What should you know about hyaluronic acid for vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness can occur with hormonal changes, breastfeeding, menopause, some medicines, irritation or conditions affecting the vulva and vagina. It may cause burning, itching, soreness or discomfort with sexual activity. Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding ingredient found in some vaginal moisturisers and other products; its role is to add moisture rather than treat every cause of symptoms.

A vaginal moisturiser is used regularly according to its label, while a lubricant is generally used during sexual activity to reduce friction. These are different from injectable products. Do not use an injection for vaginal dryness without a specialist assessment, and do not place products inside the vagina unless they are made and labelled for that use.

Choose a product intended for vaginal use and follow its directions. Avoid douching, perfumed washes and products that sting. Use gentle external cleansing with water or a mild unscented cleanser, and consider a lubricant during sex. If symptoms continue, a clinician can check for infection, skin conditions, hormonal causes or medication effects and discuss treatment options.

Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, recently gave birth, breastfeeding, immunocompromised or using hormone treatment. Mention pain, bleeding, discharge and urinary symptoms rather than assuming dryness is the only issue.

Arrange medical assessment for persistent dryness, recurrent burning, unusual discharge, sores, pain with urination or pain that interferes with daily life or sex. Seek prompt care for bleeding after sex, unexplained vaginal bleeding, fever, pelvic pain or severe symptoms. A new product causing swelling, rash or intense burning should be stopped and reviewed.

Ask what may be causing the dryness, whether you need an examination or tests, which moisturiser or lubricant is suitable, and whether another treatment would address the cause. Ask how long to try a product before arranging review.