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About Vaginal Dryness
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Though vaginal dryness can occur at any point in a woman's life, this troubling condition is more likely during menopause due to decreasing levels of estrogen in the body. Hormonal changes characteristic of menopause can change the moisture levels in the body, including the vaginal area.
Vaginal dryness is common: studies report that 40 to 60 percent of women develop this symptom at some point during the menopausal transition. |
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Other studies have found that many women are not informed and/or are embarrassed to ask about vaginal dryness. However, learning more about this normal symptom of menopause is one of the best ways to seek a solution and increase one's physical and emotional wellbeing. Continue reading to discover more about vaginal dryness, including its definition, symptoms, and risk factors.
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What is vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness, medically termed "atrophic vaginitis", is defined as a lack of adequate moisture in the vaginal area.
The body naturally lubricates the vaginal walls with a thin layer of moisture. This moisture layer is made of a clear fluid excreted through the blood vessel walls around the vagina. When a woman is sexually aroused, for instance, these blood vessels receive more blood flow, stimulating the secretion of fluids, thus increasing vaginal lubrication.
However, hormone changes that occur with menopause and other female life events can disrupt this process, both during sex and regular daily life.
There are a host of symptoms that may appear along with vaginal dryness, in order to learn more about these signs and symptoms, keep reading below. |
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Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness
Symptoms of vaginal dryness can range in severity from mild and slightly annoying to significantly life impeding. Many women find that the symptoms of vaginal dryness can affect the way they feel about themselves, sex, and life in general. Sexual issues stemming from vaginal dryness can strain relationships with partners and affect a woman´s self esteem and feelings of femininity. There are a wide range of possibilities, though the following are the most common symptoms of vaginal dryness.
Symptoms affecting the vaginal opening and lower third of the vaginal walls:
• Itching
• Burning
• Stinging
• Irritation
• Discomfort when wearing pants
Symptoms during sex:
• Light bleeding with sex
• Painful intercourse
• General discomfort
Other symptoms:
• Urinary frequency or urgency
• Pressure |
Vaginal dryness and sex:
Many women find that the symptoms of vaginal dryness affect their interest in and experience of sex. For many women, vaginal dryness can make intercourse painful. Some women find they experience a loss of libido during menopause because sex is not as enjoyable as it once was.
While this is very understandable, vaginal dryness in menopause does not have to mean the end of sexual enjoyment. Many natural treatment options are available to help women in managing vaginal dryness.
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Vaginal dryness is an issue that affects a high percentage of women undergoing menopause, though some may be more susceptible than others. Keep reading to learn more about potential risk factors and to learn who is more affected.
Risk Factors for Vaginal Dryness
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While these symptoms are common, certain factors can aggravate or worsen vaginal dryness in menopause. For example, women coming off hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may find their symptoms of vaginal dryness are more severe. Stress is also another major trigger of severe vaginal dryness. |
Other factors can also cause or contribute to vaginal dryness. A tendency towards anxiety or the use of certain medications can also play a role in vaginal dryness, especially the use of birth control pills or other medications that alter hormone levels. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of vaginal dryness in menopausal women.
What are the best ways to cope with vaginal dryness?
Three approaches can be considered for treating vaginal dryness: (1) lifestyle changes, (2) alternative remedies, and (3) drugs and surgery. Most experts recommend that women begin with the least aggressive approach and move to the next level of treatment only if symptoms persist. Click on treatments for vaginal dryness to discover the best route to relief.
Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.
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