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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or irritation, the following measures may provide some relief:

  • Try a vaginal moisturizer, such as K-Y Silk-E, Me Again or Very Private, to restore some moisture to your vaginal area. You may have to apply the moisturizer every two to three days. The effects of a moisturizer generally last a little longer than those of a lubricant.
  • Use a water-based lubricant, such as Astroglide or K-Y, to reduce discomfort during intercourse. Avoid petroleum jelly or other petroleum-based products for lubrication if you're also using condoms. Petroleum can break down latex condoms on contact.
  • Allow time to become aroused during intercourse.
Alternative medicine Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Bachmann G, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of vaginal atrophy. http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html. Accessed Aug. 6, 2010.
  2. The North American Menopause Society. The role of local vaginal estrogen for treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: 2007 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. 2007;14:357.
  3. MacBride MB, et al. Vulvovaginal atrophy. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2010;85:87.
  4. Palacios S. Managing urogenital atrophy. Maturitas. 2009;63:315.
  5. Suckling JA, et al. Local oestrogen for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2006:CD001500.
  6. Archer DF. Efficacy and tolerability of local estrogen therapy for urogenital atrophy. Menopause. 2010;17:194.
  7. Reed SD, et al. Vaginal, endometrial, and reproductive hormone findings: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of black cohosh, multibotanical herbs and dietary soy for vasomotor symptoms: The Herbal Alternatives for Menopause (HALT) study. Menopause. 2008;15:51.
  8. Mehta A, et al. Vulvovaginal complaints. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;51:549.
  9. Labrie F, et al. Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (Prasterone), a physiological and highly efficient treatment of vaginal atrophy. Menopause. 2009;16:907.
  10. Panjari M, et al. DHEA for postmenopausal women: A review of the evidence. Maturitas. 2010;66:172.
DS00770 Sept. 17, 2010

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