What is vaginal dryness?
Your vaginal walls are coated with a thin layer of moisture that creates an ideal environment for sperm to survive. As you age, however, changes in the production of estrogen can cause the vaginal walls to thin and secrete moisture.
While vaginal dryness can occur at any age, it most commonly affects women during menopause. Other vaginal dryness causes include:
- Depression
- Breastfeeding
- Smoking
- Immune system complications
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Stress
- Too much exercise
- Childbirth
Douching and certain products, such as lotions and creams, can also cause dryness and irritation when applied to the vaginal area.
How can vaginal dryness affect me?
While discomfort during sexual intercourse is one of the most common effects of vaginal dryness, it’s not the only problem you may experience. Other vaginal dryness effects include:
- Vaginal burning
- Vaginal itching
- Bleeding after sex
- Loss of sexual interest
- Persistent vaginal soreness
- Recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections)
If you experience itching, burning, or pain during intercourse for more than a few days, talk to a doctor at Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology about your vaginal dryness treatment options right away.
How is vaginal dryness treated?
How your vaginal dryness treatment depends on what’s causing it. Your doctor can examine your vagina to check for thinning vaginal walls, abnormal vaginal discharge, or lacerations before making a proper diagnosis. They may also recommend a hormone test to check your estrogen levels. Some of the most common vaginal dryness treatments include:
Over-the-counter (OTC) lubricants
Water-based lubricants and creams can moisturize your vaginal walls to make sexual intercourse more enjoyable. They also help decrease vaginal irritation and pain, while some can even change the pH levels in your vagina.
Estrogen therapy
If your vaginal dryness is caused by low estrogen levels, especially during menopause, your doctor can prescribe a pill, ring, cream, or pellets that releases estrogen directly to your vaginal tissues.
Lifestyle changes
Douching or irritating soaps, creams, and perfumes may also cause your vaginal dryness. Switching to products formulated for sensitive vaginal skin can dramatically improve your vaginal wetness. If you experience vaginal dryness primarily during sexual intercourse, foreplay can also help prevent sexual dryness.
Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology also offers vaginal revitalization treatments that can improve vaginal lubrication.
There’s no need to feel embarrassed about vaginal dryness when talking to the experienced health care providers at Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology. Call or schedule a visit online for more information.
