How can I treat vaginal dryness?

vaginal dryness painful Vaginal dryness remains one of the most disturbing symptoms of menopause, being extremely painful and having a detrimental effect on sex drive. Unfortunately, many women decide to keep the symptoms of this condition to themselves rather than seek medical help. However, vaginal dryness is typically reversible, and there is so much information that can help. Keep reading to understand what causes vaginal dryness and the natural remedies that are available for curing it.

What is vaginal dryness?

Generally, before menopause, the skin and tissues around the vagina are kept firm and moist by fluids produced at the neck of the womb (cervix). Estrogen has a direct effect on these glands, causing the lining of the vagina to be thicker and more elastic. It also stimulates the vaginal cells to produce glycogen, a protein which encourages bacteria that help protect the vagina from infection.

After menopause, the ovaries start to make less estrogen. This in turn leads to a thinning of the tissues around the vagina and a reduction in the number of glands that produce mucus. As a result, the vagina suffers from atrophic vaginitis where the vagina becomes shorter, less elastic and dryer.

What symptoms are associated with vaginal dryness?

vaginal dryness discomfort Vaginal dryness is typically first identified by growing pain and discomfort in that area. Vaginal dryness can lead to pain during sex, a change in vaginal discharge (white or yellow discharge may occur), itchiness, and urinary problems. Urinary problems are the result of the thinning and weakening of the tissues around the neck of the bladder.

If you feel your vaginal dryness is the result of an underlying medical condition it is highly advisable to consult a medical professional. When visiting the doctor you should:

• Make a list of what you want to talk about.
• Write down what the doctor tells you.
• Ask for clarification if there is anything that you don’t understand.
• Research and bring information with you to make you feel more comfortable.
• Give the doctor any information that you may feel is relevant including a history of the condition and symptoms that you’ve experienced.

the impact they are having on you, any lifestyle factors that may have contributed.

What are the treatments for vaginal dryness?

Treatment for vaginal dryness may depend on which of your symptoms are the most bothersome. Because vaginal dryness is the result of a lack of estrogen, most solutions, natural or otherwise, involve replacing estrogen in the body. For example:

Estrogen Creams – Sometimes a cream, pessary, or vaginal ring containing estrogen is prescribed. This has the effect of restoring estrogen levels to the vaginal area without giving it to the rest of the body. This is typically used every day for a period of two weeks and then twice a week for three months.

Other natural medicines have been used successfully in treating the symptoms of menopause as well. Natural remedies can work by stimulating the body´s own hormone production systems, thus instructing the body to produce its own estrogen without the need for outside help. They also have the benefit of not having side effects.

For more information on natural ways of treating vaginal dryness click here.