Wetter is Better: Soothing Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Dr. K Derezil MD
Feb 13, 2024
3 min read

By now you’ve likely noticed changes “down there” as estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and beyond. From itching and burning to painful intimacy, vaginal dryness resulting from menopause can be a real turn-off physically and emotionally.

As a women’s health specialist (and experiencing these unpleasant symptoms myself!), I’ve explored natural remedies providing sweet relief when our nether regions just aren’t self-lubricating like they used to. Read on for research-backed solutions restoring feminine comfort from the inside out so you can keep enjoying sensuality on your own terms.

Vaginal Lubricants & Moisturizers: Keeping Things Slick

When our vaginal tissue dries out from low estrogen, friction and microtears can cause irritation, swelling and pain. Applying vaginal lubricants before intimacy significantly reduces discomfort — and contrary to enduring myths, using lubricant does NOT mean your body has somehow “failed.” Think of it like lip balm for down below!

But with so many products on the market making slippery claims, how do you choose an optimal lube? I suggest water or silicone-based lubricants without strong scents or chemicals leading to reactions or infections. Organic options lubes hydrate sensitive tissue safely so you can fully enjoy the juices flowing (so to speak) during sensual play.

For ongoing moisturization preventing vaginal dryness between intimate encounters, longer-lasting vaginal moisturizers replenish thin, fragile skin starved of moisture. Popular over-the-counter products and K-Y Silk-E provide a slick moisture barrier alleviating external discomfort for 2-3 days. Or for a natural alternative made from pure hyaluronic acid. Just be aware that unlike lubricants, vaginal moisturizers take longer to activate once applied internally — so allow some time before clothes-off activities.

The Boric Acid Suppository Secret

Remember those old-school boric acid eyewashes from childhood? Turns out gently encapsulated boric acid makes an effective vaginal pH balancer fighting off infection-causing bacteria and yeast overgrowth.

Studies confirm inserting a boric acid suppository capsule every night for 5-7 days balances vaginal acidity, decreases inflammation, and treats yeast and bacteria overgrowth messing with feminine wellness mojo. Plus it conveniently treats the source of irritation and odor overnight!

I suggest trying boric acid suppositories anytime flora feels “off” like before your period or after antibiotics. With antifungal and antibacterial properties, boric acid suppositories often succeed where over-the-counter creams fail.

Vitamin E Oil & Essential Oils Soothe Dryness

Want to go the all-natural route? Try massaging soothing vitamin E or antioxidant-rich coconut oil externally onto vulva and labia when dryness strikes. These moisturizing oils hydrate without irritating sensitive tissue. I keep some pre-mixed in a rollerball for quick relief!

For vaginal application, ultra-purified medical-grade oils are helpful for natural healing. This formula mirrors vaginal moisture content for protective slick moisture sans preservatives.

A little goes a long way, so apply just a small amount internally several times per week.

Bonus: you’ll dig the light, natural tropical scent! If sensitivity occurs, stop use — pure oils can still irritate some women.

Get Your Flora Right: Probiotic Power

Remember the microbiome buzzword highlighting how crucial “good bacteria” balance remains for gut health and immunity? Well, embracing probiotics helps down under too!

Like digestive tracts, the vagina hosts complex microbial communities including Lactobacillus strains keeping pH acidic to prevent overgrowth of infection-causing microbes. When bacterial balance goes awry from low estrogen, douching, chemicals or cleansing wipes, trouble brews below.

Thankfully, emerging research shows probiotic suppositories support optimal vaginal microbiome equilibrium. Restoring healthy microflora relieves dryness and recurring infections promoting comfortable intimacy.

Some women also report decreased irritation using vaginal probiotic moisturizers foam or gel sealing in moisture while blocking unhealthy microbial growth. I suggest rotating gentle probiotic products 2-3 times per week for best results.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Evidence & Your Feminine Wisdom

I hope these evidence-backed remedies provide tangible relief when vaginal dryness dampens your sensual spirit. While not as fountain-of-youth slick as our 20-year-old selves, a little proactive TLC keeps mature vaginal tissue healthy, supple and comfortable long after estrogen production dwindles.

Remember to love up on yourself before loving on (or with) others, darling! Tend to inner feminine wisdom equipping you to ask for what feels good during sex and self-care. When we nurture intimate wellbeing from the inside out, sexy confidence and comfort soon follows.

Feeling empowered yet? Let me know your thoughts or questions on natural therapies for keeping southern sensitivity slick, lush and oh-so-lovely down below!

Yours in womanly wellness,

Professor Peri