Vaginal dryness is a reduction in the vagina’s natural lubrication, often associated with a loss of elasticity, fragility of the mucosa and a feeling of discomfort. It most commonly occurs after menopause because of the decline in oestrogen levels, but can also develop after childbirth, during breastfeeding, following certain medical treatments or in diseases affecting the vaginal mucosa. The most common symptoms are a feeling of dryness, burning, itching, pain during sexual intercourse and recurrent urinary tract infections.
In aesthetic medicine in Geneva, vaginal dryness is managed with treatments designed to restore the quality of the vaginal mucosa over the long term. Vaginal laser treatment stimulates collagen production, improves blood supply and promotes tissue regeneration. Hyaluronic acid injections rehydrate the tissues, improve their suppleness and restore volume when vulvovaginal atrophy is present. Depending on the symptoms and clinical examination, these treatments may be offered alone or in combination to improve intimate comfort and quality of life.
Key facts about vaginal dryness
- Definition: a reduction in the vagina’s natural lubrication associated with changes in the vaginal mucosa.
- Common causes: menopause, declining oestrogen levels, breastfeeding, the postpartum period, certain cancer treatments, medication and ageing.
- Symptoms: dryness, burning, irritation, pain during sexual intercourse, a feeling of tightness and recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Consequences: reduced intimate comfort, sexual well-being and quality of life.
- Possible treatments: vaginal laser treatment to stimulate mucosal regeneration and hyaluronic acid injections to improve the hydration, suppleness and thickness of vaginal tissues.
- Number of sessions: generally 2 to 3 laser sessions; hyaluronic acid injections are tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Results: a gradual improvement in vaginal hydration, elasticity and comfort in the weeks following treatment.
- Social downtime: none; sexual intercourse should be avoided for 5 to 7 days after treatment; sporting activities should be avoided for 48 hours after treatment.
- Price: 600 CHF per syringe of hyaluronic acid; 1 to 2 syringes are required. Laser treatment costs 700 CHF per session; 2 to 3 sessions, one month apart, should be planned.
Evidence from clinical studies on vaginal dryness
- Vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a set of changes affecting vulvar, vaginal and urinary tissues as a result of declining oestrogen levels, a definition used by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
- The integrity of the vaginal mucosa depends on a balance between the epithelium, blood supply, natural secretions and the vaginal microbiota, physiological mechanisms described in publications in Climacteric, the scientific journal of The International Menopause Society.
- International recommendations call for a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, their impact on quality of life and medical history before proposing treatment, principles developed by The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH).
Contents
- Key points
- What is vaginal dryness?
- What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?
- How can I tell whether I have intimate dryness?
- What causes vaginal dryness?
- How can intimate tissues be hydrated?
Solutions for intimate dryness - How is intimate dryness treated? Hyaluronic acid injections
- How can women increase natural lubrication? Vaginal laser treatment
- Recommendations after vaginal dryness treatment
- How can vaginal dryness be prevented?
- Results of vaginal dryness treatment
- Prices for intimate dryness treatment
- Reviews of vaginal dryness treatment
- Traditional home remedies for intimate dryness
- How can I tell whether it is a yeast infection or dryness?
- Frequently asked questions about vaginal dryness
Key points
Vaginal dryness treatment in Geneva
Vaginal dryness is a common problem affecting women’s quality of life at any age. It is characterised by insufficient vaginal lubrication, which can cause discomfort and pain.
Intimate dryness can cause discomfort during intercourse or menopause, or simply cause itching.
Treating vaginal dryness improves women’s intimate well-being and quality of life.
There are solutions to restore vaginal hydration and comfort, including laser treatments and hyaluronic acid injections.
What is vaginal dryness?
The vaginal and cervical mucosa contain glands that secrete lubricating substances. These prevent the mucosa from drying out and facilitate penetration. A significant reduction in these secretions causes vaginal dryness.
What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?
Symptoms of vaginal dryness can vary, but often include:
- Discomfort and pain: a feeling of dryness and tightness in the vagina.
- Vaginal itching and burning.
- Painful sexual intercourse.
- Redness and inflammation of the vaginal mucosa.
- Discomfort when wearing tight clothing.
- Minor bleeding at the vaginal opening.
How can I tell whether I have intimate dryness?
