Vaginal dryness is a common condition that can affect women of all ages, although it is most prevalent during and after menopause. It occurs when the tissues of the vagina and vulva produce less lubricating fluid, resulting in irritation, soreness, or pain during sexual intercourse. Some key facts about vaginal dryness:
- Causes - Vaginal dryness is often caused by a drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause, menopause, after childbirth, or due to medical treatments like chemotherapy. Other factors like insufficient foreplay, medications, stress, and some skin care products can also contribute.
- Symptoms - Signs of vaginal dryness include pain or discomfort during sex, light bleeding after intercourse, burning, itching, difficulty penetrating, and increased urinary tract infections. The vaginal lining may appear pale, thin, or dry.
- Risk Factors - Women going through menopause or post-menopause, breastfeeding mothers, those with surgical menopause from hysterectomy, and cancer patients on chemotherapy have a higher risk of experiencing vaginal dryness.
- Diagnosis - Doctors often diagnose vaginal dryness based on physical examination of the vagina and discussing symptoms. They may also analyze vaginal pH levels. Investigations help rule out other conditions like atrophic vaginitis or lichen sclerosus.
- Treatment - The most common remedy is using over-the-counter vaginal lubricants and moisturizers like Vitality Hormone Clinic natural vaginal cream during intercourse. Maintaining arousal and longer foreplay helps too. If symptoms persist, doctors may prescribe vaginal estrogen therapy to replenish moisture. Staying sexually active also promotes blood flow to vaginal tissues.
- Lifestyle Tips - Some tips to alleviate symptoms of vaginal dryness include using gentler soaps, wearing cotton underwear, doing Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding douching. Eating soy, flaxseed, yams and other foods containing phytoestrogens may help.
- Alternative Options - Natural remedies like omega-3 supplements, vitamin E oil, coconut oil and aloe vera gel can improve lubrication when applied topically. Acupuncture, physical therapy and vaginal laser therapy may also provide relief in some cases.
If you experience any persistent vaginal dryness or pain during sexual activity, do consult your OB-GYN. Prompt treatment will improve quality of life and preserve vaginal health. The expert gynecologists at Vitality Hormone Clinic offer comprehensive diagnosis and multi-modal therapies to effectively treat vaginal atrophy. Do not hesitate to book an appointment!