Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants may provide temporary relief during intimacy, but they don’t address the root causes of symptoms like dryness and irritation. FDA-approved estrogen therapy offers a better solution.
Vaginal moisturizers are creams or gels designed to be applied directly into the vagina with either a wand-like applicator, your clean hands, or both. Many products should be applied every 2 or 3 days for best results; while others contain estrogen.
Lubricants
Many women struggle to choose their purchase when browsing the feminine products aisle of a pharmacy or browsing sexual health tab online shopping, as there is an endless supply of lubricants and moisturizers making similar claims.
Vaginal lubricants act as a barrier, reducing friction at the moment of contact and making intercourse less painful. Many lubricants feature heat enhancement for added sensuality; masturbation may be performed using these lubricants as well as sexual intercourse. Although over-the-counter, prescription-free options are available; any latex condoms or vulva-safe toys should be avoided due to risk of breaking down their material and changing texture.
Moisturizers differ from lubricants because they penetrate more deeply, changing the water content to prevent dryness and discomfort. If over-the-counter options fail to relieve symptoms, Brightman recommends consulting an OB/GYN to discuss hormone medications or alternative forms of treatment options.
Over-the-Counter Moisturizers
Every drugstore or online marketplace provides many options for vaginal moisturizers. From disposable applicators that resemble tampons to creams that you apply with clean hands, there are numerous solutions to keep vaginal tissue soft and flexible. Some even contain hyaluronic acid which pulls moisture from the air to keep vulvae soft and supple.
Lubricants and moisturizers both help reduce friction during sexual encounters, making the experience more pleasurable for both partners. But their methods differ: while lubricants sit on top of your skin to alleviate friction caused by sexual encounters, moisturizers absorb into vulva tissue for long-term moisturization benefits.
Moisturizers may provide temporary relief from itching associated with dry skin, though they won’t boost your libido like lubricants would. Instead, moisturizers may ease discomfort associated with sexual intimacy as a result of natural or treatment-induced menopause in women experiencing the latter stages of life.
