Vaginal Dryness: Causes and Treatment in Singapore
What causes vaginal dryness, what helps at home, which treatments a doctor prescribes, and where vaginal laser fits.
Ask Dr Sin Yong on WhatsApp →Vaginal dryness is most often caused by low oestrogen, around menopause, while breastfeeding, or with some contraceptives and cancer treatments. It causes discomfort, itching and pain during sex. First-line treatment is a vaginal moisturiser used regularly plus a lubricant for sex; low-dose vaginal oestrogen is very effective when suitable. Laser such as G Lift is a non-hormonal option some women consider.
What causes vaginal dryness?
The lining of the vagina depends on oestrogen to stay thick, moist and elastic. When oestrogen falls, the lining thins and makes less natural moisture. Common causes are:
- Menopause and perimenopause: now called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)
- Breastfeeding: oestrogen stays low while prolactin is high
- Some contraceptive pills and hormone-blocking medicines, including breast cancer treatment
- Antihistamines, some antidepressants, and chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy
- Irritants: scented washes, douching and harsh soaps
- Thrush or other infections, and skin conditions of the vulva
Symptoms, and when to see a doctor first
Dryness can feel like soreness, burning, itching, or pain and light bleeding during sex. Some women also notice urgency or more urinary infections.
See a doctor or gynaecologist promptly for bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods or after sex, a lump, white patches or persistent itch on the vulva, or pain that does not settle. These need examination before any cosmetic treatment.
How vaginal dryness is treated
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Vaginal moisturiser | Used every two to three days, not only before sex; helps the lining hold water |
| Lubricant | Water- or silicone-based, for comfort during sex |
| Low-dose vaginal oestrogen | Prescribed cream, tablet or ring; very effective when suitable; discussed with your doctor |
| Pelvic floor physiotherapy | Helps if muscles tighten in response to pain |
| Fractional CO2 laser (G Lift) | A non-hormonal option some women consider; evidence is mixed |
Avoid scented products and douching. Gentle, unscented washes and cotton underwear help sensitive skin.
Does vaginal laser help dryness?
Fractional CO2 laser prompts the vaginal lining to remodel. In one randomised trial it performed similarly to vaginal oestriol cream, but a larger sham-controlled trial in menopausal women found no significant difference at 12 months. That is why laser is offered only after assessment, alongside medical options rather than instead of them. Women who cannot use oestrogen, for example after breast cancer, sometimes consider it with their oncology team.
At IN Eternity Clinic, Dr Sin Yong, who holds the Professional Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (RCPI), assesses you first and refers to a gynaecologist when needed. See G Lift and feminine rejuvenation.
Vaginal dryness: questions
What is the main cause of vaginal dryness?
Low oestrogen is the most common cause, around menopause, while breastfeeding, or with some contraceptives and hormone-blocking medicines. Antihistamines, some antidepressants, cancer treatments and irritating washes can also contribute.
What is the fastest relief for vaginal dryness?
A water- or silicone-based lubricant gives immediate comfort during sex, and a vaginal moisturiser used every few days improves dryness over one to two weeks. If dryness persists, a doctor may prescribe low-dose vaginal oestrogen.
Is oestrogen cream safe for vaginal dryness?
Low-dose vaginal oestrogen acts mainly on the vaginal tissue and is widely used for menopausal dryness. Whether it suits you depends on your history, especially breast cancer, so it is prescribed after a medical review.
Are there natural remedies for vaginal dryness?
Regular use of an unscented vaginal moisturiser, a lubricant for sex, avoiding scented washes and douching, and staying sexually active can all help. Supplements have little good evidence. Persistent symptoms should be checked by a doctor.
Can laser treat vaginal dryness?
Fractional CO2 laser is a non-hormonal option some women consider. Evidence is mixed: some trials show improvement, while a sham-controlled trial found no significant difference at 12 months. It is offered after assessment, alongside medical options.
References
- Portman DJ, Gass MLS. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2014;21(10):1063-1068. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000329
- Cruz VL, Steiner ML, Pompei LM, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial for evaluating the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser compared with topical estriol in the treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Menopause 2018;25(1):21-28. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000955
- Li FG, Maheux-Lacroix S, Deans R, et al. Effect of fractional carbon dioxide laser vs sham treatment on symptom severity in women with postmenopausal vaginal symptoms: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2021;326(14):1381-1389. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.14892
- US Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns against use of energy-based devices to perform vaginal ‘rejuvenation’ or vaginal cosmetic procedures: FDA safety communication. 30 July 2018. summary (IUGA)
Book an assessment
IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210. By appointment with Medical Director Dr Sin Yong. Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm. WhatsApp or call +65 8815 3008. The consultation fee is waived with any medical treatment.