Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants may provide temporary relief from vaginal dryness, but these don’t address its cause – estrogen therapy or other FDA-approved remedies would likely provide more lasting solutions.
These vaginal moisturizers and lubricants come highly recommended by physicians and are free from hormones and fragrance. Easy to use and long-acting lubrication make these a top pick.
What is a vaginal moisturizer?
Vaginal moisturizers are non-hormonal treatments designed to rehydrate vaginal tissues in order to address dryness caused by medical conditions or hormone changes, including menopause, childbirth, breastfeeding or cancer treatments. Vaginal moisturizers should be one of the first choices for women experiencing low estrogen levels as a result of menopause, childbirth, breastfeeding or cancer treatments.
Hormone treatments differ significantly from lube in that the latter provides temporary wetness for sexual activity or masturbation; but neither are hormone treatments the same, which involve using gel-like suppositories that adhere to your vulva to provide steady levels of estrogen over multiple days.
Moisturizing products come in the form of creams or applicators that you apply directly into the vagina. Most commonly, these are used before bed so they won’t leak out while sitting up or walking around; for maximum benefit they should also be applied regularly – multiple times weekly is ideal.
How do I use a vaginal moisturizer?
Vaginal moisturizers function similarly to facial and body moisturizers in that they should be applied daily; women experiencing severe vaginal dryness may require using one up to four times each week.
At present, many vaginal moisturizers can be purchased over-the-counter without needing a valid prescription from a gynecologist – in fact many do so due to their proven efficacy and safety.
If selecting an applicator product, be sure to cleanse both hands and vulva area prior to inserting. Press or squeeze the applicator to deposit small amounts of moisturizing gel into your vagina, including disposable applicators that may be inserted similarly as an applicator-less tampon. When finding one that feels right for you, use it regularly as it does not provide the same level of smoothness and intimacy that lubricants do.
Do I need to use a vaginal moisturizer?
Women experiencing dry vaginas should use a non-hormonal vaginal moisturizer as part of a daily regimen to restore balance in their reproductive organs. These products come in cream, gel or suppository forms; additionally a physician can also prescribe one.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can alter natural secretions from the vulva, leading to atrophy and dryness in its tissue. Vaginal moisturizers with polymers that bind water tightly can help restore thickness by adhering water directly onto tissue layers.
Moisturizers can be found in any pharmacy’s feminine products aisle or sexual health section and should be used daily for optimal results. While it may take up to several weeks before you see results from using moisturizers, sticking with them to ensure effectiveness will help. Some products may initially increase vaginal discharge; this often decreases as time goes on. Some vaginal moisturizers also come equipped with reusable applicators making application even simpler!
Are vaginal moisturizers safe?
Like using moisturizer to protect our faces from wrinkles, taking good care of vaginal skin requires regular moisturization as well. A moisturizer may keep its cells hydrated and help avoid dryness caused by menopause or perimenopause symptoms.
Vaginal moisturizer and personal lubricants can both be used independently or together for maximum efficacy. Moisturizers don’t necessarily need to be applied before intimacy, while lubricants should generally be applied prior to and during sexual encounter.
Moisturizers come in various forms, from gels and creams to suppositories. Replens offers long-acting estrogen-free vaginal moisturizers that can be applied twice weekly for daily care or before intimacy, making them safe to use with condoms if taking hormone menopause hormone therapy. Another option available from pH-D Feminine Health’s Boric Acid Moisturizing Gel uses boric acid and hyaluronic acid to promote moisturization, elasticity and an enjoyable intimate experience during intimate moments.
