Replens Vaginal Moisturizer is commonly recommended by doctors to treat vaginal dryness. This popular product is available in most local pharmacies, supermarkets, and online. Many doctors and women recommend Replens because it is long-lasting, easy-to-use, and effective. Here is our complete review of the Replens Vaginal Moisturizer.
The story behind vaginal dryness in menopause
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom experienced by women in menopause and postmenopause. When women enter perimenopause (the transitional period before menopause), estrogen levels begin to fluctuate. Eventually, your estrogen levels will fall to low levels.
Estrogen is responsible for numerous functions in your body, and it certainly plays a role in every organ system. However, it is the driving hormone behind the female reproductive tract. When estrogen levels fall, several things can happen to your reproductive organs. Specifically focusing on the vagina, low estrogen levels can cause your vaginal walls and tissues to thin and become less moist. In particular, estrogen is responsible for helping you create your own natural lubricant. Without moisture in the vagina, your tissues can become easily irritated, and it can become quite uncomfortable.
Identifying vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can manifest in a few different ways. Obviously, you can just feel dry down there. However, other symptoms can accompany dryness, and some may even surprise you.
Symptoms of vaginal dryness include:
Burning
Itching
A feeling of irritation
Soreness
Stinging
Pain with intercourse
Light bleeding following intercourse
Urinary tract infections that occur frequently or are challenging to treat
Vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast
Vaginal dryness does not only interfere with intimacy, but it can make even your everyday tasks challenging. For example, dryness can even make exercise or walking uncomfortable.
Using Replens Vaginal Moisturizer
Treating vaginal dryness is important because it not only improves your quality of life and makes you feel better, but it can also ward off infections.
Replens Vaginal Moisturizer aims to treat vaginal dryness menopause and prevent side effects of dryness. Replens is an estrogen-free moisturizer that delivers hydration for up to 3 days. It is also fragrance-free and compatible with most condoms.
Women can use Replens day or night. It is best to use this product regularly as opposed to right before intercourse. Daily use ensures that you maintain hydration and prevent irritation. If you prefer to use it before intercourse, it is best to apply it at least 2 hours before intimacy.
Using Replens is easy. You open the individually-packaged applicator and shake the contents from the thick end to the thin end. After all of the contents are at the tip, bend the tip back and forth to break. Avoid using scissors or a knife to cut the tip. It should snap off easily. Insert the applicator however it feels best – either sitting, standing, or lying on your back. Press the thick end of the applicator to deposit the gel into your vagina. Throw the applicator away.
Note: Replens also has a reusable applicator option for women who prefer to cut down on waste.
Positive Reviews
Out of 1,400 ratings on Amazon, Replens receives 4.4 out of 5 stars. An overwhelming majority of women give it 5 stars because it not only cured dryness, irritation, and discomfort with intercourse, but it also helped some women treat recurrent bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Many women also reported that it worked even on sensitive skin. Replens is also pretty affordable. For example, the Replens Walmart cost is $14.96 at the time of this publishing. Most retailers sell Replens around this price point.
Negative Reviews
Some women find that Replens oozes for about one day after use. Thus, some women wear a panty liner to keep things dry. To combat this, some women apply it at night. On the more negative side, some women reported that Replens actually caused them to have yeast infections. Other women found the applicator was uncomfortable, and a few also said they had an allergic reaction to the product.
Final Thoughts on Replens
The majority of women find that Replens Vaginal Moisturizer has improved their vaginal dryness and intercourse. Similarly, many doctors recommend this product to their patients as well. If you are struggling with dryness and want to try an over-the-counter, hormone-free product, Replens may be a good place to start. However, if you have any questions, it is always helpful to ask for advice from your doctor. Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, does not take the place of medical advice from your physician, and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Patients should see a qualified medical provider for assessment and treatment.
Next step
Talk intimate skin and vaginal health through with someone who gets it
Every provider here has completed the Perry Academy Perimenopause Certificate®. This article is information, not medical advice — a provider can tell you what fits your situation.
