What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness, sometimes called vaginal atrophy, is a common problem that many women may experience at some point in their life. Decreased levels of oestrogen in the body can cause changes in vaginal tissue and lead to reduced vaginal moisture and vaginal lubrication, causing vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness symptoms

Those who experience vaginal dryness may experience symptoms such as burning, itching, frequent urination, urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal soreness, discomfort and irritation. These can be worsened during sex as it causes a lack of natural lubrication which results in discomfort and pain.

This can lead you to avoid sex or a drop in sexual desire.

Vaginal dryness causes

It is predominately caused by hormonal changes which affect the vaginal wall causing vaginal atrophy. Most often the hormonal change is a  result of menopause. Some research suggests that genitourinary symptoms, like vaginal dryness, affect up to 50% of women during menopause.

Other causes of vaginal dryness can include breastfeeding, taking contraceptive pills, antidepressants, hysterectomies and cancer treatments. These and other conditions can cause a disruption in your hormone levels. This disruption is what often results in vaginal dryness.

If you have other menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood changes, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) patches or tablets may be beneficial for you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, or visit our online HRT clinic.

Vaginal Dryness Treatments

There are several lifestyle changes you can use to help treat your vaginal dryness with or without prescription treatments. Using vaginal dryness creams and moisturisers like Replens MD can help to relieve dryness and using water-based lubricants before sexual intercourse can be helpful. Do not use perfumed soaps and washes in or around your vagina. Ensure you only use vaginal moisturisers and not products that aren’t specifically made for the vagina. See the vaginal dryness NHS page for more information. 

Prescription treatments

Around the time of menopause, oestrogen levels in the body drop and can cause menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness. Prescription treatments contain substitute oestrogens that replace the lost oestrogen in the body to improve symptoms. This is known as oestrogen therapy. By applying topical oestrogen treatments directly to the vagina, it reduces the risk of oestrogen side effects compared to HRT tablets or patches.

Ovestin and Vagifem are common medicines prescribed for vaginal dryness. Vagifem vaginal tablets come with an applicator to insert into the vagina and release the tablet to act directly in the vagina. Ovestin is an estrogen cream that is applied into the vagina using an applicator. Both contain oestrogens to relieve vaginal dryness.

Some menopausal women experience other side effects, like hot flushes and night sweats. Vaginal oestrogen treatments will not improve these other symptoms but HRT tablets or patches can be effective for them. HRT tablets or patches can also improve vaginal dryness, but some women also use vaginal treatments alongside tablets or patches. Before considering this type of hormone therapy, ensure you seek out medical advice from a women’s health professional.

HRT medicines can increase the risk of serious health conditions like blood clots and certain cancers such as breast cancer. See this NHS page for a detailed overview of the risks associated with HRT treatment.

Written by Clinical Pharmacist Tyson Wilkman

What does vaginal dryness feel like?

It may feel different for different women but it can cause discomfort, itching, burning, and pain in and around the vagina. It can also cause dryness and pain during sexual activity and recurring urinary infections.

What causes vaginal dryness?

Apart from menopause, vaginal dryness and itching can be caused by several factors. Having cancer treatment, a hysterectomy, or taking contraceptive pills or antidepressants can all cause vaginal dryness. Certain underlying conditions, like diabetes, can also be a cause of vaginal dryness.

Can I buy oestrogen creams in the UK over the counter?

Oestrogen creams are a form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and are not available to buy over the counter. You can request to order vaginal oestrogen treatments online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. Our doctors assess whether it is safe for you by asking you to complete a short online medical assessment.