This protocol addresses atrophic vaginitis in patients for whom local vaginal estrogen therapy was the initial treatment but failed to achieve adequate symptom control — or in whom estrogen is not suitable.
Prior therapy: Local vaginal estrogen therapy
Goals not reached: Substantial relief of vaginal dryness and atrophy symptoms after the expected treatment period; lowering of vaginal pH; improved vaginal lubrication.
When estrogen has not been effective or cannot be used, a class of non-hormonal agents applied locally forms the basis of the next step. The full protocol specifies which agents and how they are used.
Clinical goal: Relief of vaginal dryness.
DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2010.522875
If estrogen is ineffective or undesired, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers can relieve symptoms due to dryness.
For women in whom hormones are unsuitable, vaginal moisturizers provide improved lubrication.
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