Medications for Vaginal Dryness

What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs due to a lack of moisture/lubrication of the vaginal tissue leading to symptoms like persistent itching, discomfort, irritation and burning. It can also cause symptoms like pain during or after sexual intercourse. This is a serious condition which can affect the lives (and sex lives) of many women.

At Meds For Less, we recognise the severity of this condition and have a range of, over the counter medicine for vaginal dryness and prescription medication for vaginal dryness. You can browse our catalogue on our website and order medication discreetly, easily and conveniently to your home address within 24 hours.

Vaginal dryness is a condition where there is lack of moisture (lubrication) of the vaginal tissue and this can cause itchiness, dryness, discomfort and pain; particularly during intercourse or other activities that involve vaginal dryness.

Some causes of vaginal dryness include:

Hormonal changes:

• For example decreased estrogen levels in menopause are the most common cause of vaginal dryness
• Hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Certain contraceptive options that can impact vaginal lubrication

Medical conditions and treatments:

• Medicines like antihistamines, antidepressants or cancer therapy options like cause vaginal dryness as a side effect.
• Certain autoimmune disorders can also cause vaginal dryness.

Lifestyle factors such as chronic stress or smoking can also cause vaginal dryness

Certain irritants such as harsh soaps or scented products, or vaginal infections can also contribute to dryness and discomfort.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness includes:

• Persistent itching or irritation
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Burning sensation
• A Feeling of itching or discomfort in the vaginal areas
• Increased frequency of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

There are different treatment options and methods for vaginal dryness. You can browse dry vagina medications at Meds For Less and order them to your home address reliably, easily and conveniently in 24 hours.

What causes vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness can be the result of various factors such as hormonal changes, medical conditions, medicines or lifestyle influences. These causes can include:

Hormonal changes:

• Menopause and accompanying drop in estrogen levels which can cause vaginal dryness
• Post Pregnancy states and breastfeeding due to the hormonal shift, causing temporary dryness
• Fluctuations of hormones in the menstrual cycle can also cause dryness
• Surgical removal of ovaries due to the sudden drop in oestrogen levels

Side effects of medications:

• Certain Antihistamines dry out the mucous membranes or vagina
• Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines which alter hormone levels and blood flow
• Certain cancer treatments and chemotherapy

Medical conditions:

• Autoimmune conditions like Sjorgen’s syndrome
• Genitourinary symptoms of menopause such as vaginal wall thinning and inflammation (atrophy)

Lifestyle factors:

• Chronic stress can disrupt hormone production leading to dryness
• Smoking disrupts blood flow to the vaginal tissue and can cause dryness
• Overuse of harsh scented products like soaps or douches can also dry out the vaginal area.

There are multiple causes of vaginal dryness and each cause is associated with a different individual health status. Please speak to your healthcare provider about your symptoms to find out what may be causing vaginal dryness in your specific instance.

What are the common symptoms of vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness can have a range of symptoms that can cause discomfort in both daily activities and sexual intercourse. These symptoms range from mild to severe and can affect women differently depending on the underlying cause. Some of the more common signs and symptoms include:

• General discomfort, itching or irritation around the vagina and vulval tissues
• Sensation of burning, particularly after urination or physical activity
• Pain during sexual activity due to inadequate lubrication
• Post intercourse discomfort, irritation or burning
• Redness or swelling in the vaginal area
• Increased sensitivity to soaps, detergents or other irritations

How is vaginal dryness diagnosed?

Diagnosing vaginal dryness is a system that involves a combination of reviewing symptoms, understanding medical history and conducting a physical examination. A brief overview of the process is as follows:

A healthcare provider may take a detailed medical history from you including factors such as:

• Symptoms – duration and severity of dryness, irritating or burning
• Presence of pain during intercourse or other activities
• Details of your menstrual cycle and reproductive history (if any)
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, use of lubricants or scented products
• Any prescription, Over the Counter (OTC) or natural medications you use for any conditions
• Any medical conditions you may have.

A healthcare provider may also conduct a clinical pelvic exam to assess the vaginal and surrounding tissues. They may look for factors like:

• Look for signs of thinning and dryness in the vaginal lining
• Check for redness, irritation or swellings
• Look for any discharge or signs of infections

A healthcare provider may also order some additional tests to help diagnose vaginal dryness after they take a history and conduct a pelvic exam.

Vaginal dryness can be diagnosed through a combination of taking a history, a physical exam and ordering some tests (if needed) by your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing symptoms of vaginal dryness and suspect you may have the condition, it’s best to speak to your healthcare provider.

Natural remedies to improve vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can often be managed using natural remedies or lifestyle adjustments. These aim to enhance natural lubrication, support vaginal tissue health and address potential underlying causes. Some of these remedies include:

• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water (8-10 cups a day) as this keeps tissues hydrated and prevents dryness due to dehydration around vaginal tissues
• Use natural lubricants such as:
  • Pure and Unrefined Coconut oil – Natural, Long lasting moisturiser that can help with lubrication and ease discomfort during intercourse
  • Fragrance free Aloe Vera Gel which has soothing and hydrating properties
  • Topical Vitamin-E-Oil which helps to restore moisture and improve the elasticity of vaginal tissues.
• Avoid irritants and harsh products such as scented soaps, douches, or feminine sprays which can disrupt the vaginal pH and dry out tissues
• Use breathable, cotton underwear to reduce vaginal irritation and maintain moisture.
• Use herbal remedies such as black cohosh, evening primrose oil or red clover as these can help relieve vaginal dryness, support hormonal balance and improve lubrication.

