There isn’t one right answer for vaginal dryness. The best approach depends on what’s causing it, how severe your symptoms are, your health history and your preferences. Many women combine more than one option. Here’s an overview of what’s available, from simple daily habits to clinical treatments.
By the numbers
- In the REVIVE survey (Kingsberg et al., Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013, 3,046 U.S. postmenopausal women), 40% of women with vaginal symptoms were using a vaginal treatment: 29% over-the-counter products and 11% prescription therapies.
- Only 56% had ever discussed their symptoms with a healthcare provider.
1. Everyday habits that help
- Wash the vulva with plain, lukewarm water. Skip douches, scented washes and bubble baths.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic clothing when you can.
- Use fragrance-free detergents and skip fabric softener on underwear.
- Stay hydrated and don’t smoke.
- Give yourself more time for arousal. Regular sexual activity, with or without a partner, supports blood flow to the tissue.
2. Vaginal moisturizers
Unlike lubricants, moisturizers are used on a regular schedule (often every 2 to 3 days), not just before sex. They help the tissue hold water. Hyaluronic acid is a popular, well-studied moisturizing ingredient.
3. Lubricants
Lubricants reduce friction during sex. Water-based lubricants are condom-safe and easy to clean up. Silicone-based lubricants last longer. If you are sensitive, avoid products with warming agents, fragrance, glycerin or parabens.
4. Hormone-free intimate serums
A newer category of intimate care uses ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides and bioengineered growth factors to help moisturize and comfort intimate skin without estrogen. These can appeal to women who can’t use hormones, prefer not to, or want something beyond a basic moisturizer. AIRS Advanced Intimate Renewal Serum is one example. It is hormone-free and comes in single-use applicators.
5. Prescription options
- Low-dose vaginal estrogen (cream, tablet, insert or ring). Often very effective for menopause-related dryness, with minimal absorption into the body. It isn’t right for everyone, especially some women with a history of breast cancer.
- Vaginal DHEA (prasterone), a nightly insert that the body converts into sex hormones locally.
- Ospemifene, an oral non-estrogen tablet for painful sex caused by menopause.
- Systemic hormone therapy, which may also help when other menopause symptoms are present.
6. In-office procedures
Some clinics offer vaginal laser or radiofrequency treatments. Research is still developing, and the FDA has warned against marketing these devices for vaginal “rejuvenation” without adequate evidence. Some women use at-home products alongside these procedures. Talk to your clinician about the risks and benefits.
7. Pelvic floor physical therapy
If sex has been painful for a while, the pelvic floor muscles can tighten protectively. A pelvic floor physical therapist can help retrain those muscles and reduce pain.
Hormone-free support, made simple
AIRS combines hyaluronic acid with growth factors and peptides in single-use applicators. The 90-Day Regimen includes 36 applicators and ships free.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a moisturizer and a lubricant?
A moisturizer is used regularly to support ongoing hydration. A lubricant is used during sex to reduce friction. Many women benefit from using both.
Are hormone-free options safe after breast cancer?
Many oncologists prefer non-hormonal options first. Every situation is different, so always check with your oncology team before starting any new intimate product.
How long until I notice a difference?
Lubricants work right away. Moisturizers and serums usually take several weeks of consistent use. Prescription treatments often take 4 to 12 weeks.
Related reading
- Find a doctor, specialist or support
- Vaginal moisturizers & dryness creams: how to choose
- Best lubricant for menopause dryness
- Vaginal laser vs. at-home care
- Vaginal estrogen vs. hormone-free options
- How to talk to your doctor (and partner)
- Moisturizer vs. lubricant
- Hyaluronic acid for vaginal dryness
- Alternatives to vaginal estrogen
- Ospemifene (Osphena) for vaginal dryness
- Natural remedies: what works
- Vaginal dryness after breast cancer
- Painful sex after menopause
- Vaginal dryness in perimenopause
- Postpartum vaginal dryness
- What is vaginal atrophy?
- Vaginal itching, burning and dryness: causes
Sources
- The North American Menopause Society. The 2020 genitourinary syndrome of menopause position statement. Menopause. 2020;27(9):976–992.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Treatment of urogenital symptoms in individuals with a history of estrogen-dependent breast cancer (Clinical Consensus No. 2). Obstet Gynecol. 2021;138:950–960.
- Najjarzadeh M, et al. Comparison of the effect of hyaluronic acid and estrogen on atrophic vaginitis in menopausal women: a systematic review. Post Reprod Health. 2019;25(2):100–108.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns against use of energy-based devices to perform vaginal “rejuvenation” or vaginal cosmetic procedures. Safety communication, July 2018.