencing discomfort or friction during sex or pelvic exams may benefit from lubricants regardless of menopause status.
- Who benefits from moisturizers?
- Women seeking non-hormonal relief from mild dryness can use moisturizers as part of their daily routine.
What is vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness means the vagina and vulva lack enough natural moisture causing burning, itching, or pain during sex.
“It can feel like burning, itching, rawness or pain with sex”
Why does vaginal dryness happen?
Lower estrogen levels during menopause cause vaginal tissue to become thinner, drier, and less elastic.
“Estrogen keeps vaginal tissue thick, stretchy and well lubricated”
When do you notice dryness?
Dryness often occurs during sex, pelvic exams, or when urinating due to reduced lubrication.
“Some women also get urinary symptoms like urgency, frequent trips to the bathroom”
Vaginal lubricant uses
Lubricants are short-acting products for immediate use during sex to reduce friction but don’t treat dryness.
“They work best as an on-demand tool kept on the nightstand to ensure comfortable, pain-free penetration”
Who benefits from lubricants?
Women experiencing discomfort or friction during sex or pelvic exams may benefit from lubricants regardless of menopause status.
“They work best as an on-demand tool kept on the nightstand to ensure comfortable, pain-free penetration”
Lubricants don’t fix dryness
Lubricants wash away quickly and don’t address chronic tissue changes from menopause dryness.
“They wash away quickly and do not address the chronic underlying tissue changes”
Vaginal moisturizers
Moisturizers are used regularly to trap moisture and soothe tissue for daily dryness relief.
“They can help address the dryness issue when used regularly”
Who benefits from moisturizers?
Women seeking non-hormonal relief from mild dryness can use moisturizers as part of their daily routine.
“They are a good fit for women seeking immediate, non-hormonal relief from mild, everyday dryness”
Moisturizers don’t fix severe dryness
Moisturizers aren’t effective for moderate-to-severe tissue atrophy, pain, or recurrent UTIs.
“They are not the best fit as a standalone solution for women dealing with moderate-to-severe tissue atrophy”
Vaginal estrogen cream
Estrogen cream is a prescription medication that restores tissue elasticity and lubrication from the inside out.
“It delivers a targeted, local dose of estradiol directly to the tissues”
Who benefits from estrogen cream?
Women with moderate-to-severe menopause symptoms like burning, dryness, or UTIs may benefit from estrogen cream.
“The most commonly used is a vaginal estrogen cream that can be obtained from most pharmacies with a prescription”
Estrogen cream costs
Estrogen cream costs range from $8 to $35 out of pocket with insurance coverage.
“It can range in cost from $8 to $35 if you pay for it out of pocket”
Using products together
Products can be used together but avoid applying moisturizer at the same time as estrogen cream.
“You should avoid applying a vaginal moisturizer at the exact same time as your prescription estrogen cream”
What to use with condoms
Use water-based or silicone-based lube with condoms to prevent breakage.
“Use water-based or silicone-based lube with condoms”
The essence
Vaginal lube reduces friction during sex but doesn't treat dryness; moisturizers soothe daily dryness; estrogen cream addresses tissue changes from low estrogen.
