Vaginal dryness, one of the most common symptoms of menopause, occurs with age as estrogen declines and is estimated to affect more than half of postmenopausal women. Lauren Streicher, M.D., OB-GYN, best-selling author and podcast host explains how vaginal moisturizers replenish the walls of the vagina to alleviate dryness and discomfort, what to look for in a vaginal moisturizer, how it differs from a lubricant, and why moisturizers are not ‘just for your face.’

“The individual cells that make up the vaginal walls are loaded with water, but women start to lose this moisture when they begin to lose their estrogen. As a result, vaginal tissues get thinner and drier and are unable to provide adequate lubrication. Simply putting water in the vagina won't do the trick any more than washing the face will moisturize those tissues, so a true vaginal moisturizer is needed to get the cells of the vaginal walls to absorb the water,” says Dr. Streicher.

There’s a big difference between vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. Lubricants don't alter vaginal tissues, but simply make them more slippery and reduce friction just before intercourse. Vaginal moisturizers work to increase the water content of the tissue, resulting in thicker vaginal walls which in turn produce more fluid, treating the root cause of dryness by rehydrating tissues, restoring moisture, and repairing dry or damaged vaginal tissues.

Women might notice vaginal dryness around their monthly period, with tampon use, after childbirth, while nursing their baby, as a side effect of some medications, and from perimenopause to post-menopause. If left untreated, dryness can lead to serious problems such as vaginitis, bleeding, urinary discomfort, bladder infections and painful intercourse.

But buyer beware – deciphering between a true vaginal moisturizer among the variety of products on the market is more complex. “The majority of products that are labeled as personal moisturizers are not intended to go inside the vagina, and are in fact, lubricants. The only real vaginal moisturizers are meant to be inserted inside the vagina to increase the water content to cells to make the vaginal walls produce more natural lubrication. Remember, any product that says for external use only is not a true vaginal moisturizer,” says Streicher.

Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer is one of the few over-the-counter products that have been shown in clinical studies to change vaginal tissues and decrease painful intercourse. In scientific studies, Replens increased water content in vaginal cells by up to 60%. Replens is hormone and fragrance free, lasts up to three days and is to be used twice per week. As with dry skin experienced on the face and hands, regular moisturizing with Replens may be necessary to prevent internal vaginal dryness from recurring.

“Some women supplement their moisturizer with a lubricant at the time of intercourse, but many find that a long-acting moisturizer is all that is needed to alleviate vaginal dryness and make sex more comfortable,” adds Streicher.

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