How Can I Relieve Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness is, unfortunately, one of the most common symptoms of menopause, affecting 40 to 60% of women during this transitional period. It is thought that over half of 40 to 50 year old women will be subject to this symptom at some point during their lifetime, but many more might be suffering in silence. It is something that can be easily treated and you should not be afraid to cry out for help.

vaginal dryness painful Vaginal dryness, caused by a decrease in the estrogen hormone during menopause, can often result in sexual intercourse being very painful and can even lead to urinary infections or incontinence. These can have a negative impact on a woman’s emotional state, not only because the symptoms are painful, but because they can lead to a loss of self-confidence and sexual confidence.

How to Relieve Vaginal Dryness and Restore your Confidence

“The change” can be a distressing period for many women, and vaginal dryness is a troubling symptom that can make it even worse. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to relieve this condition and to increase the moisture in the vaginal area. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Drink plenty of water.

vaginal dryness water It is important that you keep your body hydrated because this can be surprisingly helpful. Try to drink at eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water a day and don’t let tea or coffee become a replacement for water. Filtering the water will be even more advantageous. Tap water in the U.S contains a high level of chemicals, so although it is safe to drink, filtered water will be better for you and your body.

Step 2: Enjoy a hormone-balancing diet.

vaginal dryness soy A menopausal woman needs to have a balanced diet so that she can support her body whilst it makes, and tries to balance, the hormones. A strict diet plan that cuts out an entire food group will result in the hormones becoming even more imbalanced. It is important that you do not follow a low-fat diet, particularly when you want to relieve vaginal dryness, because it is cholesterol that produces estrogen, which is so essential for natural lubrication. Increasing consumption of soy products and flaxseed is also considered an effective technique. Avoid caffeine and alcohol; they both dry our bodily tissues.

Step 3: Consider changing your household products.

vaginal dryness household Many of the chemicals or perfumes that are commonly found in your bathing and laundry products can be the cause for irritation in the vaginal area. Try to avoid oil-based products, bubble bath, soaps, and hand creams. Check the ingredient list on all products before use. Additionally, you should not use any douche product. These will only worsen the situation.

Step 4: Engage in more sexual activity.

vaginal dryness activity Fortunately, this is one of the treatments that comes highly recommended and has a good success rate for the relief of vaginal dryness, so don’t rule it out! During sexual intercourse, or the activity that leads to it, the mucus glands are stimulated which helps to make the vaginal area moist. Regular stimulation also sends increased blood flow to the genital area, which will sustain a healthy vagina. If you think sex will be too painful, then don’t panic; it isn’t the only option. Foreplay and “outercourse” (caressing, massaging and masturbation) will also help treat vaginal dryness. It is important that you take all sexual activity at a slow pace though, giving the body time to produce natural lubrication.

Step 5: Use over-the-counter lubrications/moisturizers.

vaginal dryness lubrications You shouldn’t be embarrassed about using vaginal lubrication products. This is what they were made for after all! They will instantly moisten the vagina and decrease friction during intercourse. This means sex, or indeed any intimate activity, is less painful and therefore more enjoyable and comfortable. Make sure you apply lubrication prior to each new intercourse session and reapply during it, if you need to. Vaginal moisturizers are also another option and can be used even if you choose to refrain from sexual activity. They can be an effective form of treatment for vaginal dryness that has caused irritation or burning in the genital region.

More Information of Vaginal Dryness

Whilst vaginal dryness can be treated, or relieved, by these easy steps, they don’t address the causes of this menopause symptom. The root cause is the imbalance of hormones during the menopausal cycle and this will need to be dealt with more directly. To find out more about vaginal dryness and its causes follow this link.