vaginal dryness patient

Vaginal Dryness Treatments in London

If you experience a sense of vaginal dryness with loss of lubrication down below, you are not alone, – vaginal dryness is a condition that is more common than many people realise. It causes discomfort during daily activities and pain during intimacy.

If you suffer from dryness, it is possible that your confidence and quality of life are being negatively impacted and your emotional well-being and intimate relationships may also be suffering. Many women experience it at different stages of life, – menopause, childbirth, or alongside certain medical treatments.

How We can Help

It should be said that vaginal dryness doesn’t only affect menopausal women. It can also affect a wide group of younger women too. It’s also one of those topics that is under-reported, partly because conventional options do not provide an effective way to deal with this annoying issue and partly because of shyness and embarrassment factors. 

This page explains what vaginal dryness is, when to seek advice, and raises awareness about the new treatments we offer under the banner of ‘Aesthetic Regenerative Gynaecology’, which successfully deal with the symptoms.

At Dr Nadia’s Harley Street clinic, we provide specialist vaginal atrophy treatment protocols for patients who are suffering from vaginal dryness. A preliminary gynaecological assessment is essential to identify the underlying cause and to recommend the right treatment course.

The good news is that Dr Nadia has many treatments available to you. Rather than push you in the direction of one specific treatment, Dr Nadia will carefully assess your symptoms with your detailed medical history, and then suggest the care plan she believes will be the best remedy for your case.

Vaginal Dryness Symptoms and Signs

  • Discomfort, burning, itching, or irritation
  • Pain during sexual activity
  • Reduced sensation or difficulty reaching orgasm
  • Microtears, fissures, or bleeding from friction
  • Changes in tissue appearance, such as dryness or shrinkage
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Urinary tract or vaginal infections

Understanding Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is often a symptom of vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, where the walls of the vagina become thinner, less elastic, and more prone to irritation.  Here is a list of the main causes of vaginal dryness:
  1. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) – Vaginal dryness is a classic symptom of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause caused by declining oestrogen levels during peri-menopausal years. Healthy vaginal tissues rely on oestrogen to maintain vaginal moisture and elasticity.
  2. Allied Hypo-Oestrogen – Conditions like PCOS or other endocrine disruptions, certain types of contraceptive pills, thyroid gland disorders, acute weight changes, or medications like anti-oestrogen or anti-endometriosis, post-chemo or radiotherapy.
  3. Pregnancy and childbirth – These are associated with hormonal changes. Childbirth-related poorly-healed scars in the area or post vaginal surgery scarring may also have a bearing on vaginal dryness.
  4. Vulval Skin Diseases – Degenerative skin changes in the vulva, such as lichen sclerosis, lichen planus or psoriasis, are associated with vaginal dryness
  5. Connective tissue disorders – Sjögren syndrome and other autoimmune diseases, and vascular diseases like diabetes or Raynaud’s disease. 
  6. Chemical and peeling substances – Topical applications in the vaginal area, like perfumes containing alcohol or other soaps or creams containing alum (potassium aluminium sulphate). Please be aware that certain chemical peel products should not be used on the skin of the intimate area, as is sadly, promoted by certain clinics. It can lead to severe burning, extrusion of the skin, or infections
  7. Smoking – Reduced skin elasticity due to a reduction in blood flow and collagen formation.

When to Seek Professional Advice

Treatments for Vaginal Dryness

Traditional options 

  • Over-the-counter lubricants or emollients may help to alleviate the pain during intercourse, but are not useful in the long run and are a non-specific treatment.
  • Oestrogen topical cream or systemic Hormone Replacement Therapy

Dr Nadia sometimes prescribes local oestrogen cream as an adjuvant to rejuvenation procedures. The purpose is to alleviate the symptoms temporarily, until the rejuvenation procedures kick-start the regeneration of new, healthier tissues with improvement in the vaginal lubrication function.

Energy-Based Devices

The principle is that the use of low thermal energy increases the blood flow to the area and stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin in the vaginal tissues.

These types of procedures should be performed by an experienced gynaecologist to allow for proper device selection and technique to achieve the highest success without risk of complications.

Treatment with energy-based devices by non-doctors is not advised due to the associated risks. Serious incidents have been reported, such as vaginal burns and fistula formation between the vagina and the urinary tube or between the vagina and the back passage.

Radiofrequency-based procedures

All work by the same principle of stimulating new tissue generation. There are various brands.

ThermiVa
ThermiVa delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to the vaginal tissues, both internal and external. This gentle heat stimulates collagen production, improves blood flow, and supports natural lubrication. It is a painless treatment that requires no downtime.

Votiva (FormaV)
Votiva uses a slim handpiece to deliver radiofrequency energy both internally and externally. It helps restore moisture, improve tissue tone, and relieve discomfort during sexual activity. Results often continue to improve for several weeks after treatment.

Ultrafemme 360
Ultrafemme 360 is designed to increase blood flow and stimulate collagen, improving moisture and sensitivity. It is suitable for women with vaginal dryness linked to menopause, hormonal changes, or reduced sensation.

Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation

This laser treatment uses gentle CO₂ or Er:YAG laser energy to encourage collagen and elastin production in the vaginal tissues. It helps restore moisture, elasticity, and healthy blood flow. It is particularly effective for dryness related to menopause or hormonal changes and can also help reduce recurrent infections.

Shockwave Therapy 

This is a brand new procedure introduced by Dr Nadia. This procedure will be implemented for the first time as part of an innovative protocol designed to assist in the treatment of VulvoVaginal Atrophy and Vaginal Dryness Syndrome.

Labial Puff / Rehydration of the Vaginal Wall using Hyaluronic Acid Injections 

Dr Nadia is a leading expert in the injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) into the vulval and vaginal wall area. The treatment aims to enhance rehydration of the vaginal wall as well as to induce regeneration of the tissues

Exosomes or Stem Cells Injection 

Dr Nadia is highly experienced in the use of regeneration-boosting treatments, such as exosomes or autologous stem cells. These substances are injected into the genital area as a procedure to treat vaginal dryness and other atrophic changes.

Combined Regenerative Gynaecology procedures 

Some patients benefit from a combination of treatments. A regenerative gynaecology approach involves creating a personalised plan that may include O-Shot®, radiofrequency, laser, or other evidence-based options. The focus is on restoring healthy tissue function, improving moisturisation function, and relieving discomfort.

It should be said that the treatment will often improve vaginal elasticity and stress urinary incontinence, along with the symptoms that contribute to vaginal dryness. Depending on your exact case, combination therapy would be very beneficial in marked cases of dryness and atrophic changes.

vaginal dryness treatments in london

Lifestyle and Supportive Measures for the Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness

Alongside clinical treatments, there are steps you can take at home to help support vaginal health.
  • Stay well hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
  • Avoid perfumed soaps or products that can cause irritation
  • Use a medical-grade vaginal moisturiser or a vaginal lubricant before intercourse, as recommended by your doctor.
  • Consider pelvic floor physiotherapy if dryness is accompanied by laxity or urinary leakage

Why Choose Consultant-Led Care

A thorough gynaecological assessment is important to ensure that any treatment is safe and effective for your specific needs. At our Harley Street clinic, all consultations and procedures are carried out by Dr Nadia Yousri, a consultant gynaecologist with extensive experience in sexual wellness and regenerative medicine. She is also a genitourinary syndrome of menopause expert. Each treatment is personal to you, your medical history, symptoms, and personal goals, with an explicit focus on safety, privacy, and optimal results. You will receive expert consultant-led care.

Your Next Steps

If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal dryness, you do not need to live with discomfort or reduced confidence. Book a private consultation to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options. Dr Nadia will create a plan for you that will help to regain comfort, function, and well-being. We will not only look at the cause of vaginal dryness in your case, but also your overall vaginal health.

FAQs

No clinic will guarantee results from one treatment. We aim to remedy your condition as quickly as possible. The basic standard protocol recommends 3-4 sessions of the regenerative procedures. Some patients find relief from just one session, but ideally should continue to complete their course of sessions to maximise the regeneration effect for a successful outcome.  That being said, treatments work differently for different patients; no case is the same, and further sessions may be recommended, but it will depend on the severity of symptoms. This will be fully explained during your consultation and clinical assessment by Dr Nadia

  • O-Shot® – Described as almost pain-free due to the use of a topical numbing cream before injection.
  • ThermiVa, Votiva, Ultrafemme – For all three treatments, patients generally report this is a painless procedure with only a warming sensation.
  • Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation – Generally painless, with only mild discomfort in some cases

Most treatments for vaginal dryness have little to no downtime. You can usually return to normal daily activities straight after your session. Dr Nadia will give you specific aftercare advice, including any short-term restrictions.

The duration of results depends on the type of treatment and your individual response. Many patients experience benefits for 9 to 12 months, while others notice improvements for longer. Maintenance sessions may be advised to sustain your results.

Yes. Many of these treatments also help improve elasticity, reduce discomfort during intimacy, and address mild urinary leakage. Your consultation will cover all symptoms to create a tailored plan.

Some patients feel an improvement within days, while others notice changes over several weeks as new collagen forms and blood flow improves. The timescale depends on the treatment selected and your body’s healing response.

For the treatment day, we ask that you avoid using vaginal creams or moisturisers at least 24 hours prior. Please schedule your appointment at least 7 days after your period. We also ask that you shave before the treatment.

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Dr Nadia Yousri

meet Dr Nadia Yousri

Sexual Wellness & Regenerative Medicine

Doctor Nadia Yousri is Triple Qualified OB&GY Surgeon (FRCOG, MRCOG, PhD in OB&GY, Master Degree in OB&GY, DFSRH) is a highly qualified & experienced Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, Fertility, Sexual Wellness, Aesthetic Gynaecology & Regenerative Medicine Specialist Consultant. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of OB&GY- London since 2009. Her higher qualifications include PhD in OB&GY & Master degree in OB&GY & DFFP & University Lecturer Degree.

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