Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options

“The good news is that effective treatment options, such as nonhormone remedies or different forms of low-dose estrogen applied directly to the vagina, are available”.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

Treatment Options

What are some vaginal and vulval treatment options?

On page one and two in Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options

“The good news is that effective treatment options, such as nonhormone remedies or different forms of low-dose estrogen applied directly to the vagina, are available. These can be combined for optimal symptom relief:

  • Non Hormone Remedies
    • Vaginal Lubricants…
    • Vaginal Moisturizers…
    • Regular Sexual Stimulation…
    • Expanding Your Views of Sexual Pleasure…
    • Vaginal Dilators…
    • Pelvic Floor Exercises…
  • Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
    • An effective and safe treatment…
    • Government-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products…
    • Standard doses of estrogen therapy…
  • Other Prescription Therapies
    • Ospemifene is an oral tablet taken daily for the treatment of painful intercourse caused by vaginal atrophy…
    • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone-containing insert placed into the vagina nightly for…”.2

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

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

  • “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”.4

In Topical Estrogens and Non-Hormonal Preparations for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An EMAS Clinical Guide, published on 13 April 2021, the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) explain:

“An individualized approach is required for the management of VVA. Topical low-dose estrogens are effective and also alleviate urinary incontinence and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. Women should not be denied long-term use of topical estrogens as long as they feel that this treatment is of benefit to them, because the safety data are reassuring.

Non-hormonal preparations (lubricants and moisturizers) should be the first-line treatment for VVA in women taking adjuvant endocrine therapies for cancers considered to be hormone-dependent. They can be used over the long term”.5

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 Discomfort: Discomfort Not Directly Related To Menopause the NAMS note:

“Because vaginal discomfort can arise from so many different sources, persistent symptoms of dryness, irritation, burning, itchiness, or pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine their cause”.6

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)”.7

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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Links

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  1. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  2. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  3. Caredownthere.com.au
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  36. Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
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  46. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
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  48. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  49. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  50. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Sage
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  55. Vulvodynia Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  56. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
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  61. Safety of Vaginal Estrogens: A Recap of A Systematic Review [Video]
  62. Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause [+ Video: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life]
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  67. Symptoms of Menopause
  68. The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
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  70. The Vaginal Laser Therapy Versus Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: The VeLVET Trial
  71. Topical Estrogens and Non-Hormonal Preparations for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An EMAS Clinical Guide
  72. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  73. Urogenital Problems
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  76. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
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  81. 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?
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  86. Video Series-2021 – Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
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  93. Webinars: Other Webinars – A Fresh Perspective on A Recurring Challenge Benefit-Risk Discussion
  94. Webinars: Other Webinars – VVA – The Silent Epidemic [Vulvovaginal Atrophy]
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  97. Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
  98. Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
  99. Women’s Wellness: Vaginal Atrophy After Breast Cancer
  100. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018 – Patient Information Leaflet: Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause [Multiply Languages]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options. 2018:1-2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 10 July 2021
  2. Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options. 2018:1-2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 10 July 2021
  3. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 02 May 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 10 July 2021
  4. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 02 May 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 10 July 2021
  5. Topical Estrogens and Non-Hormonal Preparations for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An EMAS Clinical Guide. 13 April 2021. European North Menopause and Andropause Society https://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122(21)00061-X/fulltext Accessed: 10 July 2021
  6. Vaginal Discomfort: Discomfort Not Directly Related To Menopause. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/causes-of-sexual-problems/vaginal-discomfort Accessed: 10 July 2021
  7. Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 02 May 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352288 Accessed: 10 July 2021

Topic Last Updated: 10 July 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 10 July 2021
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