• “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 vaginal estrogen…
  • FDA-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products…
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; Prasterone)…
  • Low-dose vaginal estrogen or DHEA may be options for…”.

• “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”.

• “If you’ve had breast cancer, talk with your doctor about the risks of vaginal estrogen therapy”.

• “Ospemifene (Osphena), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medication taken by mouth is used to treat painful intercourse associated with vaginal atrophy. This medication isn’t recommended for women who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk of breast cancer”.

• “Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in the form of a nightly vaginal suppository is a treatment that may ease painful intercourse in menopausal women”.

• “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”.

• “Flaxseed – some research suggests it may help with vaginal dryness. Grind the flaxseed and add two tablespoons to your cereal, salad or smoothies each day”.