Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options

“An effective and safe treatment, low-dose local estrogen
applied directly to the vagina relieves vaginal dryness
and discomfort with sexual activity”.1

Umbrella

What may the Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Vaginal Estrogen/Oestrogen Products
  • Vaginal Inserts
  • Vaginal and Vulval Lubricants/Moisturizers
  • Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options

Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options

What are some menopause vaginal and vulval or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) treatment options?

On page one and two in Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Treatment Options, published May 2025, the (United States) Menopause Society, (formerly the North American Menopause Society) elaborate on:

Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options“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 vulva and vagina relieves vulvar and vaginal discomfort, irritation, dryness, or pain with sexual activity…
    • FDA-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products…
    • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; Prasterone)
    • Low-dose vaginal estrogen or DHEA may be options for…
  • Systemic Estrogen Therapy
  • Other Therapies…
    • Ospemifene
    • Vaginal Laser Therapy…”.2

Vaginal Moisturizers and Vaginal Lubricants

What vaginal moisturizers and vaginal lubricants are available?

In Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“To treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor may first recommend over-the-counter treatment options, including:

  • “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
  • 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”.3

Vaginal Estrogen

What is vaginal estrogen?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use, published February 2025, the Menopause Society explain:

Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options
“If you are bothered only by vaginal dryness, you can use very low doses of estrogen placed directly into the vagina. These low doses generally do not raise blood estrogen levels above postmenopause levels and do not treat hot flashes. You do not need to take a progestogen when using only low doses of estrogen in the vagina”.6

In Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

  • “Topical Estrogen
    • Vaginal Estrogen Cream (Estrace, Premarin)…
    • Vaginal Estrogen Suppositories (Imvexxy)…
    • Vaginal Estrogen Ring (Estring, Femring)…
    • Vaginal Estrogen Tablet (Vagifem)…
  • Ospemifene (Osphena)…
  • Prasterone (Intrarosa)…
  • Systemic Estrogen Therapy…
  • Vaginal Dilators…
  • Topical Lidocaine…
  • If you’ve had breast cancer…”.7

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to make down there less bothersome?

If you would like to make down there less bothersome, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor the Mayo Clinic encourage us to:

“Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any unexplained vaginal spotting or bleeding, unusual discharge, burning, or soreness.

Also make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience painful intercourse that’s not resolved by using a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) or water-based lubricant (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, others)”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. About the Vulva and Vagina
  2. Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information About Vulval Diseases
  4. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  5. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  6. Boxers, Briefs and Bacterial Vaginosis: How Your Underwear Can Affect Your Health
  7. Caredownthere.com.au
  8. Conjugated-Estrogens Vaginal Route
  9. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  11. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  12. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  13. Douching
  14. Dr. Stephanie Faubion – Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  15. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens
  16. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens [Video]
  17. Estradiol (Vaginal Route)
  18. Estradiol (Vaginal Route): Brand Name US
  19. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  20. FAQs: When Sex Is Painful
  21. FDA Expert Panel on Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
  22. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  23. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  24. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  25. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  26. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  27. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  28. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and the False Promise of Vaginal Laser Therapy
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  31. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  32. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms
  33. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Menopause
  34. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Painful Sex
  35. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  36. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  37. Is It Too Late To Start HRT?
  38. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause
  39. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  40. Maintaining Vulvar, Vaginal and Perineal Health: Clinical Considerations
  41. Menopause
  42. Menopause
  43. Menopause Symptoms and Relief
  44. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  45. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  46. Menopause and Natural Therapies
  47. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  48. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options
  49. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  50. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  51. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  52. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  53. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  54. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Sage
  55. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  56. Non-Hormonal Treatments Offer Relief for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  57. Pain Down There? 9 Reasons Your Vagina Hurts
  58. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  59. Prosayla Supported by ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  60. Q&A: Normalize Seeking Proper Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosis, Treatment
  61. Slynd As Endometrial Protection [Video]
  62. Symptoms of Menopause: Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems
  63. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options
  64. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  65. Treatments for Menopause
  66. Urogenital Problems
  67. Vaginal Atrophy
  68. Vaginal Atrophy
  69. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
  70. Vaginal Dryness
  71. Vaginal Dryness
  72. Vaginal Dryness
  73. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it?
  74. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  75. Vaginal Laser Therapy for GSM/VVA: Where We Stand Now – A Review By the EUGA Working Group on Laser
  76. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  77. Vulva Irritation: Treatment and Management [+ Video]
  78. Vulva and Vagina
  79. Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  80. Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  81. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  82. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Health Issues In Menopause
  83. Webinars: Previous – The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women [15 April 2025]
  84. What Is Vaginal Steaming and Is It Safe?
  85. What Is the Difference Between Vagifem and Estring?
  86. What Types of Vaginal Oestrogens Are There?
  87. When Sex Hurts – Podcast [Vaginismus and Vulvodynia]
  88. Which Vaginal Moisturiser Should You Use?
  89. Why You Do Not Ever Need To Douche
  90. Wild Yam
  91. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2025]
  92. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  93. Vaginal and Vulval Treatment OptionsWorld Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women – The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Treatment Options. 2025:1-2. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/for-women/MenoNote-GSM.pdf Accessed: 26 August 2025
  2. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Treatment Options. 2025:1-2. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/for-women/MenoNote-GSM.pdf Accessed: 26 August 2025
  3. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 26 August 2025
  4. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2025:1. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/default-document-library/MenoNote-Deciding-About-HT-2025.pdf Accessed: 26 August 2025
  5. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 26 August 2025
  6. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 26 August 2025
  7. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 26 August 2025
Topic Last Updated: 26 August 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 26 August 2025

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