Women, childbirth and infertility

What is vaginal dryness?

Naturally, the glands in the cervix secrete a lubricant. Naturally, they keep the vaginal environment moist. This condition may change due to various reasons such as dehydration, stress, or under the influence of medications such as oral contraceptive pills and antihistamines, and the vaginal skin may become slightly dry. On the other hand, changes occur in the vaginal tissue during breastfeeding and menopause: as the amount of estrogen in the body decreases, the secretions of the vaginal glands also decrease, and dryness may occur. Create a vagina.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness may be accompanied by various symptoms, including:

• burning, tenderness or pain inside the vagina or its lower part;
• itching, burning or pain around the opening of the vagina (vulva);
• pain during intercourse sexual;
• thinning of the labia.

What is the best ointment for treating vaginal dryness?

Ointments for treating vaginal dryness are divided into several categories and sold under different trade names, including:

• Moisturizers: The best vaginal ointments should pH (pH) close to the normal range of the vagina (3.8 to 4.5) to prevent vaginal irritation and maintain its healthy moisture. On the other hand, it is better to use ingredients without fragrance and essence. Also, do not use hand and face moisturizer to treat vaginal dryness. Consult a pharmacist or gynecologist for the best choice of vaginal moisturizer.
• Water-based or silicone lubricants: You can use water-based lubricants right before sex. Choose lubricants that do not contain glycerin or warming ingredients such as capsaicin. If you are allergic to these substances, your vagina will be more irritated.
• Vaginal washing gel: Most washing gels are suitable for the vulva area and should not be used for washing inside the vagina. These substances help to keep the vagina and vulva clean and moist and soothe itching and skin irritation of the vagina. Some washing gels contain natural ingredients such as organic moisturizers.
• Ointments containing estrogen: If moisturizers are not effective, the doctor may suggest using ointments containing estrogen. Vaginal estrogen is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contains the hormone estrogen, which is usually used to treat vaginal dryness and irritation during menopause.
• Ointments containing vitamins: Ointments containing vitamins A (A) and E (E) are good options for treating vaginal dryness, which are better to be used with the doctor's advice.

It is better before choosing an ointment to treat vaginal dryness with gynecology doctor consult. If you have a vaginal infection with symptoms such as boi Bad vagina or vaginal burning is accompanied, your doctor may prescribe infection treatment medicine Vagina to prescribe. The specialists of the DoctorDoctor site will guide you through an online visit or by visiting in person.

Types of vaginal moisturizers

There are four main types of vaginal moisturizers to maintain the health of the vulvovaginal area (vulva and vagina):

• The first two types are creams and gels that are usually inserted into the vagina using an applicator or with a finger.
• The third type are moisturizing suppositories that are placed inside the vagina in the form of pills or capsules.
• Finally, the fourth type are natural oils such as coconut oil or almond oil that act as vaginal moisturizers. Natural oils may be used as capsules or as ingredients in various creams and gels.

Important ingredients in vaginal moisturizers

One of the key ingredients of vaginal moisturizers is hyaluronic acid; The same ingredient used in skin care products for deep hydration and binds to water to retain moisture. This substance increases the elasticity of the vagina.

Another group of vaginal moisturizers contain natural bioadhesives. These substances increase intracellular water absorption and also decrease vaginal pH; A topic that helps attract more beneficial bacteria and create a healthier environment in the vagina.

How to use vaginal moisturizers

To get better results, you should use a vaginal moisturizer regularly (usually every 2-3 days) and make using the moisturizer a habit. Apply the moisturizer to the vaginal walls for better absorption. If you are using prescription vaginal medications at the same time, it is better to have a proper schedule and use each one on different days.

Vaginal estrogen and vaginal dryness

Vaginal estrogen comes in the form of tablets, suppositories, creams, gels, or vaginal rings that are inserted into the vagina. The intravaginal use of estrogen is called topical HTR.

Types of estrogen ointment for vaginal dryness

Estrogen-based drugs are a type of hormone therapy that should usually be taken together with progesterone to protect the uterus together. But in the case of vaginal estrogen, a very small amount of the drug enters the general circulation of the body, so there is no need to take progesterone. If vaginal estrogen alone is not sufficient, a higher dose of HTR may be prescribed.

