Vaginal Dryness

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Lubricants and moisturizers

If vaginal dryness makes sexual intercourse painful, consider an over-the-counter remedy such as:
Lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y Liquid). Water-based lubricants like these lubricate the vagina for several hours. Insert the lubricant into your vagina before intercourse. Applying lubricant to your partner's penis also may help.

Moisturizers (Replens, Lubrin). Vaginal moisturizers help moisturize the vagina for a longer period of time than lubricants do; they may decrease dryness for more than one day with a single application. Moisturizers generally help maintain the acidic environment in the vagina and may help decrease infections.

Occasional vaginal dryness during intercourse may mean that you aren't sufficiently aroused. Make time to be intimate with your partner and allow your body to become adequately aroused and lubricated. It may help to talk with your partner about what feels good for you.

Having intercourse regularly may help promote better vaginal lubrication.

Avoid certain products

Though you may be willing to try just about anything to relieve your discomfort, avoid using these products to treat vaginal dryness, as they may irritate your vagina:

-Vinegar, yogurt or other douches
-Hand lotions
-Soaps
-Bubble baths

Complementary and alternative medicine

Some researchers believe adding certain items to your diet may help increase moisture in your vagina. But more research is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of these approaches. Examples include:

Isoflavones. Isoflavones (plant estrogens) — compounds found in soybeans and soy products — may produce a weak estrogen-like effect. The best sources of isoflavones and the appropriate amounts to take aren't known but is helpful during the menopause anyway.

Black cohosh. This plant, also called black snakeroot and bugbane, may help reduce some menopausal symptoms including vaginal dryness. Don't use black cohosh if you're pregnant, nursing or taking a medication that can harm your liver.