Symptoms and causes of vaginal dryness, How to treat vaginal dryness and never have painful s3x again!

Vaginal dryness can affect any woman, however, after the menopause it is very common, affecting over half of post-menopausal women aged between 51 and 60. This article will help you to understand vaginal dryness, the symptoms, causes, and treatment, and allow you to approach your GP with confidence. It will help you to understand that you are not alone in suffering from this common condition, and encourage you to take the first steps towards regaining your s3xual confidence and quality of life.

Normally, the walls of the vagina stay lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. The hormone estrogen helps maintain that fluid and keeps the lining of your vagina healthy, thick, and elastic.

A drop in estrogen levels reduces the amount of moisture available. It can happen at any age from a number of different causes.

It may seem like a minor irritation. But the lack of vaginal moisture can have a huge impact on your s3x life. Fortunately, several treatments are available to relieve vaginal dryness.

Symptoms of a dry vagina

• Some women only have symptoms of vaginal dryness at certain times, such as during s3x, while others have them all the time. Some symptoms are mentioned below;
• a reduced s3x drive
• needing to pee more often than usual
• difficulty getting aroused and reaching orgasm
• vaginal irritation, discomfort, itchiness or a burning sensation
• discomfort during s3x
• the surface of the vagina looks pale and thin
• repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• narrowing or shortening of the vagina

Causes of vaginal dryness

Causes of a dry vagina include:

• Decreased levels of the hormone estrogen during the menopause can cause persistent vaginal dryness (also known as vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis)
• Estrogen levels can temporarily decrease after giving birth and make your vagina feel drier than usual
• if you don't feel aroused before having s3x, your vagina may not produce natural lubricant and s3x may be uncomfortable
• The combined contraceptive pill and contraceptive injection can occasionally cause vaginal dryness, although this is uncommon
• Radiotherapy to the pelvic area, hormonal cancer treatments, and sometimes chemotherapy can cause vaginal dryness
• Vaginal dryness is also sometimes caused by an underlying condition such as diabetes or Sjogren’s syndrome, where the immune attacks the glands in the body that produce fluid.

What to do if you have a dry vagina

• If you're having problems with vaginal dryness, it's worth trying self-help options first. It can help to:
• try using a lubricant or vaginal moisturizer these can be bought without a prescription
• give yourself enough time to become aroused before having s3x – read more about female arousal and get good s3x tips
• It's a good idea to see your GP for advice if:
• self-help measures aren't effective
• your symptoms are particularly severe and are interfering with your normal activities
• you have other troublesome symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats
• Local estrogen this is available in the form of small tablets inserted into the vagina with an applicator, vaginal rings or Vaginal dryness can respond well to local estrogen treatments, they can also help greatly with discomfort and pain during s3x, correct the vaginal pH and regulate bacteria. Unlike conventional forms of HRT, the effects are local therefore the risks are reduced
• Avoid perfumed soaps
• Use creams to treat skin irritation
• Lubricants and moisturizers can be useful, particularly for women who are not suited to estrogen
• Take more time during s3xual intercourse giving the Bartholin's gland time to produce the maximum amount of lubrication before intercourse

Here are some natural lubricants for vaginal dryness made with ingredients from your kitchen

OLIVE OIL;

Olive oil is packed with unsaturated fatty acids that help enhance hydration and repair vaginal tissues. Massage a teaspoon inside your vagina twice a day to see results.

ALOE VERA;

We know Aloe Vera is beneficial for our skin, especially when you are burnt from being out in the sun too long. Aloe’s hydrating compounds reduce irritation and itching while promoting the production of natural lubricants.

If you are using fresh Aloe, break a piece off and cut through the outer layer of the plant (or the skin of the plant). Apply the gel from inside directly onto the dry or inflamed parts of the vagina. You can also add a drop or two of tea oil to the gel, and apply that mixture to your vagina, twice a day.

SEA BUCKTHORN OIL;

Sea buckthorn oil could be found in any health food store, it is used orally. It has been found to help with mucosal integrity within the vagina which in turn reduces vaginal dryness and irritation.

ESSENTIAL OILS;

Tea tree oil and chamomile especially known to help with vaginal dryness, itching, and discharge, all essential oils must only be used with a carrier oil and never directly onto your vagina. In fact, test the oil first on your inner arm to make sure it doesn’t irritate you.

Add one to two drops to a carrier oil like olive oil or with aloe vera gel and apply the mixture to your vagina.

COCONUT OIL;

Coconut oil is known as a “Miracle Cure” for so many things, that it’s easy to dismiss it as yet another magical snake oil and I would have done so as well had I not read up on the research!

Coconut oil is a wonderful lubricant as it restores the skin’s barrier function, which helps to reduce vaginal dryness such as itchiness, burning pain and of course, dryness. Mix coconut oil with a few drops of vitamin E and you have yourself a power-packed lubricant!

A little goes a long way, so apply a dab inside the edge and outside the entrance of vagina daily, as well as applying before s3x.

Remember

• Vaginal dryness is a very common problem and affects more than half of women after the menopause, however, some women may experience problems with vaginal dryness before the menopause
• Vaginal dryness is a painful condition which can impact on quality of life and relationships
• There are a number of effective treatments that can treat vaginal dryness easily and effectively
• Vaginal dryness is an embarrassing condition but it needs to be addressed and it is well worth discussing your symptoms with your doctor and also your partner

Sources:- www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/

www.drannacabeca.com/blogs/vaginal-dryness/natural-lubricants-for-vaginal-dryness-made-with-ingredients-from-your-kitchen

www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/vaginal-dryness/