Vagina
Vaginal Moisturizers: A Guide to Vagina Dryness
Have you ever felt any discomfort when wiping the vagina area with a tissue? Felt uncomfortable when you are using a menstrual pad? At any time felt that the vulva area is dry, irritated, sore, itchy? Or perhaps experience pain or bleeding during sex? Well this could be a sign that you may be suffering from vaginal dryness.1,2
Estrogen is a female hormone that plays an important role in women’s health, and that includes the vagina too. It signals the vagina to produce an acidic layer of moisture that keeps the vagina elastic and healthy. This fluid also acts as lubrication to reduce friction during sex.3,4
Causes of Vaginal Dryness1,2,3,4,5
It happens when the vagina does not produce enough fluid mainly due to low levels or the drop in estrogen levels as women age. It is the most common among women in their 40s and 50s, with 1 in every 3 postmenopausal women experiencing vagina dryness. Other causes are breastfeeding, smoking, over douching the vagina, stress, certain cancer treatments, surgical procedures that remove ovaries. If left untreated, it may cause vaginal or urinary tract infection. Therefore, It is important to keep your vagina moist at all times.
Products to Aid in Vaginal Dryness1,4,5
- Vaginal moisturizers. It is non-medicated, the most common and safe choice, available over the counter in pharmacies.They will directly moisturize the vagina and relieve any discomfort.
- Estrogen tablet or cream. Prescribed by doctors to women where the condition is mainly affected by the estrogen level. Make sure to visit your doctor to have a check up and discuss with the doctor if this is suitable for you.
Types of Vaginal Moisturizers5,6
- Creams. It is an oil and water-based moisturizer that is white and rich in texture. To be applied on the surface using the finger tip or inside the vagina with an applicator.
- Gels. It is a water-based moisturizer that is transparent and has a light texture. Used the same way as creams.
- Vaginal Suppositories. Exists in pill or capsule form to be inserted into the vagina and not to be swallowed.
- Natural oils. Examples are natural vitamin E oil, natural coconut oil, natural almond oil. Some exist in capsule form that can be broken open. To be applied around or in the vagina. It can also be applied all over the body as a moisturizer or massage oil.
Tips on Choosing the Right Vaginal Moisturizer2,6
- pH suitable. A pH of 3.8 to 4.5 that mimics the vaginal environment.
- Fragrance free and contains hypoallergenic ingredients.
- Dermatologically tested.
- Contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera that increase moisturization.
Myths and Facts about Vaginal Dryness and Vaginal Moisturizers
- Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers are the same.5,6,7
Answer: No. Both have the same function of moisturizing the vagina, their main purpose is different. Vaginal lubricants are fast acting but short-lasting. They are often used to give added moisture to your vagina just before sex or pleasuring. Whereas vaginal moisturizers are long-lasting to keep the vagina moist all day and are mainly used for vaginal dryness. - Vaginal moisturizers have to be used everyday.5
Answer: Not necessarily. Generally it can be used 2 to 3 times a week or as frequently as possible, depending on one’s condition. But always read the instructions on the packaging to make sure you are using it the right and safe way. - Douching the vagina more frequently helps with vaginal dryness.4
Answer: No. In fact, it causes vaginal dryness and pH imbalance, putting you at risk of infection. It’s recommended to douche once a day with normal water or with a feminine wash that fits all the criteria of a vaginal moisturizer too.
It’s time to see a doctor if the vaginal dryness still persists even after trying out these treatments, or whenever there is unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.2 If you are unsure about vaginal dryness or vaginal moisturizers, don’t be shy and ask our Caring Pharmacists!
References:
- Feminine Vaginal Moisturizer: A Guide to Vaginal Dryness Products. (2018). Flo Health. (Web Accessed September 2022). Web link: Feminine Vaginal Moisturizer: A Guide to Vaginal Dryness Products (flo.health)
- Vaginal Dryness. (2021). National Health Service (NHS). (Web Accessed September 2022). Web link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
- What causes Vaginal Dryness.R.Nall (2019). Healthline. (Web Accessed September 2022). Web link: https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-dryness
- Vaginal Dryness: Causes and Moisturizing Treatments. T. C. Johnson (2021). WebMD.(Web Accessed September 2022). Web link: https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-dryness-causes-moisturizing-treatments
- Know How to Use Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants. K. Young (2019). University Health Network. (Web Accessed September 2022). Web link: https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/Know_How_to_Use_Vaginal_Moisturizers_Lubricants.pdf
- The Best 5 Vaginal Moisturizers to treat Vaginal Dryness of 2022. J. Malacoff (2022). Healthline. (Web Accessed September 2022). Web link: https://www.healthline.com/health/best-vaginal-moisturizer#how-we-chose
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: What’s the difference? Which do I buy?. J.M.Thielen (2022). Mayo Clinic Press. (Web Accessed September 2022). Web link: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/vaginal-moisturizers-and-lubricants-whats-the-difference-which-do-i-buy/
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