How do I treat vaginal dryness?

Bottom lineTreat vaginal dryness - which has causes from menopause and breastfeeding to medications and harsh products - with regular vaginal moisturizers and lubricants for sex while avoiding perfumed soaps and douches; if it's from low estrogen, local vaginal estrogen treats the cause directly, and regular sexual activity and time for arousal help, so see a clinician for persistent or painful dryness or any unusual bleeding.

Vaginal dryness can affect anyone and has many causes - menopause, breastfeeding, some medications, certain conditions, and harsh products. Treatment depends on the cause, but several measures relieve discomfort.

Over-the-counter relief

• Vaginal moisturizers - used regularly (every few days) to keep tissues comfortable, not just for sex
• Lubricants - used during sex to reduce friction and pain (water- or silicone-based)
• Avoid irritants - perfumed soaps, washes, and douches that dry and irritate delicate tissue

Treating the cause

• If dryness is from low estrogen (menopause or breastfeeding), local vaginal estrogen can treat it directly with very little absorbed into the body
• If a medication is the cause, a clinician may review it
• Treating any underlying condition helps

Supportive habits

• Regular sexual activity maintains blood flow to the tissues
• Allow time for arousal, which boosts natural lubrication
• Wear breathable cotton underwear

When to see a clinician

See a doctor if dryness is persistent, painful, or affecting intimacy, or comes with itching, soreness, unusual discharge, or bleeding, which could point to another cause. Effective treatments are available - you don't have to put up with it.

See what causes vaginal dryness for more.

Femora helps you track symptoms so you can see whether treatments for dryness are helping.