Vaginal dryness is more common than you think and can cause several issues for women. However, not every woman can understand the sign and symptoms of vaginal dryness. We have listed five glaring signs hinting that your vagina is too dry.
- You occasionally feel itching
Your vagina should not itch if the environment there is healthy. Mostly, it is your vagina’s natural lubrication that helps the vagina stay moist.
The skin inside your vagina is a very sensitive membrane, so the vaginal wall needs to always be moist to prevent any discomfort.
When your vagina is too dry, then itching can happen as your extremely sensitive vaginal skin comes into contact with anything. Even when it experiences friction with its own skin.
So, if you often feel that your vagina is itching, this is a glaring sign that it is too dry. One of the most common reasons your vagina can turn dry is a lack of female sex hormones.
According to the study documented by the Cleveland Clinic, the main factor behind vaginal dryness is a lack of female sex hormones. It’s important to note that in a healthy vaginal environment, itching is not typically an issue. The natural lubrication produced by your vagina is essential for preserving moisture and preventing any discomfort.
When oestrogen and progesterone are low, your vagina doesn’t produce enough natural lubrication. Try to talk with your gyno about supplements or dietary changes you need to make to return your hormonal balance.
- Sometimes it feels like your vagina is burning
On top of feeling itchiness, you could also be struggling with a hot sensation in your vagina when it has become too dry. Sometimes it feels like your vagina is burning. Well, the thing is, it really is suffering from inflammation.
Inflammation of the skin can happen when friction has caused soreness around the skin of your vagina.
Remember that your vaginal skin is highly sensitive, so, movements that may seem small can easily make it sore if the skin isn’t well-lubricated.
If you struggle with a burning sensation in your vagina, chances are, your vaginal dryness has been going on for some time.
You need to talk with your gyno as soon as possible so you can get immediate treatment. Living with a dry vagina that has become sore is difficult and even urinating can cause you pain. Left untreated, more problems might occur.
- Penetrative sex is painful even after long foreplay
One of the major signs your vagina is way too dry is when sex is painful even though you have spent a long time on foreplay. It is understood that females take longer than males to get really ready for penetrative sex.
Studies have shown that men can take around 5 minutes to get fully ready, but women need at least around 15 to 20 minutes of foreplay to get just as ready.
However, if you feel like foreplay has been going on for a long time and you are still not wet enough, this is a glaring sign that your female sex hormones are on the low.
According to the study documented by the National Institute of Health, it’s well recognized that women often need more time to reach a state of readiness for sexual activity compared to men. However, if you encounter dryness even after a prolonged period of engaging in foreplay, this might signify a potential imbalance in female sex hormones.
When your body is lacking oestrogen and progesterone, it doesn’t produce enough natural lubrication for the vagina even though you are feeling the kick of sexual desire from your testosterone.
You shouldn’t endure painful sex, so get treatment.
- A series of issues with UTI
When your vagina has become way too dry, you could easily develop yeast infections or other urinary tract infections.
It is not natural for the vagina to be so dry, so when it does become dry, its natural ability to protect itself from harmful bacteria becomes diminished.
When your vagina has become way too dry, it tends to get easily cut even by the smallest movements. When cuts and microtears occur inside the vagina, a bacterial attack can easily wreak further havoc in your vaginal environment.
As per the article published by Gynecology and Obstetrics Media Group, the occurrence of urinary tract infections can be linked to vaginal dryness. Normally, the vagina is naturally moisturized by its own lubricants. However, when dryness sets in, the vagina’s inherent ability to shield itself against detrimental bacteria is compromised, potentially leading to the development of infections in the urinary tract.
Then, without proper protection, your vagina develops all kinds of infections. When these infections have reached the urinary tract, you get UTI and this can be very bothersome.
You constantly feel like peeing but you aren’t peeing enough. Meanwhile, when you hold back the urge to pee because you know nothing is gonna come out anyway, you suffer from pain.
- Not having the mood for sex
Having to deal with a lot of unpleasant sensations in your vagina, you could easily lose your desire for sex. After all, why would you bother when sex has become painful? Sex is supposed to be fun and comfortable.
Of course, when there is a pain in your vagina you will gradually lose any desire for sex. But on top of that, having a dry vagina itself is usually a sign that your female sex hormones are on the low.
So, already your hormones are not enough to keep your desire for sex, and the vagina being itchy, burning, and in pain, you will only gradually lose further interest.
This wouldn’t be a great situation for your sex life and your health in general. You need to make adjustments so your hormones return to normal.
Exercising and eating healthier foods are usually good first steps to take to turn this situation around.
Ultimately, it can be said that nobody likes it when their vagina is dry, as it can cause itching and discomfort. Detecting the signs is necessary to overcome this issue, and we think the glaring signs mentioned above can help.
Can A Yeast Infection Cause Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness is a common issue that affects many women at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes, menopause, certain medications, and even stress. However, one potential cause of vaginal dryness that is not often discussed is yeast infections.
Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the vagina. This fungus is naturally present in the body and does not usually cause any problems. However, certain factors, such as a weakened immune system, hormonal changes, and the use of antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of Candida.
The symptoms of a yeast infection can vary, but the most common ones include itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge. These symptoms are often accompanied by inflammation and irritation of the vaginal tissues, which can contribute to vaginal dryness. In some cases, the dryness may also be accompanied by pain or discomfort during intercourse.
One of the main reasons why a yeast infection can cause vaginal dryness is because of the effect it has on the pH balance of the vagina. The vagina has a natural pH level that is slightly acidic, which helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and fungi. However, when there is an overgrowth of Candida, this balance is disrupted, and the pH level becomes more alkaline. This change in pH can lead to a decrease in the production of natural lubrication in the vagina, resulting in dryness.
Moreover, the inflammation and irritation caused by a yeast infection can also damage the delicate tissues in the vagina, making them more susceptible to dryness. The constant itching and scratching of the area can also contribute to the dryness, as it can cause small tears in the vaginal walls.
It is also worth noting that the treatment for yeast infections can also contribute to vaginal dryness. The most common treatment for yeast infections is antifungal medication, which can be in the form of creams, suppositories, or oral tablets. These medications work by killing off the excess Candida in the vagina. However, they can also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and fungi, leading to a decrease in vaginal lubrication.
So, can a yeast infection cause vaginal dryness? The answer is yes. While it may not be the primary cause of vaginal dryness, it can certainly contribute to it. The disruption of the pH balance, inflammation, and irritation, as well as the use of antifungal medication, can all lead to a decrease in vaginal lubrication and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness along with other symptoms of a yeast infection, it is essential to seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat the infection, which should alleviate the dryness. However, it is also crucial to take care of your vaginal health to prevent future yeast infections. This includes practicing good hygiene, avoiding douching and harsh soaps, and wearing loose-fitting, breathable underwear.
In conclusion, while yeast infections may not be the main cause of vaginal dryness, they can certainly contribute to it. The disruption of the vaginal pH, inflammation, and irritation, as well as the use of antifungal medication, can all lead to a decrease in vaginal lubrication and discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, it is essential to seek medical attention to prevent further complications and maintain good vaginal health.
