Yes. Many options are available to relieve vaginal dryness after menopause. To help prevent irritation of the vaginal area, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear, and avoid tight-fitting trousers. Also, vaginal moisturizers used every few days will help reduce discomfort due to dryness.
After menopause, insufficient levels of estrogen and other sex hormones may cause vaginal dryness. The herb, black cohosh, contains phytoestrogens (i.e., substances that mimic the effect of estrogen in the body). Taking extract of black cohosh orally may help relieve vaginal dryness. Consult your integrative medical physician for guidance on the use of extract of black cohosh.
Other approaches to relieve vaginal dryness include the use of either intravaginal suppositories containing botanical extracts from Discorea (Chinese yam) or vaginal creams containing progesterone made from soy or yams. Talk to your integrative medical physician and gynecologist about the use of intravaginal suppositories and progesterone cream.
Other alternatives to help relieve vaginal dryness are to use estrogen-based creams or estrogen pessaries, such as Ortho-Gynest and the vaginal ring, E-string. Estrogen-containing products designed for use on the skin, inside the vagina, and inside the cervix have fewer potential side effects than does taking estrogen orally (i.e., pills). Discuss the pros and cons of various types of hormonal treatment with your integrative medical physician and gynecologist.
During intercourse, apply water-based lubricants designed for personal use, such as KY Jelly or Astroglide. Some women find that use of spermicidal gel or even natural yogurt can help make intercourse more comfortable. Before having sex, put the lubricant on both the smaller and larger outer lips of the vagina, inside the vagina, and also on the shaft and outside of the tip of the penis.
Furthermore, you may want to try experimenting with new positions during intercourse that penetrate less deeply into the vagina. In some positions in which your partner is behind you entering your vagina from the rear, the penetration cannot go as deeply into the vagina because your thighs and buttocks are in the way.
Explore alternative sources of sexual pleasure, such as massage, mutual masturbation, sex toys, and oral sex. If you use sex toys, be sure to wash the objects and lubricate them prior to use. For hygiene, it is important to wash off the sex toys after using them.
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