Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Dryness
Overview
You may have vaginal dryness around the time of menopause. Or if your ovaries were removed during a hysterectomy (oophorectomy), you may have vaginal dryness from low estrogen levels.
If sex is painful because of vaginal dryness, there are steps you can take to make it more comfortable.
- Use a vaginal lubricant.
Try using K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, or a polyunsaturated vegetable oil that doesn't contain preservatives. If you use condoms, use a water-based lubricant. Don't use an oil-based lubricant. Oil can weaken the condom so that it breaks. Avoid petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline) as a lubricant. It increases the risk of vaginal irritation and infection.
- Use a vaginal moisturizer.
Moisturizers such as Replens or Lubrin can be used on a regular basis.
- Use a low-dose vaginal estrogen cream, ring, or tablet.
These can reverse vaginal dryness and irritation. The estrogen affects only the vaginal area.
Talk with your doctor if you have any problems during intercourse after a hysterectomy. If you have other symptoms of menopause, talk to your doctor about systemic estrogen therapy (ET) and other treatment options.
Current as of: August 2, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Carla J. Herman MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine & Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>