Vaginal estrogen is usually given only with a doctor's prescription. These ointments are usually used once a day for 2 to 4 weeks and then twice a week, depending on the manufacturer's brand and the doctor's opinion. It may take 3 months for estrogen to become fully effective.

Who can use vaginal estrogen?

Usually, people who are premenopausal or menopausal use vaginal estrogen. However, the use of this ointment is contraindicated for some people, including:

• History of sensitivity to estrogen or other drugs;
• History of breast cancer, diagnosis of it, or high family risk;
• History of any other type of cancer;
• Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause;
• History of blood clots (thrombosis, pulmonary embolism);
• History of attack heart, stroke or angina;
• liver diseases;
• possibility of pregnancy;
• porphyria (a rare hereditary disease);
• diabetes;
• high blood pressure;
• migraine or severe headaches.

Herbal ointment for vaginal dryness

Various herbal ointments for treating dryness There are vaginal products that it is better to use with the doctor's opinion, including:

• Hill Barridge Herbal Ointment: It is a type of Iranian herbal gel containing hops and vitamin E (E), which is prescribed to maintain moisture and eliminate dryness of the vagina. This ointment helps to treat vaginal dryness.
• Aloe vera gel: Pure aloe vera gel (without color or fragrance) is water-based and helps to hydrate dry tissues. Aloe vera absorbs quickly and cools and refreshes your skin. Studies show that aloe vera gel is as effective as estrogen ointment in eliminating vaginal dryness and improving vaginal health.
• Coconut oil: Pure coconut oil is thick, smooth and long-lasting. This oil helps to maintain vaginal moisture and eliminate skin fragility. If you are allergic to coconut, do not use coconut oil.
• Grape Seed Oil: This light oil absorbs well and may reduce vaginal dryness without feeling greasy. Grape seed oil also has anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce inflammation.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is thicker than other oils and stays in place for a longer time. It removes dryness and makes sex easier. It also prevents inflammation of sensitive skin. For better results, use pure oil without additives.
• Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil is a natural oil that contains vitamin E, which helps maintain skin moisture and heal wounds. If you are looking for a soft and gentle oil, sunflower oil is a good choice.

vaginal dryness cream for menopause

Vaginal dryness occurs more during menopause falls During this period, the sharp drop in estrogen causes atrophy and dryness of the vagina. By prescribing various treatment options, such as vaginal moisturizing cream, topical estrogen-based ointments, and herbal oils, the doctor will help reduce the dryness of your vagina and eliminate the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Open the tube cap. If it is the first time you use the tube, pierce the seal of the opening of the tube; But if the seal has already been opened, do not use it.

For ointments that do not have a special applicator, take a small amount of the ointment and gently apply it to the external part of the vagina and vulva. Avoid squeezing the ointment.

Side effects of vaginal dryness treatment ointment

If you experience certain side effects after using vaginal dryness treatment ointment, see your doctor immediately, including:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat;
• Pain, swelling or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain;
• chest changes: new lump, redness, pain or discharge from the nipple;
• gallbladder problems: severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever;
• increased blood pressure;
• liver damage: pain in the right upper abdomen, anorexia, nausea, light-colored stools, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, weakness or fatigue Uncommon;
• Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, speech disorder, confusion, difficulty walking, dizziness, severe headache, vision changes;
• Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching or unusual odor;
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause or pelvic pain;

Some side effects are not serious, but if it persists, be sure to inform your doctor. Including:

• Bloating;
• Breast pain or sensitivity;
• Nausea;
• Vaginal irritation at the place of ointment use;
• Vomiting.

Doctor's last words

Vaginal dryness is one of the most common problems of the vagina, especially during menopause. To treat vaginal dryness, there are various options such as vaginal moisturizers or estrogen ointment to treat vaginal dryness. These products are also effective in reducing discomfort and pain during sex. Most vaginal moisturizers are designed for internal use, but there are also products that are made for external use to soothe the vulva around the vagina. If you are not sure which vaginal dryness treatment ointment is right for you, consult a gynecologist on the DoktorDoktor site via online visit or face-to-face visit.

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Resources

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