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

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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
  4. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  5. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  6. Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
  7. Current Treatment Options for Postmenopausal Vaginal Atrophy
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  11. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
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  13. Early Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy May Prevent Distressing Symptoms
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  18. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
  19. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types
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  29. Menopause & Herbs
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  32. Menopause Symptoms and Relief
  33. Menopause Treatment
  34. Menopause – Complementary Therapies [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  35. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  36. Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  37. Menopause – What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  38. Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
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  40. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  41. Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
  42. Menopause: Libido, Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Problems and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
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  44. Menopause: Relationships, Sex and Contraception and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  45. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  46. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  47. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  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
  51. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  52. New Study Reassures Women About the Safety of Vaginal Estrogen
  53. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  54. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  55. Vulvodynia Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  56. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  57. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  58. Recent Review Confirms Safety of Low Dose Vaginal Estrogen: July 2019
  59. Resequedad Vaginal
  60. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  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]
  63. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
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  66. 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]
  67. Symptoms of Menopause
  68. The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
  69. The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: An Overview of the Recent Data
  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
  74. Vaginal Atrophy
  75. Vaginal Atrophy
  76. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment
  77. Vaginal Laser TherapyVaginal Dryness
  78. Vaginal Dryness
  79. Vaginal Dryness
  80. Vaginal Dryness
  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?
  82. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  83. Vaginal Dryness and the Menopause
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  85. Video Series-2021 – Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
  86. Video Series-2021 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  87. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  88. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
  89. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
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  95. When Sex Is Painful
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  100. World Sexual Health Day

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: 05 October 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: 05 October 2021
  3. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 05 October 2021
  4. Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 September 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352294 Accessed: 05 October 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: 05 October 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: 05 October 2021
  7. 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: 05 October 2021

Topic Last Updated: 05 October 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 October 2021
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