How to deal with Vagina Dryness
Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort, burning, and itching, to name a few symptoms. Vaginal dryness will affect the majority of individuals with vagina at some point in their lifetime, yet it is frequently an embarrassing issue to mention.
Low estrogen levels usually result in vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse uncomfortable and causes pain in the pelvis. Nearly 20% of adults between the ages of 17 and 50 have vaginal dryness, but it is most prevalent in postmenopausal women.[1]
The signs, causes, and available treatments for vaginal dryness will all be explained in this article.
What does a dry vagina feel like?
Before menopause, the vagina may produce up to one teaspoon of fluid every day, keeping it naturally moist.
The fluid keeps the vagina moist and helps avoid vaginal and urinary tract infections. When there is less fluid generated, the vagina might [2] become irritable and irritated.
The following are some regular symptoms of vaginal dryness:
- Itching and burning.
- Pain occurs during sexual intercourse.
- Bleeding right after intercourse due to your vaginal wall tissues breaking open.
- Pelvic pain.
- You would feel soreness in your vulva.
- You usually pee more often.
- You may dislike having sex due to pain.
- Reduced libido.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common.
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age; consult your doctor if you are having symptoms.
What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?
Although hormonal variations in premenopausal women can cause vaginal dryness, additionally, the following are the possible causes of vaginal dryness:
- Not being sexually aroused before engaging in sexual intercourse.
- Engaging in douching.
- Making use of feminine sprays or powders at
- When you are dehydrated.
- Vasoconstriction (poor blood flow to the vagina) certain medications, like antihistamines, decongestants, and benzodiazepines.
- Childbirth.
- Breastfeeding
- chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus): removal of the uterus
- Oophorectomy (removal of one or both ovaries): (removal of one or both ovaries)
Most women over the age of 50 have vaginal dryness.
This is because low estrogen levels cause vaginal tissue to shrink and thin, causing dryness, inflammation, and discomfort.
Vaginal dryness can also be caused by other medical disorders, such as Sjogren’s syndrome (autoimmune illness).
What is the treatment for vaginal dryness?
There are several therapies for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) caused by vaginal dryness.
Medications for vaginal dryness
Medications function in your body by either replacing or simulating estrogen. They are only available with a prescription.
Low-dose estrogen cream, ring, or tablet
These drugs replace estrogen in the body. Using an applicator, creams and pills are placed straight into your vagina. Most are prescribed for daily usage until relief is achieved, then weekly as required. Estrogen-containing rings are implanted in your vagina for up to three months before being removed.
Ospemifene
Ospemifene (Osphena) is a selective estrogen modulator (SERM) that is administered orally. It mimics estrogen in the body and aids in the treatment of painful sex caused by vaginal atrophy.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
This is another medicine that functions in your body like estrogen. It’s a vaginal suppository that aids menopausal women with uncomfortable sex.
Discuss the risks and advantages of medications containing estrogen or estrogen-like compounds with your doctor. Estrogen may not be safe for women who have had breast cancer or are at high risk of developing breast cancer.
Lubricants and moisturizers for vaginal dryness
You can get lubricants and moisturizers without a prescription, which can be purchased at drug or grocery stores. They operate by moistening and renewing your vaginal tissue, which helps alleviate discomfort during intercourse. Moisturizers intended for your face or body should not be used on your vagina.
Vaginal moisturizers
To maintain your vaginal lining healthy, apply vaginal moisturizers to the interior of your vagina every few days. ReplensTM, Luvena®, and KY® Liquibeads are a few examples.
Vaginal lubricants
Apply lubricants soon before sexual intercourse to relieve sex pain. Water-based vaginal lubricants include Astroglide® and KY® Jelly. There are also lubricants that are silicone-based and oil-based.
How can you treat a dry vagina naturally?
Natural oils like grape seed, olive, vegetable, sunflower, or coconut oil may be a healthy at-home cure for vaginal dryness.
Before engaging in sexual intercourse, apply natural oils as an external lubricant. Oil-based lubricants, on the other hand, can harm condoms, so if you are of reproductive age, use only water-based lubricants.
Some doctors advocate regular sexual stimulation to help moisten your vaginal tissues. Another option is to extend the time between foreplay and intercourse.
Arousal is linked to vaginal wetness. Look for methods you and your partner may boost your enjoyment before engaging in sexual activity.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience recurring UTIs, yeast infections, or symptoms of vaginal dryness that do not improve with home treatments, you should contact your doctor.
Tips
Itching, burning, pain during sex and pelvic discomfort are among the indications of vaginal dryness. Although low estrogen levels are the most common cause of vaginal dryness, drugs, hygiene products, and medical disorders can also contribute. Fortunately, there is medication available to alleviate the symptoms of vaginal dryness. However, if left untreated, infection and persistent discomfort can occur.
Summary
Vaginal dryness is a typical symptom that almost everyone may face at some point in their lives. A dry vagina can be caused by a variety of illnesses and circumstances, including menopause and the use of certain drugs. This dry sensation can cause uncomfortable sex as well as burning, itching, and inflammation in your genitals. If your vaginal dryness does not improve with over-the-counter therapy or if your symptoms worsen, consult your doctor.
