Vaginal dryness is a very common problem among women of any age, but it occurs more frequently in those who are approaching menopause or who have already gone through it.
What Is Vaginal Dryness
Characterized by a decrease or absence of natural vaginal fluids, vaginal dryness ends up causing discomfort during sexual intercourse. This happens because the vagina becomes less moist and may not have the same elasticity, lubrication, and texture as expected1.
Main Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Besides menopause, the use of certain medications and substances can also result in vaginal dryness. The problem may also be caused by hormonal imbalances for various reasons.
The production of vaginal secretions is closely linked to the hormone estrogen and many factors can influence the delicate hormonal balance of the body. Estrogen is responsible for both cervical mucus and sexual lubrication. If there is a lack of this hormone, dryness can occur2.
Vaginal dryness can result from factors such as stress, ovarian disorders, and vaginal infections. Another factor that can cause this issue is the onset of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy due to low blood flow in the pelvis. It is also common during breastfeeding because of changes in hormone levels. Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking can also cause vaginal dryness.
For women of reproductive age, vaginal dryness may often be a case of hormonal imbalance, which is also accompanied by irregular cycles. In some cases, lifestyle and dietary changes may be enough to restore hormonal balance.
During menopause, it is common to experience vaginal dryness because during this period the ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen. A crucial difference in vaginal dryness during menopause is that, although it is normal, you should keep an eye on it. Because it is a symptom that can last a long time, it is necessary to see a doctor to discuss possible treatments. Vaginal dryness for prolonged periods can cause complications such as vaginal atrophy.
Vaginal dryness is a frequent problem during menopause, but it also affects women who are still far from this stage. Thousands suffer from a lack of vaginal lubrication, even among women aged 19 to 35, with a fully active sex life and in their productive phase.
In many cases, there is no physiological reason but rather psychological causes, due to trauma, fears, or insecurity generated by various factors or a woman’s experiences. In this case, the best thing to do is to seek help from a psychologist or therapist to address the root cause and have a better quality sex life.
Another very common occurrence among women is the lack of stimulation from the partner, as well as a lack of harmony during sex. These are situations that can also affect lubrication, causing vaginal dryness. So it’s always advisable to pay attention to foreplay, prepare your body, and have a more pleasurable sexual relationship.
One way to help at this time and increase pleasure is to use lubricants or lubricant gels. But for those trying to conceive, it is important to remember that regular lubricants are harmful to sperm. Prefer fertility-friendly lubricants that mimic fertile mucus and help sperm rather than hinder them.
Stress can interfere, and even the anxiety to please your partner more than yourself can affect lubrication. Sexual intercourse is a moment of surrender, mutual pleasure, and stimulation from both partners. So relax, explore each other, and enjoy the moment.
If not treated, vaginal dryness can become a problem in married life. It can cause intense pain during sex, and with this, the woman may increasingly lose interest.
The lack of libido and desire for sex can disrupt marital harmony and lead to psychological problems such as guilt and low self-esteem for both. Taking care of the couple’s sex life is taking care to keep the relationship healthy.
Due to dryness, penetration becomes painful and sometimes even traumatic. Sex comes with burning sensations and even the appearance of lesions on the vaginal walls, which in some cases even causes bleeding. The pain can last even after intercourse, when women may feel pain even while urinating.
The problem should not be seen as something temporary or trivial, and it is necessary to see a gynecologist for assessment and treatment. The use of medications that might be responsible for vaginal dryness, as well as other organic causes, will be investigated in order to solve the problem and restore normal vaginal lubrication.
If necessary, the use of lubricants may be prescribed to help with treatment until vaginal lubrication returns to normal.
How to Treat Vaginal Dryness
Only a gynecologist is able to identify the true cause of vaginal dryness. It is necessary to review all medications used, as well as do tests to assess hormone levels and rule out possible infections.
After ruling out all hypotheses, the appropriate treatment will be defined. In the case of women who suffer from vaginal dryness because they are nearing menopause or are going through it, the problem lies in hormonal imbalance. In this case, in most situations, hormone replacement therapy will be recommended.
When caused by the use of certain medications, stopping their use or switching to one with different components may be the solution. The use of lubricants is also an alternative, even before discovering the real cause of the lack of lubrication.
The most recommended are those made with water as a base because they do not irritate the mucous membranes. It is important to highlight the difference between lubricants and vaginal moisturizers. Moisturizers should be used constantly and combat the effects of prolonged dryness. Lubricants are intended to reduce friction during intercourse.
However, this does not mean that lubricants cannot be therapeutic. If there is no vaginal secretion or there are alterations, sperm may be affected. While regular lubricants can kill sperm, some lubricants mimic cervical mucus. This makes intercourse more pleasurable and favors pregnancy.
See Also: Discomfort During Sexual Intercourse – How to Overcome
