Vaginal dryness is a common and often not correctly treated problem among many women. It is usually a symptom of menopause due to low estrogen levels, but it can manifest at any age. This condition causes discomfort during intercourse, difficulties during tampon insertion, and many other troubles. Your vagina may feel sore and itchy, and urinating can be painful.

It is essential not to stress and feel shame about this condition; it happens to the majority of women at one point in their lives and fortunately, is easily treatable. Our gynecologist in Sarasota, FL, has successfully helped many women tackle this issue. You can take control of your reproductive health by contacting us at University Park OBGYN and finding relief. Let’s talk about remedies for vaginal dryness and what causes it.

Symptoms

If you suffer from the following symptoms, you probably have vaginal dryness:

  • Soreness and/or itchiness in and around your vagina
  • Pain or discomfort during penetration
  • Frequent urination and burning sensation while urinating
  • Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)

It is normal for women to have low libido due to these unbearable symptoms. Do not be ashamed if you also feel the same way because there are many ways to cure and prevent vaginal dryness. 

Woman Feel Pain During Menstrual Cycle

Causes

Several factors can contribute to this uncomfortable matter, such as:

  • Hormonal changes: Menopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are all phases in your life that can lead to vaginal dryness due to changes in your hormones. 
  • Certain medications: Antidepressants and contraceptive pills are both known to lead to estrogen deficiency and, therefore, lack of regular lubrication.
  • Chemotherapy: General dryness in a person’s whole body is one of the most common effects after undergoing chemotherapy. In women, it will lead to vaginal dryness as well. 
  • Hysterectomy: You may be faced with this issue after your womb is removed due to limited blood supply to the reproductive region. 
  • Douching: It can result in vaginal dryness, yeast infection, and bacterial vaginosis, worsening the existing problem.
  • Not having foreplay before intercourse: During intercourse, a woman’s brain signals to the reproductive organs that they should start lubricating the walls of the vagina. If you are not aroused before having sex, you may feel pain or discomfort due to vaginal dryness.
  • Some medical conditions: Diseases such as diabetes or Sjogren’s syndrome can also affect your vagina’s ability to self-lubricate. If you have diabetes, high blood sugar damages blood vessels in your cervix and womb.

Diagnosis 

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider so you can get the appropriate vaginal dryness treatment. You will be asked about your medical history to see how long you have been experiencing them and when they feel the worst. 

Your gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam to see if there is any thinning inside or redness. This process will help them eliminate other risk factors, such as bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infection. They may even remove some cells and send them to a lab to perform a Pap test. There is also a urine test if you suffer from a urinary tract infection in combination with vaginal dryness. 

Treatment

Vaginal dryness treatment is advised according to the main cause of it. For example, if the leading risk factor is estrogen deficiency, your gynecologist will probably prescribe hormone replacement therapy to balance your hormones. If you are looking for a solution to vaginal dryness, these are several possible options:

  • Topical estrogen: There are three types of vaginal estrogen, including ring, gel, cream, and tablet. All of these are applied to your vagina to help with vaginal atrophy. Although these release a certain amount of estrogen into your bloodstream, they are not as strong as hormone replacement therapy. Also, some side effects include tender breasts and vaginal bleeding. It is essential to talk with your doctor to see if this is the right choice for you.
  • Hormone replacement therapy: As mentioned previously, this is also a possible option for those looking to alleviate the symptoms of estrogen deficiency. This is a good solution for those in menopause.
  • Vaginal moisturizers: Just like the name says, these gels provide moisture around and in your vagina. It comes with an applicator that is inserted inside your vagina. You can buy a vaginal moisturizer over the counter, and many brands are available. 
  • Lubricants: Sexual intercourse without lubricant can result in pain, discomfort, and even bleeding. Artificial lubrication can make everything smoother by keeping vaginal walls soft and reducing friction during penetration. Water-based lubricants are the most common and often the most recommended by gynecologists.
  • Laser treatment: This procedure promotes the production of collagen and blood vessels in your reproductive area. It usually takes a few minutes to moisturize vaginal walls. Laser treatment is a good solution to prevent vaginal dryness by stimulating estrogen production. It is minimally invasive and safe.
  • Longer foreplay: One of the best remedies for vaginal dryness is to give yourself time to enjoy the moment and take things slow so your vagina can lubricate on its own. Every woman is different and has a unique reproductive system. If you need more time, just let your partner know.

To maintain the health of your vulva and vagina, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid any scented products such as soaps and douches. Additionally, it is always a good idea to have a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, be physically active, and avoid smoking and alcohol to boost your overall health. If you are struggling with mental health due to this condition, we urge you to contact a psychologist or someone you trust to get the support you need. 

These tips, in combination with some of the vaginal dryness treatment options, can show excellent results.

When to Call a Doctor

Although not dangerous, vaginal dryness can cause many uncomfortable symptoms and affect your mental health. It is imperative to talk with your gynecologist if you feel like something wrong is happening with your reproductive organs. Make sure to contact their office if you feel burning, itching, and pain during penetration.

Other health conditions, such as diabetes and urinary tract infections, can cause vaginal dryness as well, so it is crucial to get the correct diagnosis. Although it may seem embarrassing to discuss it, many women visit their gynecologists daily because of the same issue. 

Blond Middle Age Woman Having Gynecology Consultation Sitting on Chair in Medical Clinic

To Conclude

Vaginal dryness is a common condition that the majority of women experience at several points in their lives. Dealing with it can be challenging, both physically and mentally. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are possible remedies for vaginal dryness. 

By understanding what causes it and learning how to handle it, you can take control of your reproductive health and find relief from dryness. We at University Park OBGYN have a solution to vaginal dryness and are urging you to visit us soon.