Vaginal dryness is common and very treatable, but knowing where to turn is not always obvious. This page gathers trusted places to find a doctor or specialist, reliable information from medical organizations, and our own guides, all in one spot.
Jump to: Find a doctor or specialist · Before your visit · Trusted information · Our guides · When to get care · FAQ
Find a doctor or specialist
Different clinicians help with different parts of vaginal dryness. Here is who to look for and where to find them.
| Who | Why you might see them | Where to find one |
|---|---|---|
| Gynecologist (OB-GYN) | First stop for most women: diagnosis, ruling out infections or skin conditions, and prescription options | ACOG: How to find an ob-gyn |
| Menopause specialist (MSCP) | Dryness linked to perimenopause or menopause, or questions about hormone and non-hormone options | The Menopause Society: Find a menopause practitioner |
| Pelvic floor physical therapist | Pain with sex, pelvic muscle tightness, or fear of pain | APTA Pelvic Health: PT Locator |
| Urogynecologist | Dryness along with bladder leaks, frequent UTIs or pelvic organ prolapse | AUGS Voices for PFD: Find a provider |
| Certified sex therapist | Changes in desire, relationship strain or anxiety around intimacy | AASECT: Referral directory |
| Community health center | Low-cost care if you are uninsured or underinsured, with fees based on income | HRSA: Find a health center |
Tip: Many gynecologists and menopause practitioners also offer telehealth visits, which can make a first conversation easier. Ask your insurance plan which specialists are in network.
Before your visit
- Write down your symptoms, when they started and what makes them better or worse
- List your medicines, including birth control, antidepressants and allergy medicines
- Note anything you have already tried
- Bring your questions. Our guide How to talk to your doctor (and partner) has a checklist and sample scripts.
Trusted information sources
- MedlinePlus: Vaginal dryness (U.S. National Library of Medicine). A plain-language overview of causes, symptoms and treatment.
- The Menopause Society: Choosing a healthcare practitioner. What to look for in a menopause clinician.
- ACOG: The menopause years. Patient FAQ from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- Office on Women’s Health: Menopause (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
- Cleveland Clinic: Vaginal atrophy (GSM). Causes, symptoms and treatment options.
- Breastcancer.org: Vaginal atrophy. For people managing dryness during or after cancer treatment.
Our guides
Understanding vaginal dryness
- Vaginal dryness: causes, symptoms and when to get help
- What is vaginal atrophy?
- Medications that can cause vaginal dryness
- Vaginal itching, burning and dryness
Life stages
- Perimenopause
- After menopause
- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)
- Postpartum and breastfeeding
- After hysterectomy
- After breast cancer
- In your 20s and 30s
Relief and treatment options
- How to treat vaginal dryness
- How to choose a vaginal moisturizer
- Best lubricant for menopause dryness
- Non-hormonal options
- Vaginal estrogen vs. hormone-free options
- Natural remedies: what works
Intimacy
When to get care
See a clinician promptly if you have bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex, unusual discharge or odor, sores or lumps, pain that does not improve, or burning with urination or fever. These symptoms can have causes that need specific treatment. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of doctor should I see for vaginal dryness?
Start with a gynecologist (OB-GYN) or your primary care clinician. If you are in perimenopause or menopause, a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) has extra training in menopause care. For pain with sex or pelvic muscle tension, a pelvic floor physical therapist can help.
How do I find a menopause specialist near me?
The Menopause Society has a free online directory of practitioners. You can search by location and look for the MSCP credential, which means the clinician passed a competency exam in menopause care.
Where can I get care if I do not have insurance?
Federally funded community health centers offer primary care, often including gynecologic care, on a sliding fee scale based on income. Use the HRSA Find a Health Center tool to locate one near you.
Can a pelvic floor physical therapist help with vaginal dryness?
A pelvic floor therapist does not treat dryness itself, but can help with pain during sex, muscle tightness and anxiety about pain that often come with dryness. You can search for one in the APTA Pelvic Health PT Locator.
Links go to independent organizations; we are not affiliated with them and do not receive referral fees.