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Relieving Vaginal Dryness

Q. I am 55 and suffering with vaginal dryness that makes intercourse very painful. I rarely have any more hot flashes, just once in a while.

I have tried prescriptions and herbs with no relief. So far, bio-identical creams haven’t made a noticeable difference. Do I have to live like this for the rest of my life?

A. Vaginal dryness can make sexual relations difficult, but there are several approaches that may help. Your doctor could prescribe Estring, a vaginal ring that releases low-dose estrogen over a three-month period.

If you prefer to avoid estrogen, lubricants may be helpful. They range from Astroglide to Sylk. Even olive or coconut oil can ease dryness if applied daily. We are sending you our Guide to Menopause with other solutions for hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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