The Hidden Danger of Vaginal Dryness (and How Red Light Therapy Could Be the Non-Hormonal Fix You’ve Been Waiting For)

She thought it was just part of getting older. A little dryness, some discomfort during intimacy, the occasional irritation. Nothing to complain about, right? But when the urinary tract infections started coming one after another — landing her in urgent care more than once — she realized this wasn’t something she could just brush off.

This isn’t a made-up story. It’s the lived experience of countless women who quietly tolerate vaginal dryness, not realizing it’s often part of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Left untreated, GSM doesn’t just steal intimacy and comfort — it can lead to infections that impact overall health in very real, even life-threatening, ways.

Dr. Rachel Rubin drew attention to this in a Medscape commentary that made waves across the medical community and beyond. The title? “Vaginal Dryness’ Can Be Fatal. No, Really.” Strong words, but not an exaggeration. She explained that GSM doesn’t just cause dryness during intimacy — it can bring pain, burning, itching, changes in orgasm, and urinary symptoms like frequency, urgency, and leakage. One of the most concerning consequences is recurrent urinary tract infections. These aren’t just uncomfortable; in older women, they can escalate into dangerous infections requiring hospitalization. Millions of healthcare visits every year are linked to untreated GSM. That’s why Dr. Rubin used such a dramatic title: to remind us this is not a minor inconvenience but a real health risk.

For decades, the gold standard treatment has been local estrogen — creams, rings, or inserts that restore moisture and reduce infections. Other hormonal options like vaginal DHEA or ospemifene are also available, and many women benefit hugely. But not everyone can or wants to use hormones, and for some, the daily maintenance of creams feels messy or impractical. That gap is where non-hormonal solutions become so important.

This is where photobiomodulation (PBM), often called red and near-infrared light therapy, comes in. At its core, PBM uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate your body’s own repair systems at the cellular level. Red and near-infrared light are absorbed by an enzyme inside the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase. This improves mitochondrial efficiency, leading to more ATP — the fuel your cells need to function and repair themselves. PBM also triggers the release of nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and improves circulation. In GSM, better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach vaginal tissues, supporting hydration and elasticity. By stimulating fibroblasts, PBM encourages collagen and elastin production, which helps strengthen and restore the vaginal wall. It also has well-documented anti-inflammatory effects, meaning calmer, less irritated tissue and improved healing capacity. Put simply, PBM doesn’t just mask dryness — it helps restore the underlying tissue health and function that decline during menopause. That’s why devices like the Fringe Wand are so exciting: they allow women to support their vaginal health at home, without hormones or messy creams.

Plus - the Fringe Wand not only includes red light and near infra-red light (invisible) but includes a setting for blue light also for vaginal infections and yeast infections.

Order your Fringe Wand here and get 10% off with coupon SOLASTA.

A common question is whether red light therapy can be used alongside creams. The answer is yes, but the timing matters. PBM should be used first on clean tissue, before applying any creams, gels, or inserts. If you’ve already applied a product, it’s best to wait four to six hours before using light therapy. This way, the light penetrates effectively and you reduce the chance of irritation from heat or blocked absorption. Think of it as letting each therapy do its best work without interference.

Vaginal dryness is not “just part of aging.” It’s a quality-of-life issue, an intimacy issue, and, as Dr. Rubin highlighted, a potential safety issue when recurrent UTIs are ignored. Hormones and creams help many women, but they aren’t for everyone. Red light therapy offers a safe, non-hormonal, evidence-based option that empowers women to care for their health on their own terms.

If you’ve been quietly putting up with dryness, discomfort, or infections, it’s time to stop suffering in silence. Talk to your provider, explore your options, and don’t be afraid to embrace newer therapies like PBM. Your health, your comfort, and your confidence are worth it.

Tracy