Vaginal Dryness: Causes , Symptoms, Treatment & Ways to Prevent Dry Vagina
Vaginal Dryness and Itching: Many women may experience dryness in the vagina at some point in their lifetime. Vaginal dryness is a common problem that women may feel embarrassed to discuss with their doctors. Nevertheless, if it affects your daily life, it is important to seek medical help.
The glands present in the womb (cervical glands) are responsible for producing natural lubrication in the vagina. It helps in keeping the vagina moist and clean. However, factors such as certain medications, decreased hormone levels, or breastfeeding can lead to vaginal dryness symptoms.
Due to dryness, there can be problems of pain and irritation during sexual relationship. Although vaginal dryness can affect all women, it is more common in postmenopausal women over the age of 50.
Vaginal atrophy is the medical term for vaginal dryness and irritation and is a very common problem for women. You will be surprised to know that about 50% of women above the age of 50 experience vaginal dryness, 25% experience vaginal dryness during sexual relations and 16% experience vaginal pain.
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, you are not alone. That's why do not hesitate to seek medical help. It will help you to lead a comfortable life. 'The reason your vagina remains lubricated is because of the hormone estrogen that your body produces.' Before knowing the remedy, let us know about its reasons-
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What is a Vaginal Dryness ?
A unpleasant symptom that lowers one's quality of life is vaginal dryness. It can hurt when you sit, exercise, urinate, or engage in sexual activity. Your vaginal lining is often moisturized with fluid, keeping it thick and stretchy. When the tissues in your vagina are thin, dry, and poorly hydrated, it results in vaginal dryness. This causes discomfort, particularly when having sex.
At any age, vaginal dryness can occur. When osteogeny levels start to decline during or after menopause in women or those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), it is most prevalent. The hormone osteogeny contributes to the health and hydration of your vaginal lining. Your vaginal walls become thin and dry when your estrogen's levels are low. Vaginal atrophy is a typical menopausal disease that causes this.
There are numerous secure and efficient therapies for vaginal dryness.
Also read : How to Balance Vaginal Health and PH Naturally
What does vaginal dryness feel like?
Vaginal discomfort and suffering are brought on by vaginal dryness, particularly during sexual activity. Additionally, the following conditions could be brought on by a dry vagina:
- both burning and itching
- bleeding after sex as a result of your vaginal wall tissues rupturing.
- pain in your vulva.
- Recurrent yeast infections or UTIs of the urinary tract.
- greater frequency of urination.
- refusal to engage in sexual activity.
Your vulvar area becomes less moist as a result of reduced moisture in your vagina (external genitals). This means that you can experience dryness or irritability while putting on your underwear or while performing everyday tasks like walking or sitting.
Causes of Vaginal Dryness
The main cause of vaginal dryness is low estrogen levels. Women begin to produce less estrogen as they age. This leads to the end of menstruation during a period called perimenopause.
However, menopause is not the only condition that results in decreased estrogen production. Other reasons include:
- Breastfeeding
- Cigarette
- smoking
- Depression
- Excessive stress
- Immune system disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome
- Childbirth
- Strenuous exercise
- Some cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy to the pelvis, surgically remove the ovaries.
Some medicines can also reduce the secretion in the body. Douching can also cause dryness and irritation, as can some creams and lotions applied to the vaginal area.
Vaginal Dryness Treatment
- Improve your hydration level. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your body tissues have the necessary hydration to remain adequately lubricated. Drinking enough water can also help with cellular health and the absorption and uptake of important nutrients in the body.
- There are usually no foods to lubricate the vagina. However, eat enough for the day. It's a good start to eat a well-balanced diet full of rich, colorful foods and drink plenty of water.
- For lubrication, you can apply any plant base or coconut oil in the vagina or on the skin outside the vagina. Virgin coconut oil is the natural oil obtained from mature coconuts. It has many health benefits and can be used to get relief from dry skin.
- Coconut oil is a natural emollient and can help moisturize the skin. You can apply coconut oil evenly on the vagina by massaging it gently. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your private parts.
- Estrogen creams are available that can be applied to lubricate the vagina.
- Once the dryness in your vagina is cured, then stop using vaginal creams.
- Sometimes, oral hormone replacement therapy must begin after menopause begins. It helps in vaginal lubrication.
- These days, vaginal lasers are available that generate a very comfortable form of heat that stimulates the vaginal glands to improve vaginal secretion.
Ways to Prevent Dryness In Vagina
According to experts, 'The problem of dryness in the vagina occurs when the tissues of your vagina are dry, thin and not well moisturized. Some causes are poor hygiene, excess stress or low estrogen. This causes discomfort, especially during a sexual relationship. Dryness in the vagina happens at any age, but if you see any other symptoms in your body, then immediately talk to the doctor.
1. Stay Well Hydrated
Drink more water This is probably the most common of health advice. Among other things, experts say, it can help improve your skin, help you feel more energetic and boost your immunity. But do you know that it is also very good for your vagina? Really!
Healthy vagina needs hygiene just like any other part of the body, the way we take care of our face. Similarly, if you do not take proper care of the skin of the vagina, there is a possibility of dryness of the skin.
When your body is not properly hydrated, the outer skin of your vagina, including the labia majora and labia minora, sags. These areas are more prone to drying out. The same happens with your vagina. Your vagina is well lubricated if you drink enough water.
2. Avoid Douching
Douching is a process that can cause water loss in the vagina. Actually, using perfume or chemical based soap below can also dehydrate your vagina. So avoid these things.
The easiest way to clean your vagina is to douse it with water while you shower. Although, soap is not necessary but if you are going to use, make sure it is mild and less scented.
3. Take The Medicines Prescribed By the Doctor
If you do not feel any difference despite the above mentioned tips and the problem is serious then contact the doctor immediately. In such a situation, the medicine or advice given by the doctor can be very useful for you.
Is vaginal dryness common?
When it comes to vaginal dryness during sex, over 17% of AFABs (assigned female at birth) between the ages of 18 and 50 report having issues even before menopause sets in. After menopause, vaginal dryness affects more than half of women.
What meals make women more lubricated?
There isn't a lot of study on certain foods you should eat to lubricate your vagina. Your body retains more moisture when you drink enough of water and keep hydrated.
Many people will likely endure the uncomfortable symptom of vaginal dryness at some point in their lives. An imbalance in hormone levels, nursing, or specific drugs might all contribute to this discomfort. It frequently has menopause as a link. The cause determines the most common vaginal dryness treatments.
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