Why we need to talk about vaginal dryness: Over HALF of women experience this uncomfortable symptom in the menopause - but there IS a solution!
Ad Feature by Replens
What's happening inside your body has a big impact on how you feel, and rarely is this more true than during menopause.
Low mood, irritability and forgetfulness are all common mental health symptoms of this inevitable part of ageing, and can be worsened by physical ones, like interrupted sleep.
Being able to talk openly and honestly about the effects of menopause is crucial to ensuring every woman feels supported, but unfortunately this isn't always happening.
Over half* of women experience vaginal dryness during menopause. However, a significant majority (68 per cent**) do not feel comfortable discussing it with a healthcare professional.
Replens™ Long Lasting Vaginal Moisturiser is the UK's number one GP recommended brand for vaginal dryness***, with a hormone free, bioadhesive formula that provides up to three days of long lasting relief.
Being able to talk openly and honestly about the effects of menopause is crucial to ensuring every woman feels supported
Common symptoms of vaginal dryness include irritation, itching or burning, and the need to urinate more often, while it can also lead to a reduced sex drive - which may cause intimacy issues.
There are readily accessible treatments, such as Replens™ Long Lasting Vaginal Moisturiser, that can provide effective relief, but many women may not be aware that they no longer need to endure discomfort in silence.
Breaking the wall of silence
Vaginal dryness is a common condition that can occur at any age.
Yet an alarming number of women are battling this silently - nearly one in five are too embarrassed to even discuss their condition with a healthcare professional, and almost one quarter are too embarrassed to buy a treatment**.
It's also the case that many health professionals won't ask specifically about vaginal dryness, which can lead to more women suffering in silence.
Talking to a pharmacist about your symptoms, no matter how mild they may be, is a vital first step to getting the help and support you deserve.
Vaginal dryness is a common condition, but lots of women are feeling the need to ignore it
A fear of not being taken seriously and struggling to see a female GP were two reasons cited. Note: 'HCP' stands for healthcare professional
If you are comfortable doing so, sharing your experience with close and trusted friends could also help your situation feel more manageable.
And given there are so many women out there experiencing vaginal dryness, starting a conversation may help someone else seek support too.
How you can get relief
The good news for anyone experiencing vaginal dryness is that help is available.
Women experiencing discomfort during sex often turn to lubricants, but you should be aware that these only provide a temporary solution.
While lubricants may provide temporary relief during sex, vaginal moisturisers are designed to provide long lasting vaginal moisture
By contrast, vaginal moisturisers are designed to act at the source of the problem by providing long lasting vaginal moisture.
This can mean they deliver more consistent relief throughout the day and night.
In addition, vaginal moisturisers need to be applied less frequently than lubricants, making them a more convenient option.
Long-lasting relief worth talking about from the UK's No.1 GP recommended*** vaginal dryness brand
There's a reason it's the vaginal dryness treatment recommended by so many British GPs...
With just one application, Replens™ Long Lasting Vaginal Moisturiser provides long-lasting hydration for up to three days of continuous relief and more comfortable intimacy.
The bioadhesive ingredients attach to dry, dehydrated vaginal cells to deliver soothing moisture, leaving the area feeling hydrated and rejuvenated.
The oestrogen-free formula is available in a pack of six and 12 pre-filled applicators.
Speak to your local pharmacist about Replens TODAY, or purchase through Boots, Superdrug and Amazon.
*https://womenshealth-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/vaginal-dryness. ^ 47 of 49 women surveyed by TimeInc.
**Replens Survey 2023
***GPrX data: UK, non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers, from Aug'22 to July'23
