Statistics show that almost 17 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 50 experience vaginal dryness at some point in their lives. This condition is generally caused by low estrogen, which may be influenced by issues such as menopause, breastfeeding, chemotherapy, certain medications, and chronic illnesses like Sjogren’s syndrome. While occasional vaginal dryness might not be a problem, it can get to the point where it’s painful and even cause frequent urination. If your vaginal dryness is affecting your life to this level, it’s important to know how to treat it.
Treating vaginal dryness will depend on what’s causing the problem and how bad the issue is. There are over-the-counter medications that can help but sometimes, you may need your doctor to prescribe the right drugs.
The options for these products include creams, tablets, or rings that are usually placed directly in the vagina so they can increase your estrogen levels.
Your doctor can instruct you on how to insert the cream or tablet. It’s common for you to use them daily until you get relief and then you may use them less frequently. The ring, however, needs to be placed by your doctor and that will last for three months.
This oral medication is designed to mimic the estrogen that your body naturally produces. Your doctor may prescribe this if you’re having specific issues with painful sex. Your doctor will advise you if this option is a better fit for you than vaginal inserts.
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While this drug also mimics estrogen in your body, it’s a suppository instead of a tablet. It’s also recommended for those who don’t want to take tablets or may not be good candidates for oral estrogen. Your doctor will advise you how and when to insert it.
It’s possible to have a skin patch that’s considered systemic estrogen therapy. An implant under the skin is also an option. This form of therapy releases estrogen into the body consistently over time. However, it’s not an ideal choice for everyone because it can have a higher risk of side effects than other treatments. These can include nausea, headaches, and vaginal bleeding.
These are usually available over the counter so you don’t need a prescription. These products can contain hyaluronic acid or a glycerine-based ingredient. They are meant to encourage your vaginal tissue to retain moisture and it’s typical to use them three times per week.
Though it might be tempting to use lotions or topical creams as vaginal moisturizers, you should never do that. Those products are not designed to be compatible with your vagina and you may put yourself at risk for an infection.
Unlike vaginal moisturizers, lubricants are only used when it’s time for you to be intimate with your partner. These lubricants will replace the moisture that you would usually have and you can use as much as you need.
Some lubricants are oil-based and use petroleum jelly, baby oil, or mineral oil. There are also natural oil-based lubricants like olive, coconut, and avocado oil. However, it’s important to note that oil-based lubricants can damage condoms. If you’re not interested in conceiving, it’s best to opt for water-based lubricants.
If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to ease them with some changes to your lifestyle. Doctors encourage being physically active, staying hydrated, staying away from cigarettes, and drinking less alcohol. While there’s no prescribed diet for vaginal dryness, eating well might help as well. Given that perfumed products can cause dryness, it’s best to avoid using them in or around your vagina.
For those who are looking for a natural alternative to estrogen suppositories or inserts, studies have suggested that a vitamin E suppository can be helpful. Vitamin E stimulates the vaginal mucosa to keep the tissues moisturized.
Vaginal dryness can range from being a minor inconvenience to a significant disruption in your life. While you can try alternative options or over-the-counter medications, you should talk to your doctor if nothing helps you.
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