Table 4.

Vulvovaginal Health Promotion Strategies

Strategy	Purpose	Recommendation
Vaginal moisturizers Ex. Hydrating Moisturizers  Replens ®HyaloGYN ®	Manage vaginal and vulvar dryness and improve tissue quality by increasing moisture and elasticity of the tissues	Use 3–5 times per week Apply before bedtime Can be used in the vagina and on external (vulvar) tissues
Vaginal lubricants Ex. Water-based – Astroglide, KY,   Yes, Luvena, Good Clean Love  Silicone – Pjur, Astroglide silicone,   Pink  Natural Oils   Coconut or almond oil	Used to add to natural lubrication and minimize discomfort with sexual touch and/or vaginal insertion	Use silicone- or water-based lubricants Apply with all sexual activity Avoid petroleum jelly, colored, flavored or warming lubricants that may cause irritation
Skin/Tissue Protectants Ex. Aquaphor®, Balmex® or Desitin®	Pads/panty liners can be very drying to the vulvar tissues Apply a skin/tissue protectant to protect the skin and help seal in moisture	Before using a pad/pantyliner apply the protectant cream to the external (vulvar) tissues
Pelvic floor muscle exercises	To strengthen pelvic floor muscles and prevent physical problems (incontinence) and improve sexual health and pleasure Kegels can relax vaginal muscles, improve arousal/blood circulation, and increase vaginal tone and lubrication	Perform pelvic floor exercises daily During each session, pull up and contract pelvic floor muscles for 3–6 seconds; and equal time to fully relax the pelvic floor for 3–6 seconds Repeat till muscle fatigue
Vaginal dilators	Vaginal dilators can help with comfort with exam, prevent the vagina from becoming too narrow, maintain vaginal elasticity, and reduce discomfort with sexual activity	Practice dilator therapy several times per week (every other day) Gradually increase the size of dilators without discomfort