Vaginal dryness: treatment, symptoms and causes

The NHS says you can try treating vaginal dryness yourself before seeing a GP, and most of the products are available without a prescription. If the cause is hormone changes, a GP may prescribe oestrogen treatment.

The NHS lists symptoms you may notice if you have vaginal dryness. The NHS menopause symptoms page adds that dryness, a burning feeling, irritation or itching in and around the vagina are common vaginal problems in perimenopause and menopause, and that they can make sex feel painful, with more urinary infections or UTI-like symptoms.

• Unusual vaginal discharge, spotting or bleeding.

• Feeling sore or itchy in and around the vagina.

• Pain or discomfort, including during sex.

• Needing to pee more often than usual.

• Keep getting urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The NHS says several things that change hormone levels can cause vaginal dryness, because the change can affect how much vaginal fluid you have. It also lists other causes that are not hormonal.

NICE says menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55 but can happen earlier, because of surgery to remove the ovaries, cancer treatments or an inherited condition.

• Menopause.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Medicines such as hormonal contraceptives or antidepressants.

• A hysterectomy, especially if your ovaries were also removed.

• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy or surgery.

• Not being aroused during sex.

• Using perfumed soaps, washes or douches in and around the vagina.

• An underlying condition such as diabetes or Sjogren's syndrome.

It means the lining of the vagina is not as moist or lubricated as usual. The NHS describes it as a common problem many women have at some point in their lives. It is not a disease, and it is not caused by something you have done.

It is often linked with perimenopause and menopause, but can happen at other times, including when breastfeeding or taking certain medicines.

The NHS advises using products designed for the vagina. It says not to use creams, lotions or moisturisers that are not for your vagina, as they can cause more irritation or an infection, and not to use perfumed soaps, washes or douches in and around your vagina.

The NHS says to see a GP if you have had vaginal dryness for a few weeks and the things you have tried yourself are not working, it is affecting your daily life, you have unusual discharge from your vagina, or you have bleeding after sex, in between your periods or after experiencing menopause.

The NHS menopause page says to contact your GP if you have not had a period for 12 months or more and have any vaginal bleeding. A GP can also check for other causes, such as infection or a skin condition.

The NHS says oestrogen is the main type of HRT and is sometimes used as a cream or pessary to treat vaginal dryness and soreness, or urinary symptoms, after the menopause. If you take oestrogen and have not had a hysterectomy, progestogen is needed to protect the womb. NICE says your healthcare professional should discuss all treatment options and their benefits and risks, so you can decide what suits you.

If HRT does not work for you, you cannot take it or do not want to, the NHS says other treatments are available for other menopause symptoms.

Lubricants and moisturisers can be bought at pharmacies and supermarkets, and a pharmacist can advise. A GP or practice nurse can prescribe hormone treatment on the NHS, and some people see a private menopause specialist for a longer consultation. Whichever route you take, tell your GP about any treatments so your records are complete.