Vaginal moisturizers and personal lubricants (like Astroglide, K-Y Liquibeads or Replens ) should be applied directly to the outer genital area (vulva). They help relieve dryness by applying moisturizer directly onto this region of skin. Products containing glycerin or warming properties may cause discomfort.
Moisturizers should be applied regularly, multiple times each week over an extended period, in order to see results and make intercourse easier. They are especially beneficial before sexual encounters.
Vaginal lubricants
As soon as you open the sexual health tab on an online shopping site or walk down your local pharmacy’s feminine products aisle, a wide array of vaginal moisturizers and personal lubricants awaits you. While both options can help relieve pain associated with vaginal dryness, each has different uses that might better fit their use case.
Vaginal lubricants provide additional lubrication during intimate activities to maximize comfort and make sex more pleasurable, as well as decrease itching, burning, chafing and discomfort caused by vaginal dryness or other conditions.
Hormonal fluctuations among postmenopausal women have been linked with decreased lubrication and dyspareunia (labial pain). Moisturizers and lubricants may be used as non-hormonal treatments to alleviate these symptoms when hormone therapy is not an option or the woman prefers not using it (10)
Moisturizers
As soon as you enter a feminine products aisle or access sexual health websites, there’s an overwhelming variety of products. When browsing these options you may ask, “What’s the difference between lubricant and moisturizer?”
Moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens or Sliquid) can help restore internal vaginal moisture. You can apply moisturizer as necessary before sexual activity or to reduce friction from certain activities such as yoga. Moisturizers may also be used as external lubricants; however some contain ingredients which could make your partner uncomfortable.
Moisturizers with ingredients designed to balance the pH level in the vulva are an excellent choice if you are sensitive to sexual stimulation, have urinary incontinence or another condition causing leakage from your vulva, such as leakage. Some are available as suppositories you insert with a tampon-shaped applicator while others can be applied directly using fingers.
Vitamin E
Some vaginal moisturizers contain Vitamin E to support the natural balance of bacteria in your vulva. You can apply a gel or cream with an applicator shaped like a tampon; or alternatively as a solid capsule that you push in using your fingers – three to five times per week is optimal for optimal use of such a lubricant or moisturizer.
CU OB-GYNs have discovered that a special vaginal suppository combining boric acid and coconut oil improves vaginal atrophy symptoms in women going through or recently exiting menopause. These products, known as pH-D Moisturizing Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories are available over-the-counter for purchase.
If nonhormonal treatments fail to relieve your symptoms, your Interlude-affiliated prescribing doctor may suggest low-dose vaginal estrogen to ease them. Before beginning with any treatments containing estrogen, however, be sure to discuss it with a cancer specialist because estrogen increases risk for breast cancer recurrence.
Oils
Some vaginal moisturizers contain oils such as coconut or olive. People may prefer these moisturizing agents due to their feel during genital massage, and as they don’t dry out as quickly as glycerin-based gels. Unfortunately, however, these products can be messy and stain sheets or clothing easily; you could instead opt for plant-based lubricant or silicone-based products during sexual activity.
These come in the form of an applicator or tube you insert directly into the vagina, to reduce pain from sexual activities. They may also help decrease irritation. Some contain hyaluronic acid to increase muscle elasticity and promote healing.
Although they can help ease many menopausal symptoms, lubricants and moisturizers do not address their source; estrogen therapy or FDA-approved medications provide more lasting solutions. Therefore, you should continue using vaginal moisturizers or lubricants until your symptoms have improved, otherwise they could resurface again if discontinued use ceases.
