Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Treatments & Non-Hormonal Options

What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is incredibly common, yet we often shy away from talking about it.

It can feel like:

Dryness or irritation
Pain or discomfort during sex
Burning or itching
Recurrent infections
A sense that things feel “different” or less sensitive

For some women, it’s mild. For others, it can significantly affect comfort, confidence, and relationships.

What causes vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is rarely caused by just one thing. It’s usually a combination of factors:

Hormonal changes

Perimenopause and menopause
Postpartum or breastfeeding
Stopping hormonal contraception

Low oestrogen leads to thinning, dryness, and reduced elasticity of vaginal tissue.

Reduced blood flow and arousal

Stress and fatigue
Busy lifestyles
Reduced sexual stimulation

Blood flow is essential for natural lubrication.

Medical and nutritional factors

Low ferritin (iron deficiency)
Thyroid dysfunction
Vitamin D deficiency
Medications (e.g. antidepressants, antihistamines)

Pelvic floor dysfunction

A tight pelvic floor can reduce blood flow and contribute to dryness and discomfort.

Lifestyle and irritants

Intimate washes and scented products
Tight clothing or synthetic underwear
Daily panty liners

First-line treatments (non-hormonal)

Vaginal moisturisers

Vaginal moisturisers are one of the most effective starting points.

Use at least 2–3 times per week if not more
Help restore hydration and elasticity

Options include YES VM, Sylk, and hyaluronic acid-based gels.

Lubricants

Silicone-based → longer lasting
Water-based → lighter but may need reapplication

Avoid fragranced or “warming” products.

Can vibrators help vaginal dryness?

Yes, and this is often missed in medical advice.

Vibrators:

Increase blood flow
Improve natural lubrication
Support nerve sensitivity

Regular stimulation (solo or partnered) helps maintain tissue health.

Supplements for vaginal dryness

Helpful options:

Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Probiotics (lactobacillus strains)

Use with caution:

Sea buckthorn
Maca
Tribulus

These may have mild hormonal effects, so should be individualised—especially in women with increased cancer risk.

Medical treatments

Vaginal oestrogen

Highly effective and works locally in vaginal tissue with minimal systemic absorption.

Intrarosa

A vaginal DHEA pessary that:

Improves lubrication
Enhances tissue quality
Has minimal systemic effects

Pelvic floor and circulation

Pelvic floor physiotherapy

Many women have a tight (not weak) pelvic floor, which reduces blood flow.

Physiotherapy can:

Improve circulation
Reduce pain
Support lubrication

What about the Emsella chair?

The Emsella chair uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate pelvic floor contractions.

Does it help vaginal dryness?

Indirectly, yes
Improves blood flow and pelvic floor function

👉 It’s a useful add-on, not a first treatment.

Advanced non-hormonal treatments

MonaLisa Touch

These treatments:

Stimulate collagen
Improve tissue quality
Are non-hormonal

The brain-body connection

Stress plays a real physiological role.

Stress reduces arousal and lubrication
Rushing intimacy worsens symptoms

Slowing down and allowing time for arousal can make a significant difference.

Simple changes that help

Avoid intimate washes
Wear breathable cotton underwear
Avoid daily panty liners
Reduce prolonged tight clothing

A practical step-by-step approach

Start with:

Vaginal moisturiser
Silicone lubricant
Remove irritants

Then add:
4. Regular stimulation (including vibrators)
5. Optimise vitamin D and consider omega-3

Next:
6. Check hormones, ferritin, thyroid

If needed:
7. Vaginal oestrogen or DHEA
8. Pelvic floor physiotherapy

Advanced:
9. Emsella or energy-based treatments

Trusted resources

Evidence-based medical information

NHS
The Menopause Charity
British Menopause Society

Patient support

Women’s Health Concern
Daisy Network
The Eve Appeal

Helpful tools

Squeezy
Balance
OMGYes

FAQ

What is the best treatment for vaginal dryness?
Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants are first-line, with medical treatments added if needed.

Can vaginal dryness be treated without hormones?
Yes, many effective non-hormonal options exist.

Do vibrators help vaginal dryness?
Yes, by improving blood flow and supporting natural lubrication.

Is vaginal dryness normal in your 40s?
Yes, often linked to perimenopause, but it is still treatable.

Does the Emsella chair help vaginal dryness?
It may help indirectly but is not a primary treatment.

Final thoughts

Vaginal dryness is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

When you take a layered, personalised approach, symptoms can improve significantly, and often quite quickly.

We can help, book in today for support.