What is the best lubricant for menopause dryness (NHS)?

Here’s what NHS guidance and authoritative UK health sources say is best for managing menopausal vaginal dryness—especially if you're looking for effective, safe, and accessible options:

NHS-Recommended Lubricants & Moisturizers for Menopause Dryness

Step 1: Use Over-the-Counter Lubricants or Moisturizers

  • The NHS recommends using lubricants or vaginal moisturizers available without prescription to help ease vaginal dryness during sex or daily comfort.

  • Specifically, they advise avoiding oil-based products (like mineral or baby oil) because these can damage latex condoms. Instead, opt for water-based lubricants, which are safe with condoms.

Step 2: Consider Specialist Products Available on the NHS

Several non-hormonal options are particularly supported by the NHS and UK clinicians:

  • Sylk – A water-based lubricant with kiwi plant extract; pH-balanced and available on NHS prescription.

  • YES® WB & YES® VM – Both are prescription-friendly, non-hormonal products within the NHS drug tariff.

    • YES® WB: A water-based lubricant for mild to moderate dryness.

    • YES® VM: A vaginal moisturizer that provides longer-lasting hydration—up to three days. Both are free from glycerin, parabens, and hormones.
      (Sexual Health Dumfries and Galloway, YES)

  • Replens MD, Hyalofemme, and Regelle – Long-acting vaginal moisturizers safe to use with condoms; also available OTC and on prescription.
    (Sexual Health Dumfries and Galloway, Chelsea Westminster Hospital)

Step 3: What If These Don’t Help?

If non-hormonal options aren't providing enough relief, NHS and NICE (UK's clinical guideline body) advise considering:

  • Vaginal estrogen treatments (creams, rings, suppositories) as first-line hormonal therapy.

  • If hormones aren't suitable, non-hormonal prescription alternatives like prasterone (Intrarosa) or ospemifene (Osphena) may be considered.
    (NICE, Verywell Health)

Quick Overview Table

Issue NHS-Suggested Solution
Everyday sex lubrication Water-based lubricant (e.g., Sylk, YES® WB)
Long-term comfort (non-sex use) Vaginal moisturizers (YES® VM, Replens, Hyalofemme, Regelle)
When non-hormonal products fail Vaginal estrogen or non-hormonal prescriptions (Intrarosa, etc.)
Avoid Oil-based lubricants; rough soaps or douching around the vagina

Final Thoughts

For addressing menopause-related vaginal dryness, the NHS recommends:

  1. Starting with water-based lubes or moisturizers—safe, effective, and accessible.

  2. Stepping up to specialist hydrators like YES® VM or Replens, often available via prescription.

  3. Consulting a GP if non-hormonal options are insufficient—hormonal or alternative medical treatments may then be explored.

Back to blog