Vaginal dryness can make ladies very uncomfortable and cause distress and discomfort. To understand the issue and help you learn more about dry vaginas, we answered five exciting questions about vaginal dryness that we think you should know.
- How does vaginal dryness come to be?
Vaginal dryness is quite a common condition experienced by almost all women. The vagina can get really, uncomfortably dry at some points in life. The most common cause of a dry vagina is hormonal imbalance.
The vagina is naturally lubricated of its own accord and this natural lubrication is produced by the female sex hormones such as oestrogen. However, sometimes, due to various reasons, a woman can have very low levels of oestrogen.
During menopause, the supply of estrogen dwindles. With it comes vaginal atrophy. The walls of the vagina also thins, blocking moisture and plumpness from occurring during arousal process.
Thus the vagina isn’t properly lubricated, while its elasticity and thickness also suffer. Per an article on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website, other factors could impact natural vaginal lubrication.
These include breastfeeding, cold, allergies and cancer treatment.
When this happens, the vagina can feel really dry and may even get itchy. This kind of hormonal imbalance can be triggered by menstruation but this becomes a bigger issue when a woman is either ill or has reached perimenopause, or menopause.
The hormonal fluctuation experienced in the latter phases of life can really cause the vagina to get dry for longer periods of time. This can totally be reversed with some exercises and lifestyle changes though.
- What is vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a condition where your vaginal walls get thinner over time. Think about it this way, if older men struggle with penis shrinkage, older women struggle with thinning vaginal walls.
Yes, vaginal atrophy often happens more in women who have reached perimenopause and menopause.
As you can probably tell, vaginal atrophy is caused by a decrease in oestrogen levels, which happens significantly in older women who are entering menopause.
The lack of oestrogen can cause the vaginal walls to become more frail, and more sensitive and this could make penetrative sex quite painful. Not only that, but some other urinary activities can also get painful with this condition.
Vaginal atrophy can be tackled by hormone therapy (oestrogen therapy) and some significant lifestyle changes.
There are also topical oestrogen creams or gels that can be applied to the vagina to help overcome the dryness and itchiness that come with this condition.
- Does my dry vagina make penetrative sex painful?
In many cases, yes, a dry vagina can make penetrative sex quite painful. There is almost no doubt about it.
Essentially, the vaginal walls are such sensitive parts of the body that friction with another person’s skin, in this case, their penises, can be really painful without proper lubrication.
Thus vagina dryness is most evident during penetrative sex. Without sufficient moisture, the friction could be intense. The vagina does need to be wet for it to be able to enjoy penetrative sex.
Otherwise, per an article appearing on the Cleveland Clinic publication, you would experience vaginal lining pain during sex. If you experience vaginal dryness and thinning, and penetrative sex becomes painful, you should not just go with it or endure the discomfort.
Sex is NOT supposed to hurt or feel uncomfortable for anybody involved. Instead, it should be exciting and pleasurable in all cases for all people.
What do you do in this situation? Well, you can take more time in foreplay. Besides, try to relax and not rush things.
Alright? So, if penetrative sex becomes painful and it is caused by your vagina getting thinner and drier, you need to talk with your doctor and get treatment to eradicate the pain.
- Can I improve my vaginal dryness?
Yes, no matter your age, vaginal dryness can always be improved. Although, having said that, the level of improvement will be dependent on the individual’s overall health and age.
To start with, vaginal dryness can be improved with a proper diet. Foods like Greek yoghurt, avocado, and a variety of soy products are the most beneficial in this case.
Other than eating the right foods, you can also exercise lightly every single day to help your body produce more female sex hormones, such as oestrogen.
After that, you can also buy an oestrogen cream or gel which can be applied topically on your vagina to improve lubrication. If penetrative sex feels difficult, you can also use a water-based lube to help things out.
No matter what, you can always visit your gyno to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for your vaginal atrophy and general dryness.
