Debunking The Myths About Vaginal Dryness: Causes and Expert Treatment

If vaginal dryness is affecting your comfort or sex life, you’re not alone. Discover the causes, learn about the connection to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), and explore expert advice on safe, effective treatments to reclaim your sexual wellness.

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Updated March 23, 2026

By Nermin Lazarus, DO, Family Medicine and Lead Physician, Exuberan by Virtua

You're standing in the feminine-product aisle at the store—eyes nervously shifting from the Kotex tampons to the K-Y Jelly personal lubricant. You want to pick up the K-Y, but you don't want anyone, including the checkout person, to know about "your" problem (whisper—it's vaginal dryness).

The biggest myth is that this discomfort is yours alone. In reality, vaginal dryness is a common medical issue with highly effective treatments.

Myth 1: Other women aren't having this problem.

If you’re dealing with vaginal dryness, the first thing you should know is that it's incredibly common. We often refer to these changes as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

GSM is a modern term that recognizes that the drop in estrogen doesn’t just cause vaginal dryness—it affects the entire pelvic region. Because the vagina, vulva, and bladder all rely on estrogen to stay healthy, GSM can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

Vaginal discomfort: Persistent dryness, burning, or itching.
Urinary changes: A sudden urgency to pee or frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Painful intimacy: Thinning tissues that can lead to discomfort during sex.

GSM is a progressive condition, meaning it typically won't resolve on its own. But it's manageable with the right care.

The role of estrogen

The primary culprit is a drop in estrogen. This hormone helps keep tissues healthy by promoting blood flow and ensuring cells remain plump and hydrated. When estrogen levels decrease—whether due to menopause or certain medications—the tissues become thinner and less elastic.

Myth 2: There's nothing you can do about it.

Good news—there’s a lot you can do to alleviate the discomfort of vaginal dryness. Potential treatments range from home remedies to prescription medications.

Non-hormonal remedies

Hydration: Your body needs water to produce all lubricating secretions, including tears, sweat, saliva, and vaginal fluid. Aim for consistent daily water intake.
Over-the-counter lubricants: Experiment with water-, silicone-, and oil-based formulas to find what works best for you. Note: Some women may be sensitive to silicone-based products, so always test on a small patch of skin first. Natural alternatives include coconut or mineral oil.

Targeted estrogen therapy

If over-the-counter options aren't enough, your health care provider may suggest topical vaginal estrogen.

How it works: These creams, rings, or suppositories stay localized. Very little is absorbed into the bloodstream, making them an extremely safe option for many women.
The benefit: It treats the underlying cause (tissue thinning) rather than just masking the symptoms.

Comprehensive hormone therapy (HT)

If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness along with other menopause symptoms like hot flashes or mood swings, you may want to explore systemic or “whole-body” HT. Treatment often involves a combination of these hormones:

Estrogen: This hormone workhorse prevents and treats most menopause symptoms. This can be taken as a pill, patch, pellet, or spray.
Progesterone: This hormone protects against thickening of the uterine lining and is essential for anyone with a uterus who takes estrogen. It can be taken as a pill or delivered via a progestin intrauterine device (IUD).
Testosterone: This hormone is sometimes used in women in small doses to boost libido, build lean muscle, and enhance mood, bone density, and cognition. It's applied as a topical cream or in bioidentical pellets.

Systemic hormone therapy isn't recommended for all women, especially if you have a history of certain cancers. However, women should still discuss other treatment options with their providers.

Myth 3: Talking to your GYN provider will be embarrassing.

There's no such thing as TMI (too much information) in a clinical setting. Bringing it up is the first step toward a more satisfying sex life and your overall wellness.

Find expert care for all your women's health needs

Our women's health specialists are here to help you focus on your health. We offer comprehensive care that addresses both your physical and emotional well-being.

The specialists at Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health offer expert physical and emotional care for women dealing with pelvic discomfort or issues related to sexual function. Call 856-247-7435 to schedule an appointment.
Virtua gynecologists, midwives, nurse practitioners, and primary care doctors are experienced in guiding women through perimenopause and menopause. Learn more about all your menopause treatment options.