“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:
- 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:
- “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 the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) explain:
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:
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:
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.- Are Probiotics Good for Vaginal Health?
- Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
- Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information About Vulval Diseases
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Caredownthere.com.au
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
- Current Treatment Options for Postmenopausal Vaginal Atrophy
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
- Douching
- Dr. Stephanie Faubion – Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information
- Early Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy May Prevent Distressing Symptoms
- Effect of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser vs Sham Treatment on Symptom Severity In Women With Postmenopausal Vaginal Symptoms A Randomized Clinical Trial
- Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
- Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
- Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
- Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
- Five Things You Didn’t Know About Vaginas & Vulvas — Free Health Article
- Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
- International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Managing the Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy
- Medical Advice: Treatment
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause?
- Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
- Menopause: Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Sage
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Vulvovaginal Pain Log
- Recent Review Confirms Safety of Low Dose Vaginal Estrogen: July 2019
- Resequedad Vaginal
- Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Safety of Vaginal Estrogens: A Recap of A Systematic Review [Video]
- Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause [+ Video: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life]
- Sexual Difficulties In The Menopause
- Sexual Health: Keeping Your Vagina Clean and Healthy
- Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on Efforts To Safeguard Women’s Health From Deceptive Health Claims and Significant Risks Related To Devices Marketed for Use In Medical Procedures for “Vaginal Rejuvenation” [Food and Drug Administration, United States]
- Symptoms of Menopause
- The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
- The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: An Overview of the Recent Data
- The Vaginal Laser Therapy Versus Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: The VeLVET Trial
- Topical Estrogens and Non-Hormonal Preparations for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An EMAS Clinical Guide
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Urogenital Problems
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- 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?
- Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- Vaginal Laser Therapy
- Video Series-2021: Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
- Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
- Video Series-2021: What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
- Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
- Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
- Vulvovaginal Atrophy
- Vulvovaginal Health
- Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
- Webinars: Previous – Sexual Health Issues in Menopause
- Webinars: Previous – VVA – The Silent Epidemic [Vulvovaginal Atrophy]
- What Is Vaginal Steaming and Is It Safe?
- When Sex Hurts – Podcast [Vaginismus and Vulvodynia]
- When Sex Is Painful
- Why You Should Never Douche
- Wild Yam
- Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
- Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
- Women’s Wellness: Vaginal Atrophy After Breast Cancer
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- 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: 14 June 2022
- 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: 14 June 2022
- Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 14 June 2022
- Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 14 June 2022
- 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: 14 June 2022
- 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: 14 June 2022
- Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352288 Accessed: 14 June 2022