Treatment for vaginal dryness, thinning skin, itchiness, painful sex, frequent UTIs, and urgency.
You're not alone if you've noticed that your vagina feels drier and less sensitive than it used to. It's called vaginal atrophy, and it's a common side effect of menopause.
Vaginal atrophy isn't one condition; instead, it’s a collection of problems that affect the entire vulva. Symptoms vary from person to person and may be caused by more than one factor — including menopause, hysterectomy, and certain medications.
Vaginal atrophy causes thinning of the vaginal tissues, which can lead to itching, burning, and pain during sex. It can also lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urgency to pee.
If you are sitting at home trying to figure out what you can do to reverse vaginal atrophy affordably and easily, there are plenty of things that you can try—for example, using coconut oil as a personal lubricant and avoiding hot baths. But home remedies and lifestyle changes aren't guaranteed to work for everyone—and they might not get the job done as effectively as prescription treatment does.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with whatever solution you choose so that you can use it consistently and effectively. We'll help you find an affordable solution you can try at home that works for you!
There are home remedies you can try to help relieve symptoms of vaginal atrophy. However, not all are backed by research and you should always consult with your doctor before trying any home remedies or supplements.
The following list of home remedies may help relieve vaginal atrophy:
You may have heard the phrase, "use it or lose it" applied to your vagina. But here's the thing: no study proves that having sex will help reverse tightness or discomfort related to vaginal atrophy. In fact, sexual activity may make pain or discomfort even worse.
So what lifestyle changes can you make instead?
For mild to severe cases of vaginal atrophy that aren't helped with vaginal moisturizers or lubricants, you may consider prescription treatment with estrogen. According to the Mayo Clinic, estrogen is considered the most effective treatment for vaginal atrophy.
Topical vaginal estrogen is the only prescription treatment proven to be effective at treating vaginal atrophy, while also limiting your exposure to side effects. And it's available with a prescription online, so you can get it without ever leaving the house—if that's what you want.
But let's be real here: some women are reluctant to use estrogen, due to safety concerns.
If you do have safety concerns, know topical vaginal estrogen has one major advantage over most other estrogen products. According to the North American Menopause Society, vaginal estrogen has not been shown to cause serious side effects and may also provide better direct relief of symptoms than estrogen hormone therapy.
Vaginal estrogen is available as a cream, ring, or suppository and is clinically proven to restore your body's natural vaginal moisture and pH.
If you're looking for natural or cruelty-free ingredients, consider vaginal estradiol. Estradiol is a form of estrogen that's derived from plants, identical to the estrogen produced by our bodies, and backed by decades of research.
What's the best way to decide what kind of treatment works best for you? Ask your doctor! But if there isn't one nearby who can help or if you don't feel like paying an expensive co-pay, fret not. There are ways to get prescription treatment online without leaving your couch or breaking your budget.
Just visit Interlude and fill out an online consult. Within a few hours, you'll be all set with a prescription for vaginal estrogen to help restore your vaginal health. Plus, if you have questions about home remedies and lifestyle changes, you can ask one of our certified MDs or GYNs. You'll get free and unlimited messaging with us.
Vaginal atrophy is a common condition that affects many women during menopause and beyond. While there are several options for treatment, it's important to talk with your doctor before starting any treatment plan. They can help you decide what's best for your symptoms.
Interlude offers online treatment and support for sexual wellness after menopause. Women can access a provider that acknowledges the importance and safety of prescription treatment, feel comfortable talking about private topics, and get ongoing treatment delivered.