- Is menopause the only thing that can cause vaginal atrophy?
Menopause is surely not the only thing that can cause the thinning of the vaginal walls. In older women who have never given vaginal birth, the thinning and tightening of the vaginal walls can happen more rapidly if they don’t have enough sex regularly.
But it effects between 40 to 57 per cent of women. Still, another 15% of women suffer from dry vagina even though they are still young.
Per an article on the Everyday Health website, different factors lead to this situation. Women who don’t have regular sex can suffer from vaginal dryness.
These could also be emotional and medical issues involved. These may include dehydration, vaginal tears, and even infections.
There is this saying that goes something like you either use it or lose it. Health experts say older women need more regular sex to maintain the wetness of their vaginas. But then, you may be wondering how that’s possible when you are happily single.
Well, masturbate with a dildo, darling. That’s always an option. And for many women, this is even better than actually needing to have unfulfilling sex with men.
Men are often impatient and so many of them don’t even know what they are doing. But your dildo knows how to please you because you are in charge.
Taking everything into account, we answered the most asked questions about vaginal dryness that women have. We hope that the answers we provided are beneficial for you and that you can find what you were looking for.
What Should I Do About Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness is a common condition that affects women of all ages, but it is more prevalent in menopausal women. It is characterized by a lack of moisture in the vaginal area, leading to discomfort, itching, and pain during sexual intercourse. It can also cause urinary tract infections, vaginal irritation, and even bleeding in severe cases. Despite its prevalence, many women are embarrassed to talk about it and seek help, which can lead to a decrease in their quality of life and intimate relationships.
There are several causes of vaginal dryness, including hormonal changes, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders. However, the most common cause is a decrease in estrogen levels, which can occur during menopause, breastfeeding, and certain cancer treatments. Estrogen is responsible for maintaining the thickness and elasticity of the vaginal lining, and when there is a decrease in its levels, the vaginal tissues become thinner and drier.
So, what should you do if you are experiencing vaginal dryness? The first step is to talk to your doctor. Many women are hesitant to discuss this issue with their healthcare providers, but it is essential to do so. Your doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause of your vaginal dryness and recommend the best treatment options for you.
One of the most common treatments for vaginal dryness is estrogen therapy. This can come in the form of a cream, tablet, or ring that is inserted into the vagina. Estrogen therapy helps to replenish the estrogen levels in the vaginal tissues, improving moisture and elasticity. It is highly effective in treating vaginal dryness, but it is not suitable for everyone. Women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, and certain liver diseases should not use estrogen therapy.
Another treatment option for vaginal dryness is over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. These products are designed to mimic the natural moisture of the vagina and provide temporary relief from dryness. They are safe to use and can be used as often as needed. However, they do not address the underlying cause of vaginal dryness and may not provide long-term relief for some women.
In addition to medical treatments, there are also lifestyle changes that can help with vaginal dryness. These include staying hydrated, avoiding harsh soaps and perfumes in the vaginal area, and wearing cotton underwear. Engaging in regular sexual activity can also help improve vaginal lubrication by increasing blood flow to the vaginal area. If vaginal dryness is causing discomfort during sexual intercourse, using a water-based lubricant can also help.
Apart from these treatment options, there are also natural remedies that can help with vaginal dryness. These include consuming foods that are high in phytoestrogens, such as soy, flaxseed, and chickpeas. These plant-based compounds have estrogen-like properties and can help increase vaginal moisture. Additionally, incorporating natural oils, such as coconut oil and vitamin E oil, into your daily routine can also provide relief from dryness.
In conclusion, vaginal dryness is a common condition that can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. It is essential to seek help from your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of vaginal dryness. With the right treatment, you can alleviate the discomfort and enjoy a fulfilling sex life. Remember to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your symptoms so that they can provide you with the best treatment options. Additionally, practicing good vaginal hygiene and incorporating lifestyle changes can also help in managing vaginal dryness.