Please seek the advice of your healthcare provider for more information on natural remedies to improve vaginal dryness. If natural remedies are not sufficient to treat vaginal dryness, a healthcare provider can help recommend additional treatments, medical and otherwise.

Medication and treatments for vaginal dryness

Where natural remedies and lifestyle changes are not sufficient to manage vaginal dryness, medical treatments can be used to provide proper and effective relief. Just like natural alternatives, medical treatments are more potent solutions aimed at restoring moisture to the vaginal tissue, improving vaginal tissue health and addressing any underlying causes. Medical options include:

OTC medication for vaginal dryness Options:

• Vaginal moisturizers such as K,Y Liquibeads, Replens or VagiSan moist Cream which provide long lasting vaginal hydration for daily use
• Water based vaginal lubricants such as K.Y Jelly, Skins Aqua lube, or Skins Excite lubricant

Hormonal therapy options:

• Topical estrogen therapies such as Estrace or premarin creams, Vaginal Estring rings, or VagiFem tablets which deliver estrogen to the Vaginal tissues and improve moisture, elasticity and thickness.
• Systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options to help with menopausal symptoms (including vaginal dryness). These can come in forms such as patches, pills, gels or injections.
  • If you are considering the use of HRT to help with vaginal dryness or other menopausal symptoms, please first consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it’s suitable for you.

Non Hormonal prescription options:

• Ospemifene – oral estrogen based tablets which mimic estrogen effects on vaginal tissue. These can help improve vaginal health, particularly symptoms like pain after/during intercourse
• Prasterone – a vaginal insert which contains DHEA (a precursor to sex hormones) that promotes tissue health and reduces dryness.

Other treatments for vaginal dryness include pelvic floor exercises, laser treatments or radiofrequency treatments. For a more comprehensive understanding of medical treatments specifically for you, please speak to your healthcare provider.

Can I buy treatments for vaginal dryness online?

Yes you can buy both prescription and over the counter meds for vaginal dryness online.

These are available at Meds For Less and can easily, reliably and conveniently be ordered to your home address within 24 hours.

How long does it take to treat vaginal dryness?

The time it takes to treat vaginal dryness depends on the underlying cause, the chosen treatment method and individual factors like age, hormone levels and overall health. The following is a brief guide based on common vaginal dryness treatments.

If using Over the Counter medication for vaginal dryness such as moisturizers and lubricants, you can get immediate relief (with lubes) that last a few hours or consistent relief (with moisturizers) if applied consistently at least for a few days to a week.

Topical estrogen based medication for female dryness can help improve vaginal tissue elasticity and moisture within a few weeks but 8-12 weeks of consistent use are required to show full effects.

Systemic Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for several weeks to months can be used to alleviate dryness and other menopausal symptoms as well but the timing for this varies depending on dosage and individual response.

Oral medication for vaginal dryness such as Ospemifene can take 4-6 weeks to improve vaginal dryness and painful symptoms like painful intercourse whereas Vaginal inserts can also start to provide relief within 4-6 weeks, providing maximum benefits by 12 weeks.

Natural treatments and remedies such as dietary changes, hydration therapies, natural oils can take a few weeks .

How to prevent vaginal dryness?

Preventing vaginal dryness involves adopting habits that proactively maintain vaginal health, balance hormones and minimise irritants. Some effective strategies include:

• Staying Hydrated – Dehydration affects overall body moisture including vaginal tissues, hence staying hydrated by drinking 8-10 cups of water a day can help maintain hydration and support healthy mucous membranes.
• Avoiding irritants such as harsh chemical or scented products like soaps, detergents or douches which can disrupt natural moisture and pH balance
• Maintain a healthy diet which contains nutrients to support hormonal balance and tissue health. Key items to include in your diet include:
  • Omega-3 Fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds or walnuts) to help keep tissues supple
  • Phytoestrogens (found in seeds like soy,tofu and flaxseed) which mimic estrogen and help maintain vaginal health
  • Vitamin E and C (found in nuts, seeds, citrus, fruits and leafy greens) which support collagen production and hydration
• Maintaining regular sexual activity can also help to promote vaginal health by improving blood flow to the vagina which acts as a natural lubricant and promotes elasticity
• Manage stress as chronic stress levels can interfere with hormone production and lead to dryness
• Stay physically active (with at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily) to promote good circulation and hormone balance, overall supporting vaginal health.
• Avoid smoking as smoking reduces blood flow to the vaginal tissues and exacerbates estrogen loss

By incorporating some of these methods into your routine you can help maintain vaginal health and prevent dryness. If you experience symptoms of vaginal dryness, please consult your healthcare provider.