The information on this website is general and does not replace an individual consultation, diagnosis or medical recommendation.
How it may feel
Tightness, burning, itching, irritation, small fissures, pain with penetration or reduced lubrication may occur. Some women also have urinary symptoms. Severity does not always match what is visible on a simple inspection.
Not all dryness is menopause
Lower oestrogen is a common cause, but breastfeeding, medication, irritants, vulval skin conditions, infections, pelvic pain and sexual or emotional factors may also contribute. History and examination help distinguish them.
Care options
Depending on the cause, options may include moisturisers, lubricants, avoiding irritants, prescribed local treatment, pain management or treatment of an infection or skin condition. During menopause, established treatments should be compared with any proposed technology.
When to seek assessment
Bleeding, lesions, offensive discharge, persistent pain, ulcers, lumps, new postmenopausal symptoms or failure to improve with simple measures require clinical evaluation.
