From the Guidelines
Hyaluronic acid vaginal ovules are used to treat vaginal dryness and soreness, providing a hormone-free alternative for women experiencing dyspareunia. According to the 5th ESO-ESMO International Consensus Guidelines for Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC 5) published in 2020 1, the first choice for treating vaginal dryness and soreness are hormone-free lubricants and moisturisers, such as hyaluronic acid gel. The use of hyaluronic acid vaginal ovules can help improve tissue elasticity in the vaginal area, reducing discomfort during intercourse, itching, and burning sensations. Some key points to consider when using hyaluronic acid vaginal ovules include:
- They are inserted into the vagina where they dissolve, releasing hyaluronic acid that helps hydrate and restore the vaginal mucosa
- They offer a hormone-free alternative to estrogen-based treatments, making them suitable for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal therapies
- They are particularly beneficial for women experiencing vaginal dryness due to menopause, breastfeeding, certain medications, or after cancer treatments
- The standard dosage and treatment duration may vary depending on the specific product and individual needs, but they are typically used daily for an initial period, then reduced to a maintenance schedule.
From the Research
Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Ovules
Hyaluronic acid vaginal ovules are used to treat various vaginal symptoms, including:
- Vaginal dryness
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal burning
- Atrophic vaginitis
Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Ovules
Studies have shown that hyaluronic acid vaginal ovules are effective in improving vaginal symptoms, with improvement rates similar to those of estrogen-based treatments 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial found that hyaluronic acid vaginal gel improved vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia in postmenopausal women, with an improvement rate of 84.44% after 10 applications 2.
- A systematic review of 17 original studies found that hyaluronic acid was effective in improving vulvovaginal symptoms, including dyspareunia, itching, burning, and dryness 3.
- Another systematic review of 13 studies found that hyaluronic acid had efficacy similar to vaginal estrogens for the treatment of vaginal atrophy and dyspareunia 4.
Comparison to Estrogen-Based Treatments
Hyaluronic acid vaginal ovules have been compared to estrogen-based treatments in several studies, with results showing that they are a valid alternative for women who cannot or do not want to use hormonal treatments 2, 5, 6.
- A randomized controlled trial found that hyaluronic acid vaginal cream was more effective than conjugated estrogen in improving vaginal symptoms, including dryness, itching, and dyspareunia 5.
- A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial found that hyaluronic acid vaginal gel was not inferior to estriol vaginal cream in improving vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia 6.