Lubricants can be purchased online, in pharmacies, and can also be bought at sex shops. Lubricated condoms can also be purchased to alleviate vaginal dryness during intercourse. Lubricants should be applied directly to the vagina shortly before intercourse. Lubricants only temporary relief, so if you’re looking for a long term cure you might want to look elsewhere.
Vaginal creams can be found at the supermarket or drug stores. Replens, Luvena, K-Y Silk-E Vaginal Moisturizer and KY Liquibeads Vaginal Moisturizer are examples of over the counter vaginal creams. Talk to your gynecologist before using any new products. While most are safe for use, some may increase the risk of infection and adverse reactions, such as rashes or sores.
Usually around bedtime, estrogen cream is inserted directly into the vagina with an applicator or a clean finger. Depending on your medical history, your doctor will tell you how often to use estrogen cream and in what amount.
Usually, the cause of vaginal dryness is benign. Menopause, childbirth, and breastfeeding can all alter hormonal levels and cause dryness. However, occasionally vaginal dryness is caused by more serious problems like certain cancers and immune disorders. This is why it’s important to see a doctor quickly if you notice any changes as for these types of diseases early intervention is important. Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. In can lead to vaginal dryness, in addition to other symptoms like dry eyes and a dry mouth. Your doctor can perform a blood test to see if you have Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Not only can hormone replacement therapy improve vaginal dryness, it can help with other symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Usually, you would wear a patch or take oral tablets of low doses of estrogen and other hormones that your body produces less of as you enter menopause. Hormone replace therapy does carry some risks. Oral combined hormone pills that contain estrogen and progesterone have shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Talk to your doctor about these risk factors and how they might apply to you.
Your gynecologist inserts a small, flexible ring into the upper part of your vagina. The ring will release doses of estrogen on a regular schedule. It will need to be replaced every three months.
Soybeans contain a substance called isoflavones that has an effect on the body that’s similar to estrogen. A soybean rich diet might help reduce vaginal dryness. Black cohosh is an herb many women use as a dietary supplement and it may help with vaginal dryness. However, every major study has not found any benefit with use. Some women experience side effects like joint pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. You should not use black cohosh if you have liver damage or a hormone-sensitive condition like certain cancers or fibroid tumors. You should also not take black cohosh if you’re pregnant. Talk to your health care provider before you begin any herbal treatments to make sure the herbs are safe for you. Some women use creams containing wild yam as a supplement, but no evidence exists that such creams are helpful and they may be damaging to the vagina.
In general, having an active sex life in general can help you stay lubricated and avoid vaginal dryness. Talk to your partner about the importance of regular sexual activity as it applies to both the physical and emotional aspects of your relationship.
Female masturbation comes in a variety of forms and techniques, but the stimulation of the clitoris, urethra, and vagina can result in increased lubrication. If you’re experiencing hormonal or other changes that lead to vaginal dryness, regular masturbation can help.