Diagnosing vaginal dryness requires a medical examination to establish an accurate diagnosis and propose appropriate treatment.
- A gynaecological examination and discussion with the patient to assess symptoms, the circumstances in which they occur, their frequency and their intensity.
- A vaginal swab for laboratory analysis to check for a vaginal infection that could be contributing to the symptoms of dryness.
- Hormone tests may be performed to identify premature menopause or other hormonal imbalances.
What causes vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness occurs when the vaginal glands no longer produce enough natural secretions.
Several factors may be responsible:
- A decline in oestrogen levels is the main factor. This occurs during menopause and the postpartum period.
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants or chemotherapy.
- Drug and alcohol use.
- Significant stress.
- An imbalance in the vaginal flora caused by harsh hygiene products, certain detergents, chemical agents, etc.
- Medical conditions: disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome or certain infections can cause vaginal dryness.
How can intimate tissues be hydrated?
Solutions for intimate dryness
There are several ways to treat vaginal dryness:
- Vaginal lubricants and moisturisers: products specially formulated to hydrate the vaginal mucosa.
- Hormone therapy: hormonal creams, rings or tablets to restore oestrogen levels. These medications will be prescribed by your gynaecologist.
- Non-invasive treatments: laser treatment and hyaluronic acid injections to stimulate natural hydration and improve the quality of vaginal tissues.
Most urogenital symptoms associated with menopause are due to reduced oestrogen production. Genital epithelial tissue gradually becomes thinner. The vaginal mucosa loses thickness and produces less lubrication.
For this reason, hormone therapy has long been the standard treatment for menopausal symptoms.
Lubricants and oestrogen pessaries are often prescribed, but hyaluronic acid injections and laser treatment represent a major advance for this indication.
How is intimate dryness treated? Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid is known for its hydrating properties, making it useful for restoring hydration and firmness to vaginal tissues.
The hyaluronic acid used is specifically formulated for women’s intimate tissues, carries a CE marking and has been approved by the authorities for gynaecological indications (mucosal rehydration, labia majora augmentation and G-spot injections).
The injection is performed in the practice without a speculum. Dr Romano administers a local anaesthetic. Two syringes are used.
Injections are performed in the following areas:
The vaginal mucosa: injections are administered into the lateral and posterior vaginal walls using a multipoint technique. They are superficial, at a depth of 0.5–1 cm.
The vestibule (the junction between the labia minora and the vaginal opening): injections are administered using a multipoint technique.
How can women increase natural lubrication? Vaginal laser treatment
Vaginal laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that improves the condition of the mucosa by stimulating collagen synthesis and activating microcirculation.
During a laser session, the entire vaginal mucosa is treated.
This treatment is often combined with hyaluronic acid injections: injections are administered in the final two centimetres of the vaginal mucosa, which are often more fragile and require combined treatment.
The procedure is quick, painless and requires no recovery period.
Recommendations after vaginal dryness treatment
To prevent side effects, it is important to follow certain recommendations:
- Avoid sexual intercourse and strenuous physical activity for 48 hours.
- Avoid hot baths, saunas and swimming pools for one week.
- Use vaginal lubricants and moisturisers if necessary.
- Follow any specific instructions provided by Dr Romano.
How can vaginal dryness be prevented?
Certain practices can reduce the risk of intimate dryness:
- Appropriate clothing: avoid overly tight clothing and choose cotton underwear to prevent irritation.
- Gentle hygiene products: choose pH-neutral soaps and gels for intimate hygiene. These cleanse gently without disrupting the vaginal flora. Avoid perfumed products in the intimate area, as they may cause irritation.
- Avoid vaginal douching, which can disrupt the balance of the vaginal flora.
- Stop smoking.
- A balanced diet.
Results of vaginal dryness treatment
Results are immediate with hyaluronic acid injections and gradual with laser treatment, becoming noticeable after one month.
The vaginal mucosa becomes thicker and better lubricated, while the natural intimate pH is maintained.
Benefits include:
- Improved hydration of the vaginal mucosa.
- Reduced intimate discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
- Improved natural lubrication.
- Restored everyday vaginal comfort.
- Improved quality of life and intimate well-being.
- Greater comfort.
- Relief from itching, burning and irritation.
