Many symptoms can arise during and after cancer treatment and as a result you may find your sexual health impacted. Vaginal dryness is a common side effect of cancer treatment but oftentimes it is treatable. Vaginal moisturizers can be a helpful tool in reducing vaginal dryness. Most vaginal moisturizers are designed to be used a couple of times a week. In a recent study at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Female Sexual Medicine program, about 40% of women needed to use the moisturizer 5 times weekly. Vaginal moisturizers can help keep the inside of the vagina moist and a noticeable difference can usually be seen after a week of use. If you stop using vaginal moisturizers, however, vaginal dryness will likely return. 

How are vaginal moisturizers used? 

• Moisturizers should be used regularly. Ideally, once every 2 to 5 days at bedtime but nightly if your vaginal dryness is severe. 

• While most use the moisturizer at bedtime, you can experiment with a routine that works best for you. 

• Some moisturizers are gels that you put in your vagina using a tampon-style applicator. Others are suppositories (small tablets) that melt in the vagina. 

• After putting the moisturizer inside your vagina, it is also helpful to put a finger inside the vaginal entrance and spread the moisturizer around the entrance and inner lips of the vulva. 

• Vaginal moisturizers can be alternated with low-dose vaginal estrogen. Talk with your physician before making any changes to your current  

Good to know: Some vaginal moisturizers may cause wetness from the vagina. You can use a panty liner the day after application to help with this. Using a sealant cream, such as Aquaphor, Desitin, or Balmex, can help protect the area outside of the vaginal entrance from irritation. 

How do I know which vaginal moisturizer to use? 

• Try and find a moisturizer that is pH balanced. This will help the vagina stay slightly acidic like the natural pH before menopause. 

• Try and avoid moisturizers that have perfumes as they can irritate the skin. 

• Some moisturizers contain a preservative called glycerin. In some women, glycerin can increase your risk of vaginal yeast infections. 

Where can I purchase vaginal moisturizers?

 Since vaginal moisturizers do not require a prescription, they can be purchased over the counter. These products can usually be found in drugstores or online. Make sure to talk to your physician before starting any new vaginal moisturizer.