Q&A: What can be done about vaginal dryness during sex?

Vaginal dryness is an uncomfortable and distressing menopausal symptom, especially for women who enjoy a healthy sex life. It is characterized by a lack of moisture in the vaginal area, as well as itching and stinging, and these symptoms can mean that sexual intercourse becomes painful and much less appealing. However, the good news is that women don’t have to suffer with vaginal dryness because there are methods which can relieve its painful and agitating symptoms. Read on to have your questions answered.

Why is sex more painful when I am suffering with vaginal dryness?

When a woman enters menopause the production of her sex hormones is severely disrupted. Levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone begin to fluctuate as the body, and the ovaries, prepare for the cessation of the menstrual cycle. These hormones are vital for the reproductive system because they regulate its various roles. When estrogen levels decrease, the vulva and vaginal tissues become thinner and dryer. Additionally, the flow of vaginal secretions, which normally moisten the vagina, decrease and therefore natural lubrication is lessened. Sex can be painful because there is no moisture in the vagina to make the motion of intercourse smooth and easy. Friction between the penis and the vagina walls is likely without lubrication making sex uncomfortable.

Is it still okay to have sex when I have vaginal dryness?

There is no reason why you shouldn’t participate in sexual intercourse if you have vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness is a very common symptom of menopause and becoming abstinent isn’t the only way to deal with it. This condition is very treatable, and there are various ways to make sex a pleasurable and painless experience. Don’t be embarrassed about your vaginal dryness; take the right steps to enjoy a normal sex life.

What can be done about vaginal dryness during sex?

Fortunately, there are various ways to improve vaginal dryness during sex. Painful sex , or no sex, don’t have to be the only options.

Use lubrication

Buy an over-the-counter, water-based lubrication and apply before intercourse or before foreplay. This will decrease the friction upon penetration. Ask your husband to apply lubrication to his penis too so that the moisture is improved further. Re-apply during sex if necessary.

Engage in more sexual activity

During menopause your body is likely to take longer to produce natural lubrication. Encourage your partner to take things more slowly and include more foreplay into the lead up to sex. This stimulation will increase blood flow to the area, increase moisture, and give you a happier and healthier vagina.

Consider condoms

Condoms can reduce the friction between the penis and the vagina and lubrication is likely to last longer.

Are there other treatment options for vaginal dryness?

If you are suffering with vaginal dryness during sex, then you may well be suffering with it at other times of the day too. Fortunately, there are ways to treat vaginal dryness other than lubrications. You can purchase vaginal creams or suppositories which will reduce the itching and soreness in the vaginal area.

More information about vaginal dryness

Using lubrications during sex, and creams during the day will help to alleviate the uncomfortable and painful symptoms of vaginal dryness but they won’t deal with the root cause of the condition, which is hormonal imbalance. Making small lifestyle changes can help to do this but will-power is needed. To find out more about these methods, follow this link: treatments for vaginal dryness.