Vaginal Creams & Moisturizers

Vaginal Creams and Moisturizers at Walgreens

Vaginal tissues are among the most delicate in your body. These tissues are easily irritated by chemicals in bath and skin care products, soaps, douches and tampons. A number of women also experience vaginal dryness. This dryness reduces sexual pleasure and causes discomfort. Fortunately, you don't have to live with vaginal dryness. There are a number of products that provide relief for this common symptom and help to restore balance.

Vaginal Dryness

Many women notice that their vaginal area becomes dryer after menopause. This is due to hormonal changes that occur during this period of life. Hormonal fluctuations that take place after childbirth or while breastfeeding can also cause vaginal dryness. In addition, some prescription medications, radiation or cancer chemotherapy and medical conditions can cause the vaginal area to feel dry and irritated. The resulting side effect is uncomfortable and can make sexual activity unpleasant. In some cases, vaginal tissues can become red, irritated or itchy due to dryness.

Is there a way to relieve the dryness and irritation? Topical estrogen creams you apply directly to the vaginal area may help some women, but many women want to avoid using hormones altogether. In addition, even topical estrogen creams may not be safe for women who have had cancer of the breast or uterus or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. A safer alternative is to use a hormone-free vaginal moisturizer. Vaginal moisturizers bathe dry vaginal tissues with just the right amount of moisturizer to help restore balance. These moisturizers come with pre-filled applicators that make it easy to apply just the right amount. Some vaginal moisturizers contain natural ingredients like aloe and lavender to calm dry, irritated tissues. These moisturizers have the benefit of being free of estrogen and chemicals that can cause irritation.

Also available are vaginal moisturizers that contain prebiotics. Prebiotics may encourage the growth of "good" bacteria that help keep your vaginal tract in balance. These friendly bacteria are formulated to promote a healthy pH, or acid-base balance inside your vaginal tract. This may discourage the growth of organisms like yeast that can cause infection. The combination of moisturizers and prebiotics in these products may help create a healthier, more balanced vaginal tract - without the use of hormones.

Vaginal Lubrication When You Need It

Vaginal dryness can take the joy out of sex and make it unpleasant or even painful. Anxiety can further aggravate the dryness. A personal lubricant and moisturizer offers moisture when you need it so you can enjoy sex again without discomfort. These lubricants are safe to use with condoms and easy to apply. They're good to have on hand when your vaginal tract needs moisture.

The Bottom Line?

There are safe and effective ways to restore moisture and balance to the vaginal tract. When looking for the right feminine care product to meet your needs, browse the wide variety of vaginal creams and moisturizers at Walgreens. Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.