Why do I have vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness occurs when the vagina does not produce enough lubrication, potentially leading to itching and chaffing in and around the area and uncomfortable intercourse. As a result, a woman suffering with vaginal dryness may not only feel uncomfortable throughout the day, but her relationship with her significant other may be affected by the dysfunction. To learn more about the causes and treatment options, continue reading down the page.

What causes vaginal dryness?

vaginal dryness lubricant The most common cause of vaginal dryness is the reduced production of the hormone estrogen. Without a sufficient amount of estrogen, the elasticity and acidity are also reduced causing a thinner, more delicate vaginal lining. There are many reasons a woman may develop vaginal dryness but the condition is often synonymous with menopause. Also, certain medications, medical conditions, and even douching can disrupt balance.

Who is at risk for developing vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is most often seen at times of hormonal imbalance caused by rapidly decreasing estrogen. Because of this, there are certain women, or rather certain time periods in a woman’s life, that are more likely to experience vaginal dryness. Women are more likely if they:

vaginal dryness dry • Are menopausal or postmenopausal
• Recently gave birth or are breast feeding
• Have cancer and are undergoing treatment
• Have had the ovaries removed
• Have immune disorders
• Smoke cigarettes or abuse alcohol

What can I do about vaginal dryness?

There are many options available for treatment of vaginal dryness. There are medications a doctor can prescribe and even behaviors you can implement. If you have vaginal dryness, you might try;

• Using a vaginal lubricant during intercourse.
• Giving yourself more time to get used to the idea of intercourse; elongate foreplay.
• Avoid douching, bubble baths, and other products with scent near the sensitive area.
• Try estrogen therapy. Introducing hormones into the body can sometimes make symptoms worse and for that reason it is very important to be closely monitored by a professional. Try natural forms of estrogen first, as they have a lower risk of side effects.

To learn more

Vaginal dryness isn’t typically a sign of a more serious health complication, but can be a disturbance to normal life. There are many forms of treatment available and your doctor can help you determine what the best treatment for you may be. To continue reading about this and other related topics, visit this link.