Vaginal dryness can happen for various reasons, whether due to a drop in hormone levels, taking certain medications, experiencing a medical condition, or other factors. Fortunately, you don't have to suffer through this painful symptom alone.
Many prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and natural options effectively treat vaginal dryness with and without estrogen.
This article discusses hormonal and nonhormonal vaginal dryness treatment options.
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How Vaginal Dryness Treatment Increases Moisture
Vaginal dryness develops when vaginal tissues aren't lubricated enough. Depending on the underlying cause of vaginal dryness, treatment options are typically effective at easing the discomfort.
These treatments help keep the area lubricated in slightly different ways. For example:
- Prescription medications aim to replace or act like the naturally occurring hormone estrogen, which helps keep the vaginal tissue lining moisturized and healthy.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers or lubricants aim to replenish lost moisture in the vaginal tissue, a temporary option with effects that can last for a day or so before reapplication is needed.
Naturally produced moisture helps keep the vagina healthy, lubricated, and protected against infections. It's also tied to sexual arousal. When not as much lubrication is produced, the vagina becomes dry and irritated.
Natural Vaginal Dryness Treatments
There are several natural options for treating vaginal dryness that are oil-based.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be used as a dry skin treatment and is known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
While there is no research specific to the safety and effectiveness of coconut oil as a vaginal dryness treatment, many people report using it as a personal lubricant, applying a small amount to the vaginal area before sexual activity.
Always check with a healthcare provider before self-treating with any product. You want to be sure that you're not allergic to coconut oil.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is also used in skin care. Packed with vitamins, fats, and antioxidants, olive oil has moisturizing properties for the skin and can help with wound healing.
Scientific research is also lacking on the safety and effectiveness of olive oil as a vaginal lubricant, but it's been anecdotally reported to be used before sexual activity.
For some, olive oil can irritate the skin, clog the pores, or lead to breakouts. Do a patch test and check with a healthcare provider to ensure this option is safe.
If you're using a latex condom, avoiding natural oils like coconut and olive oils as vaginal lubricants is best. Oil-based lubricants can damage the latex, making the condom ineffective at protecting against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Over-the-Counter Vaginal Dryness Treatment
Various OTC products exist for addressing vaginal dryness.
Vaginal Moisturizers
Water-based options help add moisture around the vaginal area and can be made with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Internal vaginal moisturizers are meant to be applied to the tissue inside the vagina, while external vaginal moisturizers address dryness in the vulva (outside part of the vagina).
When applying a moisturizing or lubricating product to the vagina, following label directions closely is important. Some creams or suppositories may be recommended for application at bedtime to keep the product in place. Others may require an application for a certain amount of time. A healthcare provider can help answer any questions about topical vaginal products.
Vaginal Lubricants
Similarly, OTC vaginal lubricants help minimize discomfort from dryness during sexual intercourse or activities. These come in water-based or silicone-based formats, which can be selected based on personal preference.
Research suggests certain ingredients found in some OTC lubricants can throw off the pH balance in the vagina, which could lead to bacterial infections.
Check with a healthcare provider if your vaginal dryness hasn't improved after using OTC moisturizing and lubricating products to ensure you're treating the right underlying issue.
Prescription Vaginal Dryness Treatment
Prescription treatment options for vaginal dryness can come with and without the hormone estrogen.
Low-Dose Estrogen Medications
Vaginal estrogen treatments come in oral medication, cream, ring, or suppository form (a tablet inserted into the vagina). They release smaller amounts of estrogen to the affected area, which helps boost moisture levels.
These options are often considered when vaginal dryness is related to menopause and include the following:
- Estring: A vaginal ring that treats vaginal dryness for three months at a time
- Vagifem: A suppository tablet that's routinely inserted into the vagina
- Premarin and Estrace: Available in oral pill and cream form
Non-Estrogen Medications
For those who prefer to not use estrogen treatment, there are a couple of other prescription options available, including:
- Osphena (ospemifene): Acts on estrogen receptors but does not change estrogen levels in the body
- Prasterone (dehydroepiandrosterone): A type of steroid that can be prescribed orally or vaginally to help boost hormone levels in the body
Risks of Vaginal Dryness Treatments With Estrogen
Using an estrogen-based treatment for vaginal dryness relief can be a safe and appropriate option for many healthy adults. Speak with a healthcare provider about this treatment option's potential risks and benefits.
Some research has shown that estrogen therapy may:
- Cause the lining of the uterus to thicken, which could increase the risk of endometrial cancer
- Be linked to small increased risks of gallbladder disease and stroke or blood clots from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly estrogen taken orally
Many of these potential risks are linked to your overall health and family history, so this option may not be safe for everyone. A healthcare provider can help you decide if prescription estrogen therapy for vaginal dryness is best for you.
Self-Care During Vaginal Dryness Treatment
No matter which vaginal dryness treatment option you choose, you may also benefit from expert-recommended tips to help promote your overall health and well-being during this time, such as:
- Avoid douching and using fragranced products around the sensitive vaginal area, as this can worsen dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your body retain its overall moisture levels.
- Look into dietary tweaks, like consuming isoflavones (plant-based substances) in soybeans that some research suggests could have an estrogen-like effect on the body.
- Check with a healthcare provider whether wild yam ingredients or black cohosh supplements could help with your vaginal dryness, but note that these haven't been scientifically studied for safety or effectiveness.
- Consider reading up on vaginal rejuvenation procedures using lasers and radio frequency to help thicken vaginal tissue.
Summary
Low hormone levels, medications, health conditions, and more can cause vaginal dryness (a lack of moisture in the vaginal tissue). Various prescription and OTC treatment options exist to help improve this uncomfortable symptom, including moisturizers, lubricants, topical and oral therapies, with and without the hormone estrogen. Check with a healthcare provider to confirm the underlying cause and learn more about the pros and cons of each option before self-treating.
