What? Why? When? How? Understanding Your Vaginal Dryness

Okay, so this isn’t the most pleasant of menopausal symptoms, or one that you might even want to admit suffering from. But come on ladies, this happens to the best of us, and we can’t be embarrassed to talk about it. In fact, most females will have suffered occasionally with this a long time before menopause even kicks in, usually on a night when you’re not in the mood and want nothing more than to go to bed, so the lubrication comes out of the drawer to make it a quicker affair! Vaginal dryness in menopause can just be a lengthier and perhaps more agitating issue, but fear not. It can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Read the Q&As below and understand your vaginal dryness:

What symptoms will suggest that I am suffering with vaginal dryness?

The first is that you will have an inadequate amount of moisture in the vaginal area. Vaginal lubrication, as you probably know, makes sexual intercourse a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, so if lubrication has decreased then sex may become painful. Light bleeding may even occur. Your vagina might also become itchy and you might find that wearing underwear worsens this problem. Urinating can also irritate or sting and you will find yourself popping to the rest room more regularly than usual. It is worth remembering that the severity of vaginal dryness will vary for each woman, and for some it might just be a mere annoyance.

When is vaginal dryness likely to start?

You aren’t all going to suffer with vaginal dryness, some of you will be lucky enough to escape it altogether. Studies report that 40-60% of women who are going through the menopausal transition will develop this condition. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know when it will happen because women can experience different symptoms at different stages of “the change,” and women start this phase of their lives at different ages. Just be prepared for it to happen, and don’t let it dampen your spirits. Vaginal dryness is not an inevitable part of growing old.

Why am I suffering with vaginal dryness?

You are suffering with vaginal dryness because unfortunately it comes as part of the menopause package. Get menopause and have vaginal dryness for free! On a more serious note, your body is going through a lot of changes, and the imbalance of raging hormones is causing less natural lubrication to be produced in the vaginal wall. Usually, during sex or sexual foreplay, a woman is aroused, and the brain sends blood to the pelvic area, which in turn stimulates the secretion of fluids. Menopause disrupts this process, causing dryness. It is worth nothing that other symptoms like loss of libido, stress, and anxiety may add to the problem, so these issues may need to be ironed out before the problem completely vanishes.

How can I relieve this problem?

You will be pleased to hear that vaginal dryness is one of the easiest symptoms of menopause to treat, and you can have a happier vagina in no time. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated at all times, usually with water, and avoid large quantities of alcohol and coffee (sorry ladies!). Eating a healthy and well balanced diet is also important. The body is at its healthiest when it is getting all the nutrients it needs, so use this as an excuse to quit the ‘no-fat’ or “no-fun” diet and give your body some cholesterol because it is this that helps produce the hormone we need for natural lubrication. Exercising is also vital. Take up yoga, or an alternative activity, which will lower stress levels. Finally, perhaps the most useful tip – buy some good old-fashioned lubrication. You can buy water based products which will make sex more comfortable, or use vaginal moisturizer to relieve any irritation down below when you aren’t participating in intercourse. Don’t be embarrassed to buy them. Instead be proud…you are mature woman who is still enjoying a fruitful sex life. We just need a little help to get us there, so what?

More information about Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is a normal symptom of the menopause, yet women are embarrassed to discuss it. Don’t suffer in silence because there are ways to reduce the effects of this troubling symptom. Follow this link to find out more vaginal dryness.