Menapause and Vaginal Dryness

[Rinrinee]

I am a healthy 53 year old woman who has unremarkably handled menapause, with the exception of some hot flashes.  My problem now is vaginal dryness.  My sexual relationship with my spouse is suffering.  K-Y Jelly doesn't seem to help and I dread intercourse due to the pain I experience.  What do you suggest?  This is not a topic I'm comforatble talking person to person about.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. Vaginal dryness is one of the most common complaints of menopause, so you are not alone.  At the drug store there is a gel called Replens.  It is not a hormone but helps with moisturizing.  KY is more a lubricant that is short term.  Replens lasts 3 days after you use it for a week or two.  So insert one applicator and place the gel in daily for two weeks, then twice weekly after that.  It should make a difference over the first two weeks. It is common to notice a small amount of white discharge from the Replens after a week or two. This is not an infection.
If you aren

[ali59]

is replens something you can get in the UK or is it just America.  I went into the menapause at 40 - had had 3 children, but had always suffered with heavy periods as well as irregular and painful. I was glad at 40 to get rid of them altogether as that is what happened, but the lack of sex drive and vaginal dryness was not what I was expecting and it hasn't been good.  fortunately I have an understanding husband, but would like to do something about it.  Any ideas?

[WandaB]

What exactly is Replens?  Are there any side effects?  I have the same problem with dryness and do not know what to do about it.  I do not want to go on hormone meds.