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treatable condition. The first step is to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns. Some primary care practitioners are quite comfortable evaluation and treating these issue. Some women preferto see someone specializing in women’s health. Your healthcare practitioner will help you be sure there are no underlying conditions that need to be evaluated and treated. Once this is done, treatment for symptoms can be recommended. There are many products available over the counter that may provide relief of symptoms of GSM. These include lubricants and vaginal moisturizers. Lubricants provide short term relief of vaginal symptoms and are typically used during intercourse or masturbation. You may find them labeled personal lubricants, sexual lubricants or lube. They are available in as water-based, silicone-based and oil-based products. Water-based lubricants are widely available and safe to use with condoms and vibrators or sex toys. Silicone-based products tend to stay moist longer than water-based lubricants. They are safe to use with condoms but could damage vibrators or sex toys made from silicone. Oil-based lubricants are more commonly recommended for external use such as massage. They have a tendency to remain in the vagina for days. They can also damage condoms or vibrators. If you wish to use an oil based lubricant in the vagina, consider trying natural oils such as coconut or almond oil.
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Also available without a prescription are vaginal moisturizers. These are longer lasting than lubricant products and generally used two to three times weekly. Vaginal moisturizers may provide relief from general discomfort associated with vaginal dryness. They can also decrease discomfort with sex and may be used in conjunction with lubricants. They are available as creams, gels, suppositories and oils. Some people use natural oils such as coconut or almond oil as vaginal moisturizers. When moisturizers or lubricants are not sufficient, prescription medical treatments are available. Vaginal estrogen creams, vaginal estrogen tablets and vaginal estrogen rings all provide excellent relief of symptoms of GSM. There is also one oral medication currently available to treat painful sex associated with menopause. See your healthcare provider to see which would be the most helpful for your unique situation. Help for this common problem is available! If you would like to learn more, these resources may be helpful: https://middlesexmd.com https://www.menopause.org https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause and-sexuality SWM Dinah Olson is a physician’s assistant at OCO Centers for Reproductive Health.
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