Vaginal Moisturizers
Why is it dry?
Many people have questions about which vaginal moisturizer is right for them. The answer is…it depends. First, the question needs to be asked. Why is the vaginal tissue dry? Vaginal dryness and irritation can occur because of hormone changes during perimenopause and menopause, lichen sclerosis, vaginal pH issues, vaginitis, or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Symptoms can include mild irritation and dryness or may be more severe to include chronic irritation, burning, itching, pain, vaginal atrophy, and pain with intercourse.
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age, but most often occurs in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) during menopause when estrogen levels decrease. With normal estrogen levels, the vaginal tissue stays moisturized, healthy, and has good elasticity. With low estrogen levels, the vaginal tissue becomes thin, inflamed, and dry.
There are other hormonal causes of vaginal dryness and irritation. It can happen after childbirth and during breastfeeding, during cancer treatments, and while taking some medications, like hormonal birth control pills. All of these scenarios can result in low estrogen levels.
There are instances when people experience vaginal dryness not related to hormones but related to taking cold medicine, allergy medicine, or some antidepressants.
Discomfort can be not only during sex in the vaginal canal, but also on the vulva when exercising or wearing certain clothes. Some people with vaginal dryness also experience urinary incontinence and increased urinary tract infections. With these more complex symptoms, it is important to consult with your primary care provider to discuss whether hormonal treatments such as estrogen creams or pills could help.
So what can we do? A good vaginal moisturizer can help alleviate symptoms and improve collagen synthesis and skin regeneration, while providing soothing relief to dry tissues. Some of the vaginal moisturizers that I like include:
Desert Harvest Aloe Vera Gele
https://www.desertharvest.com/aloe-vera-gele.html?category_id=328
Good Clean Love BioNourish Moisturizing Vaginal Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
Intimate Rose - Enchanted Rose Vaginal Moisturizer
https://www.intimaterose.com/products/natural-vaginal-cream
For pain or discomfort with intercourse, it is important to find a good lubricant. It is important to decide whether you want a silicone based lubricant, water based lubricant, or a hybrid. Some of the vaginal lubricants I like include:
Desert Harvest Aloe Glide (aloe vera based)
https://www.desertharvest.com/aloe-glide.html?category_id=300
Sliquid (all types)
Good Clean Love (all types)
https://goodcleanlove.com/collections/personal-lubricants
As always, consult your provider with any questions, and come see Dr. Madelyn at The Healing Collective to discuss options. Pelvic PT combined with FSM can provide amazing results for improving tissue extensibility, decreasing pain, and decreasing inflammation. I am here to help!
