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Review
. 2021 Dec 23:3:781353.
doi: 10.3389/frph.2021.781353. eCollection 2021.

Use of Moisturizers and Lubricants for Vulvovaginal Atrophy

Ayane Cristine Alves Sarmento  1 , Márcia Farina Kamilos  2 , Ana Paula Ferreira Costa  1 , Pedro Vieira-Baptista  3   4 , José Eleutério Jr  5 , Ana Katherine Gonçalves  1   6
Affiliations
Review

Use of Moisturizers and Lubricants for Vulvovaginal Atrophy

Ayane Cristine Alves Sarmento et al. Front Reprod Health. .

Abstract

The estrogen decrease in postmenopausal women results in functional and anatomical changes in the genitourinary tract. The most prevalent and bothersome symptoms are vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and reduced lubrication, which can significantly affect the quality of life of these women, principally those who are sexually active. Hormonal therapy with local estrogens is generally considered the "gold standard." However, there are cases in which there are clinical concerns about its use or women opt for non-hormonal options. Thus, safe and effective non-hormonal options are needed to improve symptoms in these women. Moisturizers and lubricants are first-line therapy for breast cancer survivors.

Keywords: lubricants; menopause; moisturizers; non-hormonal treatment; vulvovaginal atrophy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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