Many women suffer from vaginal dryness or atrophy. Often they do not feel comfortable talking about this.
Common causes of vaginal dryness are menopause, diabetes, contraceptives, autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, and other medications such as antibiotics.
Solutions available over the counter are vaginal moisturizers such as Replens, which is a vaginal insert that moisturizes for three days, and is not just a lubricant. Other products contain emollients, for example Sea Buckthorn, and Yerba Sante all of which are safe for vaginal use. Vitamin E oil may be used, or open up a capsule and apply vaginally or use organic coconut oil as recommended by one of my patients.
Prescription Estriol cream 0. 05% or suppositories are available at a compounding pharmacist, or commercial products are Estradiol cream or inserts such as Vagifem, and Premarin vaginal cream.
A new product on the market is Luvena which has a different mode of action. It is a prebiotic moisturizer and lubricant. It maintains a balanced microflora, restores natural moisture and pH. It inhibits harmful bacteria, yeast and fungi such as candida. With lack of estrogen around menopause the vaginal pH increases allowing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast. Luvena acts naturally with the body to create a long lasting physical barrier. It boosts the body’s own defences to create a healthy vagina.
Luvena offers an alternative to estrogen for women concerned about using hormones. It contains no glycerin, or parabens or preservatives.
Vaginal dryness is not a normal part of aging, nor should women have to live with it. There are many solutions available.