Medicines for the treatment of vaginal dryness: what are they?

it constitutes a characteristic - albeit not exclusive - symptom of women during and after menopause: it is an "expression of a" more or less consistent hormonal alteration. Despite the above, ideally, all women could experience insufficient vaginal lubrication at any stage of life.

, vaginal dryness is a condition complained by many women, indicating the physiological decline in female fertility.

In addition to menopause, vaginal dryness can be caused by atrophic vaginitis (inflammation of the vaginal walls). Since vaginal dryness is closely related to hormonal changes, it is evident that pregnancy, breastfeeding and the administration of the contraceptive pill can also favor this condition.

Among the risk factors that can favor the purchase of vaginal dryness, however, we remember: abuse of vaginal douches, anti-estrogen drugs (for the treatment of breast cancer), drugs for the treatment of colds, drugs for the treatment of allergies, drugs for the treatment of depression, surgical removal of the ovaries, stress.

, burning (often near the vaginal opening) and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) with possible bleeding. Urinary urgency is also sometimes a secondary symptom of vaginal dryness.

For further information: Vaginal dryness - Causes and Symptoms

PLEASE NOTE

The information on medications for the treatment of vaginal dryness is not intended to replace the direct relationship between the health professional and the patient.

Some of the drugs most commonly used in the treatment of vaginal dryness will be listed below, however, the information is for illustrative purposes only and reiterates the importance of contacting the doctor and / or specialist before using any drug or product to counteract vaginal dryness. .

can resolve, albeit momentarily, the disturbance.

Clearly, it is the duty of the gynecologist to investigate the cause that causes vaginal dryness: for example, the use of lubricating gel (sold without a prescription) is sufficient for women who are facing a particularly stressed period or who are taking the contraceptive pill (Note: not all birth control pills favor the purchase of this disorder).

When vaginal dryness is due to deeper causes, the application of the gel alone may not be sufficient, therefore, the doctor may decide to resort to specific pharmacological treatments.

Non-hormonal drug preparations (over-the-counter lubricants)

The topical application of creams, ointments or gels with an emollient and lubricating action ensures immediate relief from vaginal dryness.

The moisturizing products act by mimicking vaginal secretions; some preparations have a duration of 2-3 days.

Although these are freely available products, it is still advisable to ask your doctor or specialist for preventive advice or contact your pharmacist.

Vaginal estrogen therapy

When vaginal dryness is attributable to hormonal alterations, the doctor may decide to prescribe vaginal estrogen therapy, therefore locally, to be carried out with medicines specially formulated for "application in this" area (for example, creams, capsules or vaginal tablets based on estrogen).

Naturally, in order to acquire such medicines, it is necessary to present the appropriate medical prescription.

HRT

When vaginal dryness falls within the symptomatological picture of the postmenopausal period, it is possible to intervene, if the doctor deems it necessary and appropriate, with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the purpose of which is mainly to compensate for the reduced synthesis of female hormones that it occurs in the period following menopause.

HRT is useful in the prevention of typical symptoms of this period and in preventing the development of certain diseases in patients believed to be at risk.

For further information: Hormone Replacement Therapy