This condition is also known as ‘genitourinary syndrome of menopause’ (GSM), which includes vulvovaginal and urinary symptoms.”

“There are many effective treatment options for GSM, including over-the-counter and prescription therapies. Therapies for less severe symptoms include nonhormone over-the-counter lubricants used as needed for sexual activity and moisturizers used regularly (several times per week) to maintain moisture. Prescription therapies include low-dose vaginal estrogens, vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone inserts, and oral ospemifene. Nonhormone lubricants and moisturizers can be used in combination with prescription therapies for more severe symptoms.

• “Nonhormone Remedies
  • Vaginal Lubricants…
  • Vaginal Moisturizers…
  • Regular Sexual Stimulation…
  • Expanding Your Views of Sexual Pleasure…
  • Vaginal Dilators…
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises…
• Vaginal Hormone Therapy…
  • An effective and safe treatment, low-dose local estrogen applied directly to the vagina…
  • FDA-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products…
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; Prasterone)
  • Low-dose vaginal estrogen or DHEA may be options for women with a history breast or uterine cancer…
• Systemic Estrogen Therapy
• Other Therapies…
  • Ospemifene
  • Vaginal Laser Therapy…”.

• “Water-based lubricants. These lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, others) are applied just before sexual activity and can reduce discomfort during intercourse. Choose products that don’t contain glycerin or warming properties because women who are sensitive to these substances may experience irritation. Avoid petroleum jelly or other petroleum-based products for lubrication if you’re also using condoms, because petroleum can break down latex condoms on contact”.

Vaginal Lubricants

• May be water, silicone, hyaluronic acid or oil based
• Are usually used prior to intercourse
• Provide temporary relief of symptoms
• Can be used alone or with systemic or topical menopausal hormone therapy”.

• “Vaginal moisturizers. Try a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) to restore some moisture to your vaginal area. You may have to apply the moisturizer every few days. The effects of a moisturizer generally last a bit longer than those of a lubricant”.

Vaginal Moisturizers

• May contain a bioadhesive polycarbophil-based polymer
• Are usually used on a regular basis, typically two or three times per week
• Can be effective for mild symptoms
• May cause local irritation
• Can be used alone or with systemic or topical menopausal hormone therapy”.

• “Vaginal estrogen cream (Estrace, Premarin). You insert this cream directly into your vagina with an applicator, usually at bedtime. Typically women use it daily for one to three weeks and then one to three times a week thereafter, but your doctor will let you know how much cream to use and how often to insert it
• Vaginal estrogen suppositories (Imvexxy). These low-dose estrogen suppositories are inserted about 2 inches into the vaginal canal daily for weeks. Then, the suppositories only need to be inserted twice a week
• Vaginal estrogen ring (Estring, Femring). You or your doctor inserts a soft, flexible ring into the upper part of the vagina. The ring releases a consistent dose of estrogen while in place and needs to be replaced about every three months. Many women like the convenience this offers. A different, higher dose ring is considered a systemic rather than topical treatment
• Vaginal estrogen tablet (Vagifem). You use a disposable applicator to place a vaginal estrogen tablet in your vagina. Your doctor will let you know how often to insert the tablet. You might, for instance, use it daily for the first two weeks and then twice a week thereafter”.

• “Ospemifene (Osphena). Taken by mouth, this selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medicine treats painful intercourse linked to the thinning of vaginal tissue. This medicine isn’t for people who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk of breast cancer”.

• “Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This suppository is put into the vagina nightly. It eases painful intercourse after menopause”.

• “2. For intercourse, use a good-quality lubricant. Natural lubricants include oils such as olive oil or sweet almond oil; however, if using condoms, note that these oils can cause them to break or tear”.