Question
Is vaginal dryness a side effect of ARVs?
11 June 2020. Related: All topics, Side effects.
I have been taking tribuss for the past 6 months, since being diagnosed. Is it possible that this medication causes vaginal dryness as I have experienced it since starting treatment?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Vaginal dryness isn’t a known side effect of vaginal dryness. For info on why vaginal dryness can occur, please see here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
Hi Neo and many thanks for the comment.
Can you give me a bit more information?
What ARVs are you taking?
In HIV i-base we can’t advise about what medications to take.
Many women have found relief using over the counter lubricants especially designed for menopause or peri-menopause.
Over the counter treatments are different between countries (we are based in the UK – we can’t know what is available in other countries).
It is best to discuss with a pharmacist as some of them have hormones or might not be safe to use.
Please email us at questions@i-base.org.uk if you want to continue the conversation privately.
Hi I am also experiencing vaginal dryness. I want to ask what lubricants can I use to prevent this.
Hi Alice, do you mind me asking how old you are? and how long have you been experiencing these symptoms? Have you been to speak to a doctor about this?
Am experiencing vaginal dryness and painful sex pls help
Hi LemonBrat, what HIV medication are you taking? For vaginal dryness to present 6 months into taking your medication would be very unlikely. At 6 months HIV medication is very established in the body. Side effects would be expected to be seen much earlier than this.
I was diagnosed about 5 years ago and have been on a similar medication, I also started experiencing vaginal dryness about 6 months into taking my medication. I think it is very possible that it’s a side effect of the medication.