From the Guidelines
Natural treatments for vaginal dryness include regular use of vaginal moisturizers and water-based lubricants, as well as dietary changes and avoiding irritants, which can help maintain tissue health and reduce discomfort. According to the most recent guidelines, 1, vaginal moisturizers like Replens or K-Y Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer can be applied every 2-3 days to maintain tissue health. Water-based lubricants such as K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, or Sliquid can be used during sexual activity to reduce friction and discomfort.
Some key points to consider for natural treatments include:
- Regular use of vaginal moisturizers to maintain tissue health
- Use of water-based lubricants during sexual activity to reduce friction and discomfort
- Dietary changes, such as increasing omega-3 fatty acids through foods like flaxseeds (1-2 tablespoons daily) or fish oil supplements (1000-2000mg daily)
- Staying well-hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily
- Avoiding irritants such as scented products, douches, and harsh soaps in the genital area
It's also important to note that pelvic floor physical therapy, as recommended by 1 and 1, can be beneficial in treating vaginal dryness and associated pelvic floor dysfunction. This approach can help improve sexual function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. If symptoms persist or are severe, medical evaluation is recommended as vaginal dryness can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions.
From the Research
Natural Treatments for Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and can be distressing for women, causing pain, discomfort, and dyspareunia 2.
- Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can ease the symptoms of VVA, but their chemical composition varies enormously and some can cause detrimental effects 2, 3.
- Women should be directed toward products that are as 'body-similar' as possible to vaginal secretions in terms of pH and osmolality, and products with potentially harmful ingredients should be avoided 2, 3.
Effective Natural Treatments
- Hyaluronic acid is a promising and widely used vaginal medical treatment with a moisturizing action and appears to provide a solution for women suffering from vulvovaginal atrophy who have contraindications for estrogen therapy 4.
- A new moisturizing cream containing hamamelis virginiana distillate and well-established vaginal cream ingredients has been shown to have a lasting function against vaginal dryness in a clinical trial 5.
- Lubricants can be trialed for sexual activity and moisturizers for symptom control, even if topical or systemic menopause hormone therapy is being used 2.
Key Considerations
- Vaginal dryness affects over 50% of postmenopausal women but is under-reported and thus under-treated due to barriers to seeking help 2.
- Greater education about vaginal dryness and the range of available treatments is essential to encourage more women to seek help for this condition 3.
- Healthcare professionals and patients often find it difficult to broach the subject of sexual problems associated with VVA, but with minimal effort to initiate a conversation, healthcare providers can provide useful information to their postmenopausal patients 6.