Vaginal Dryness: Symptoms & Treatment
Vaginal dryness is a common problem that can affect daily life. It can cause discomfort during sitting, exercise, urination, and sex. Usually, the vagina stays moist with fluid that keeps the tissues healthy and stretchy. When the tissues become dry and thin, it can lead to irritation and pain, especially during sex.
This issue can happen at any age but is more common during or after menopause when estrogen levels drop. Estrogen is a hormone that helps keep the vagina moist and healthy. Lower estrogen levels can make the vaginal walls thinner and drier, a condition often called vaginal atrophy.
Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness
Common symptoms of vaginal dryness include:
- Burning sensation
- Pain during intercourse
- Light bleeding after intercourse
- Urinary urgency
- vaginal dryness during sex
Vaginal dryness causes
Several factors can lead to vaginal dryness, including:
- Hormonal Changes: Decreased estrogen levels during menopause, after childbirth, or during breastfeeding.
- Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and cancer treatments.
- Medical Conditions: Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and Sjögren's syndrome.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, stress, and lack of sexual activity.
Diagnosis of Vaginal Dryness
Healthcare providers diagnose vaginal dryness by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. They will ask about your symptoms and medications. The following tests may be performed:
- Pelvic exam to check for dryness, thinning, or redness in the vagina.
- Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels or identify underlying health conditions.
- Vaginal discharge test to rule out infections or other causes of dryness.
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Get A Second OpinionTreatments for Vaginal Dryness
There are several treatments available for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) caused by vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness treatment options include medications, lubricants, and moisturisers, each designed to alleviate symptoms and improve comfort.
Medications for Vaginal Dryness
Medications work by replacing or mimicking estrogen in your body and are available only with a prescription.
- Low-dose estrogen creams, rings, or tablets: These medications replace estrogen in your body. They are applied directly to the vagina using an applicator. Initially, they are used daily until relief is found, then weekly as needed. Estrogen-containing rings are placed inside the vagina for up to three months before being replaced.
- Ospemifene (Osphena): This selective estrogen modulator (SERM) is taken orally. It acts like estrogen and helps treat painful sex caused by vaginal atrophy.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): This vaginal suppository mimics estrogen and helps alleviate painful intercourse in menopausal individuals.
Ask your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of medications containing estrogen or estrogen-like substances, as estrogen may not be suitable for those with breast cancer or high risk.
When Should You See a Doctor About Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness and itching are typically not serious, but they can impact your quality of life. You should reach out to your healthcare provider if:
- It interferes with your daily activities.
- It affects your sexual health or relationship with your partner.
- It doesn't improve with non-prescription treatments.
- It’s accompanied by severe vaginal bleeding.
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Book an AppointmentPrevention of Vaginal Dryness
Preventing vaginal dryness involves:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water.
- Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Regular Sexual Activity: Engaging in regular sexual activity to promote natural lubrication.
- Avoiding Irritants: Staying away from douches, scented soaps, and perfumed products.
Natural Remedies for Vaginal Dryness
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain overall hydration, which can also benefit vaginal moisture.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon, into your diet. These can help improve lubrication.
- Vitamin E: Apply vitamin E oil or creams to the vaginal area. Vitamin E is known for its moisturising properties.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural lubricant and can be applied to the vaginal area to relieve dryness.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel has soothing properties and can be applied externally to relieve dryness and irritation.
- Avoid Irritants: Avoid using harsh soaps, douches, and scented products in the vaginal area, as they can further dry out the skin.
- Regular Intimacy: Regular sexual activity or intimacy can help stimulate natural lubrication.
- Kegel Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can improve blood flow to the vaginal area and promote moisture.
