Medicines for Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness has many possible causes including menopause, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, diet and reactions to personal care products and laundry detergents. Women of all ages can experience vaginal dryness. It is uncomfortable at best and painful at worst. Itching, burning and painful intercourse are common complaints associated with vaginal dryness. Vaginal medications are available to treat dryness and relieve the discomfort associated with it.

Vaginal Estrogen Medications

Vaginal estrogen medications are inserted into the vagina and release estrogen to stimulate lubrication and reverse vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal walls). They are available as a cream, tablet or ring. The cream and tablet are inserted into the vagina through an applicator and are used at a frequency determined by a doctor. The ring is worn in the vagina for three months, and it gradually releases small amounts of estrogen. Vaginal estrogen medications are useful for menopausal women and other women with low estrogen levels who experience vaginal dryness without other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

Vaginal estrogen delivery is generally safe because only a small amount of the estrogen absorbs through the skin into the bloodstream, according to BreastCancer.org. Vaginal estrogen is not appropriate for every woman. It may increase the risk of certain types of cancers and is not suitable for use by some cancer patients.

Replens

Replens is an over-the-counter, long-lasting, pH-balanced, non-hormonal vaginal moisturizing gel that is inserted into the vagina through an applicator, two or three times a week. The two main ingredients in Replens are water and polycarbophil. Polycarbophil is a bioadhesive polymer that holds water. The polycarbophil in Replens binds to the vaginal wall and slowly releases water to moisturize the vaginal tissues. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology reported that Replens increased vaginal hydration, restored vaginal pH balance and reduced vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.

Vaginal Lubricants

Over-the-counter vaginal lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly, Astroglide or Sylk provide temporary moisture to the vagina. They are beneficial for women who only experience occasional dryness or who only need lubrication during sexual activity. Vaginal lubricants are designed for use before and during sexual activity to make intercourse more comfortable. Vaginal lubricants do not provide long-term vaginal miniaturization and do not reduce vaginal atrophy. Some women may experience irritation or infections after using vaginal lubricants that are not pH balanced.