Silicone-based lubricants like Pure Pleasure, Pink, and others are also good options, but may stain your clothes if you spill some. They may not be compatible with some sex toys. Avoid oil-based products like mineral oil, baby oil, petroleum jelly, and Elegance Women’s Lubricant. Also avoid using hand or body lotions, which can increase irritation and dryness. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Try using jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or aloe if you prefer natural products.
Make sure the product you buy is estrogen-free, fragrance-free, tasteless, and can be used with barrier methods of birth control (generally, condoms), if needed. Use it once every 2-3 days. [5] X Research source
Take your time before having sex – spend more time on foreplay. Caressing, kissing, massage, manual stimulation, and oral sex can help your body feel ready for intercourse. Use toys like a vibrator to increase sexual pleasure. Many women need clitoral stimulation to become aroused and climax. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Try masturbation so you know what feels good to you, then share that information with your partner. De-stress! Many women struggle with arousal because of psychological reasons. Consider doing something soothing before sex like taking a warm bath or a walk. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
Plain warm water is enough to clean your vagina. Don’t use soap or other cleansers on the outside or inside of your vagina. [10] X Research source
Drink more if you sweat a lot, work out, or live in a hot climate. Water, juice, and tea count towards your fluids.
You can also try taking oral probiotics to improve vaginal health. Find these as capsules at your pharmacy, or eat yogurt with live cultures. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Never stop taking your medicine without your doctor’s supervision.
You can also have low estrogen if you’ve had your ovaries removed[21] X Research source or had chemotherapy cancer treatment. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source You shouldn’t use estrogen if you have or ever had breast cancer[23] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source or endometrial cancer. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Don’t use estrogen if you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Estrogen also comes in tablet form, like Vagifem. Insert the tablet into your vagina with an applicator daily for 2 weeks, then twice a week thereafter for as long as you need it. Vaginal estrogen is considered safe for long-term use. [27] X Research source
You can leave the ring in place during sex. [30] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Only about 10% of the estradiol is absorbed systemically, so the side effects are minimal. [31] X Research source
You may have hot flashes as a side effect. This medication can increase your risk for blood clots or cancer of the uterus, and you shouldn’t use it if you have or have ever had breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
HRT is available as a prescription in pill form, as well as a patch, an under-the-skin implant, or a gel you put on your skin. Weigh the risks and benefits of HRT with your doctor.
