VAGINAL DRYNESS TREATMENTS

If you're breastfeeding, an over-the-counter lubricant can work wonders in alleviating vaginal dryness, particularly during sex. Your doctor may also recommend a topically applied oestrogen cream to relieve the problem. When you stop breastfeeding, your hormonal levels will return to their normal state and your vagina will no longer feel dry. For vaginal dryness that causes you difficulties during sex, an over-the-counter lubricant such as K-Y Jelly may be a great short-term solution. If the problem is that you routinely feel rushed into sex before you're ready for it, it would also be good to let your partner know that you need to spend more time on foreplay before having intercourse. Women and men are typically different in their approach to sex: men tend to get aroused more quickly than women do. So suggest that he slow down -- say, that you spend about half an hour caressing and relaxing with each other before intercourse -- and see what happens.

Stay clear of Vaseline and other products containing petroleum if you use a diaphragm, cervical cap, or condom and want to avoid pregnancy. These lubricants can cause the latex in your contraceptive device to deteriorate (and let sperm into the uterus). There's a wide choice of products, including K-Y Jelly and Astroglide, that contain no petroleum. If you're approaching menopause and experiencing vaginal dryness as a result of fluctuating oestrogen levels, your doctor may recommend a topically applied oestrogen cream. And during sex, over-the-counter lubricants can't hurt, either.

A woman who's had pelvic radiation for cancer may be troubled by vaginal dryness. It's likely to go away by itself, but if not, a doctor may recommend treatment that might include hormone replacement therapy.

Some women have used alternative methods of treatment with reported success. According to some herbalists, dandelion and oat-straw tea also tends to help restore normal vaginal lubrication. Let your doctor know about any herbs or supplements you're using, since some can interact with medications.