How long results last
Results last between 8 and 12 months. Annual maintenance sessions are needed to preserve the benefits of treatment.
Prices for intimate dryness treatment
In Geneva, vaginal dryness can be treated with hyaluronic acid injections or laser treatment, depending on the needs assessed during the consultation. A hyaluronic acid injection costs 600 CHF per syringe, and achieving an optimal result generally requires two syringes, for a total cost of 1200 CHF.
Laser treatment costs 700 CHF per session. The initial protocol comprises three sessions, for a total of 2100 CHF for the initial course. Thereafter, one annual maintenance session is recommended at the same price of 700 CHF.
Intimate health | Usual treatment prices |
|---|---|
Vaginal dryness | Hyaluronic acid: 600 CHF per syringe (2-3 syringes required) Vaginal laser: 700 CHF per session (2-3 sessions required in the first year and 1 annual maintenance session) |
Reviews of vaginal dryness treatment
The satisfaction rate is high, at approximately 90%.
Laser treatment is appreciated for its stimulation of collagen synthesis, which improves the firmness and tone of the vaginal walls over the long term.
Hyaluronic acid injections are recognised for their effectiveness in immediately restoring tissue hydration and suppleness.
Women report a noticeable improvement in their intimate quality of life, increasing their self-confidence and overall well-being.
Traditional home remedies for intimate dryness
Traditional home remedies for intimate dryness are natural, accessible solutions intended to improve vaginal hydration and comfort.
Coconut oil is often recommended for its moisturising and antibacterial properties. Applied locally, it may help soothe and hydrate vaginal tissues.
Aloe vera gel is another remedy known for its soothing and hydrating properties. Herbal infusions, such as calendula or chamomile, may also be used as sitz baths to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Although these remedies may offer some relief, consulting a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is always recommended.
How can I tell whether it is a yeast infection or dryness?
Distinguishing a vaginal yeast infection from vaginal dryness can sometimes be difficult.
To determine accurately whether you have a yeast infection or dryness, it is essential to consult a doctor to receive appropriate treatment and relieve symptoms effectively.
Each condition has distinctive signs:
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection
- Intense itching in the vaginal and vulvar area.
- Vaginal discharge: yeast infections cause thick, white, lumpy discharge, often compared to cottage cheese.
- Redness and swelling of the vulva.
- Burning sensations, especially during sexual intercourse.
- Odour: yeast infections generally have no odour, unlike certain bacterial infections.
Symptoms of vaginal dryness
- A feeling of dryness and tightness.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Mild itching or irritation: unlike the severe itching associated with yeast infections, these symptoms are generally milder.
- No abnormal discharge: vaginal dryness is not accompanied by abnormal or thick vaginal discharge.
Frequently asked questions about vaginal dryness
How can laser treatment help with vaginal dryness?
Laser treatment stimulates collagen production and increases blood flow in vaginal tissues, improving their hydration, firmness and elasticity. This non-invasive method offers lasting results with little or no recovery time.
What do hyaluronic acid injections for vaginal dryness involve?
Hyaluronic acid is injected into vaginal tissues to restore their hydration and suppleness. This treatment helps improve natural hydration and reduce vaginal dryness, providing immediate relief from symptoms.
How many treatment sessions are needed for intimate dryness?
The number of sessions depends on each patient’s needs. Generally, 2 to 3 sessions of laser treatment or hyaluronic acid injections are recommended for optimal results. Your doctor will establish a personalised treatment plan during the initial consultation.
Are laser treatments and injections for intimate dryness painful?
The treatments are generally well tolerated. Most patients feel mild warmth or slight pressure, but no significant pain. A local anaesthetic is often administered for hyaluronic acid injections.
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects are generally mild and temporary. Slight redness, swelling or a feeling of warmth may occur in the treated area. These usually disappear within a few hours to a few days.
What advantages do these treatments have over traditional methods?
Laser treatment and hyaluronic acid injections offer rapid, lasting results without the risks and recovery periods associated with more invasive procedures. They are suitable for women who cannot or do not wish to use hormone therapy.
How long do treatment results last?
The results of laser treatment and hyaluronic acid injections can last between 8 and 12 months. Maintenance sessions are necessary to prolong their effects. A personalised follow-up plan is established to ensure lasting results.