Moisturising your vulva and vagina regularly can provide great symptom relief for dryness and discomfort. Lubricants used during sexual intercourse can help reduce pain and improve pleasure. There are some excellent over the counter products that can help. Moisturisers, lubricants and local estrogen can all be used with or without systemic HRT.
Our recommended brands include organic brands like YES and SYLK, as they are made from plants. They are specifically formulated to match the typical environment of the vagina without containing worrying chemicals. Each can be prescribed, bought online, or over the counter.
Moisturisers are used daily to reduce mild to moderate dryness.
Lubricants are especially used before sexual intercourse to reduce pain on sexual intercourse due to dryness and increased friction. If you are using condoms, we would recommend using a water soluble lubricant as the oil-based one can break down latex.
As with the gut microbiome the vagina has its own delicately balanced environment which is down to millions of different types of microbes which are collectively called the Vaginal Microbiome. A healthy microbiome is mostly made up of a type of bacteria called a Lactobacillus. These bacteria produce chemicals which make your vagina slightly acidic which is very protective against the bad bacteria and yeasts which cause infections.
Vaginal dryness is caused by a decrease in oestrogen during perimenopause and menopause which thins the vaginal wall and slows the production of mucus which lubricates the vagina and changes the vaginal microbiome with a loss of its natural defences. In the long run this can cause Vulvovaginal Atrophy (VVA)
This is often treated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or topical oestrogen (like Vagifem or Gina) which will restore a vaginal environment where the protective bacteria can thrive to look after your vaginal health and VJJ Ultimate V contains the right blend of good bacteria for vaginal health.
