5 Gentle, Natural Solutions That Bring Sweet Relief From Vaginal Dryness
From pantry staples to drugstore finds, an ob-gyn shares what to use and when
Have you noticed that even your most comfortable pair of jeans creates some irritation “down there” when you sit or lift your leg to climb stairs? Or that being intimate with your partner brings more pain than pleasure? If so, you may be dealing with vaginal dryness. The good news: There are plenty of natural remedies for vaginal dryness that can help erase discomfort. Read on to find out what really works.
What causes vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness occurs most often in postmenopausal women. Why? Hormonal changes, such as a decline in levels of estrogen, trigger many anatomic and physiologic changes in the vagina, explains ob-gyn Eric Liberman, DO, director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ.
These changes create an environment for the types of problems that result in dryness and discomfort. In fact, vaginal dryness due to hormone changes is so common that research in Menopause suggests up to 75 percent more women experience dryness post-menopause than they did during menopause.
Woman's World Answers
Aside from menopausal hormone changes, common causes of vaginal dryness include:
- Thinning of the vaginal walls and tissues (known as vaginal atrophy), which is a direct result of lower estrogen levels
- An infection or inflammation due to irritants or allergens. As Dr. Liberman explains, “A decrease in systemic estrogen affects the normal vaginal flora in the vagina that is responsible for creating the acidic vaginal environment. The pH of the vagina becomes more basic, making it more prone to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast infections.”
- Skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus and lichen planus
- Chronic illnesses such as Crohn’s disease
Other less-common risk factors for vaginal dryness include having your ovaries removed (oophorectomy), taking medications used to treat uterine fibroids or endometriosis, taking a type of antidepressant known as SSRIs that decrease vaginal lubrication and taking antihistamines, which can dry up lubricating mucous membranes, including those in the vaginal area.
Symptoms of vaginal dryness you don’t need to ignore
How does vaginal dryness manifest? According to Dr. Liberman, the most common warning signs include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Pain with intercourse
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
- An overall sense of discomfort
5 natural remedies for vaginal dryness that work
If you need help finding relief from vaginal dryness, consider these natural remedies.
Vitamin E suppositories
“Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which can help to repair the vaginal epithelium, improve blood flow and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Dr. Liberman. “Some studies suggest that topical vitamin E, often in the form of suppositories or creams, can relieve vaginal dryness, itching and irritation, though more investigation is required.”
A study in the International Urogynecology Journal found that vitamin E worked on par with prescription estrogen creams at easing pain, itching and vaginal dryness discomfort when used once daily for four weeks. Consider trying a vitamin E suppository (like Carlson Key-E Suppositories) to lubricate vaginal tissues. Refrigerating it beforehand and/or wearing a pantyliner can make it less messy.
Solid coconut oil
If you’re primarily experiencing pain during sex and not many other symptoms of vaginal dryness, consider using virgin coconut oil in its solid state as a lubricant. A small study published in Cureus found that when women with vaginal dryness applied a few teaspoons of virgin coconut oil paste (AKA coconut oil that’s been allowed to solidify) immediately before intercourse, up to 66 percent experienced a reduction in dryness and discomfort.
“Any lubricant, whether water-based, silicone or oil-based, should decrease friction and associated pain experienced during intercourse in an atrophic vagina,” Dr. Liberman adds.
Hyaluronic acid moisturizer
For symptom relief beyond eliminating pain during intercourse, consider a vaginal moisturizer. “Vaginal moisturizers are intended for routine use, usually two to three days per week, whereas lubricants are utilized during sexual activity,” Dr. Liberman explains. “Moisturizers typically utilize ingredients with bioadhesive properties. Bioadhesives attach to dry, compacted vaginal cells and trap and/or release moisture for an extended amount of time.”
One such ingredient he suggests looking for is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the skin, joints and other tissues. A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who used a vaginal moisturizer with hyaluronic acid every three days improved their vaginal dryness after 30 days. One to try: Revaree Vaginal Dryness Moisturizer.
Polycarbophil moisturizer
While hyaluronic acid is a naturally-derived bioadhesive, polycarbophil is a synthetically-derived one that Dr. Liberman says can be just as effective. Research backs him up: A study in the European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology compared the two and found that neither was superior to the other and both offered benefits for vaginal dryness. One to try: Replens Long Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer.
More foreplay & stimulation
For women who primarily experience the side effects of vaginal dryness during sex, consider spending a little more time on foreplay before being intimate. The Cleveland Clinic explains that natural lubrication is tied to arousal, so finding ways to increase your pleasure prior to intercourse may help, as might regular sexual stimulation.
How to talk to your doctor about vaginal dryness
If natural remedies for vaginal dryness aren’t doing the trick, you do have more options. “Vaginal estrogens are the gold standard for obtaining clinical relief from vaginal dryness and associated vaginal symptoms related to menopause,” says Dr. Liberman. “However, as is always the case in medicine, there are potential risks associated with vaginal estrogens.” Talk to your doctor to find out if it’s right for you.
Remember, experiencing vaginal dryness doesn’t mean your body is failing you—it simply means it’s changing, just like it has throughout your amazing life. With these gentle, natural approaches, you can find the comfort you deserve and continue to enjoy all the beautiful intimacies life has to offer. You’ve navigated so many changes with grace and strength already, and this is just one more area where you can take loving care of yourself. Here’s to feeling comfortable, confident, and completely yourself again.
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