​If you have severe vaginal dryness, you might be uncomfortable with some types of physical or sexual activities. If you don’t want to use replacement estrogen, a vaginal moisturizer (like Replens, Repagyn, Gynatrof, Zestica, or Premeno) is a good option. Moisturizers help keep the lining of the vagina moist and healthy and they also help adjust the pH of the vagina (pH measures how acidic something is). This is like using a moisturizing cream for dry skin on the face.

Vaginal moisturizers can come as gels or creams that you put in your vagina using a tampon-shaped applicator. Others come in a solid capsule form that you put in your vagina with a finger. You can buy vaginal moisturizers over the counter without a prescription. They cost about $20 to $30 a month.

If you have severe vaginal dryness and discomfort, you may want to use a vaginal moisturizer regularly and a water-based lubricant for sex.

Using a vaginal moisturizer

Use a vaginal moisturizer at least 3 times a week, or every other day. Put the moisturizer in before bed, as they may leak out of the vagina if you’re standing, sitting, or walking. Make sure to also rub some into your external genitals, like your labia. After 12 weeks of regularly using moisturizers, the vagina becomes more moist, less acidic, and has more stretch, much like if you take estrogen.

Some people don’t like vaginal moisturizers because when you first use them, they can increase vaginal discharge. This means the wall of the vagina is shedding old tissue and it’s being replaced with healthier tissue. The amount of discharge often decreases after the first 2 weeks, so it’s important to give the moisturizers a chance to start working. It’s a good idea to try a vaginal moisturizer for at least 3 weeks before you decide to stop. You have to use it every day or every other day for it to work. Just using it once in a while won’t work. It takes up to 3 months to get the full effect of the product. If you get a burning feeling from one product, try a different brand.

• Natural products like olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil can sometimes be used as vaginal moisturizers. Don’t use oils when you’re also using condoms or sexual toys because the oil will break down the condom or toy. Don’t use petroleum-based products like Vaseline, body lotion, or massage oil inside the vagina.

• After chemotherapy or menopause, it’s common to have dry skin all over your body. To help with this, you can take 100 to 600 IU of vitamin E by mouth or break a capsule and rub the oil into the vulva (outer genitals) and the vagina. Do this every day. If you’re prone to yeast infections, over-the-counter moisturizers might work better than vitamin E. If you’re having pelvic radiation, don’t use vitamin E until after your treatment is done.