madman
Super Moderator
About vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can affect any woman, however, after menopause it is very common, affecting over half of post-menopausal women aged between 51 and 60. This fact sheet will help you to understand vaginal dryness, the symptoms, causes, and treatment, and allow you to approach your healthcare professional with confidence. It will help you to understand that you are not alone in suffering from this common condition, and encourage you to take the first steps towards regaining your sexual confidence and quality of life.
Treatment
• Local estrogen – this is available in the form of small tablets inserted into the vagina with an application, a waxy pessary, vaginal gel, creams or vaginal creams or a vaginal ring. The ring needs to be removed and replaced every three months. Vaginal dryness can respond well to local estrogen treatments, they can also help greatly with discomfort and pain during sex, correct the vaginal pH and regulate bacteria. Unlike conventional forms of HRT, the effects are local, and therefore the risks are minimal
• DHEA – a once daily pessary containing dehydroepiandrosterone which is converted in the vaginal cells to estrogen and testosterone
• Ospemifene – a tablet treatment that has an estrogen-like effect in the vagina, suitable for some women who are not candidates for vaginal estrogen
• Avoid perfumed soaps
• Lubricants and moisturizers can be useful, particularly for women who are not suited to estrogen replacement
• Take more time during sexual intercourse giving the Bartholin’s gland time to produce a maximum amount of lubrication before sexual intercourse.
In summary
• Vaginal dryness is a very common problem and affects more than half of women after menopause, however, some women may experience problems with vaginal dryness before the menopause
• Vaginal dryness is a painful condition that can impact on quality of life and relationships
• There are a number of effective treatments that can treat vaginal dryness easily and effectively
• Vaginal dryness can be an embarrassing condition but it needs to be addressed and it is well worth discussing your symptoms with your HCP and also your partner.
Vaginal dryness can affect any woman, however, after menopause it is very common, affecting over half of post-menopausal women aged between 51 and 60. This fact sheet will help you to understand vaginal dryness, the symptoms, causes, and treatment, and allow you to approach your healthcare professional with confidence. It will help you to understand that you are not alone in suffering from this common condition, and encourage you to take the first steps towards regaining your sexual confidence and quality of life.
Treatment
• Local estrogen – this is available in the form of small tablets inserted into the vagina with an application, a waxy pessary, vaginal gel, creams or vaginal creams or a vaginal ring. The ring needs to be removed and replaced every three months. Vaginal dryness can respond well to local estrogen treatments, they can also help greatly with discomfort and pain during sex, correct the vaginal pH and regulate bacteria. Unlike conventional forms of HRT, the effects are local, and therefore the risks are minimal
• DHEA – a once daily pessary containing dehydroepiandrosterone which is converted in the vaginal cells to estrogen and testosterone
• Ospemifene – a tablet treatment that has an estrogen-like effect in the vagina, suitable for some women who are not candidates for vaginal estrogen
• Avoid perfumed soaps
• Lubricants and moisturizers can be useful, particularly for women who are not suited to estrogen replacement
• Take more time during sexual intercourse giving the Bartholin’s gland time to produce a maximum amount of lubrication before sexual intercourse.
In summary
• Vaginal dryness is a very common problem and affects more than half of women after menopause, however, some women may experience problems with vaginal dryness before the menopause
• Vaginal dryness is a painful condition that can impact on quality of life and relationships
• There are a number of effective treatments that can treat vaginal dryness easily and effectively
• Vaginal dryness can be an embarrassing condition but it needs to be addressed and it is well worth discussing your symptoms with your HCP and also your partner.
