Are you suffering with burning, itching issues in your vagina? If yes, chances are you are experiencing vaginal dryness, which is a common sign that your body’s natural levels of estrogen have decreased particularly as menopause approaches. However, there are several other reasons as well that cause vaginal dryness. It is a common sign, so many treatment options are available. You can use over-the-counter treatments like lubricants and moisturizers to manage vaginal dryness or some home remedies. However, it is not always useful. Learn about vaginal dryness causes and when you seek professional help for vaginal dryness in this article. Schedule an appointment at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center.
Causes
Typically, vaginal dryness happens when your estrogen levels decrease mostly due to menopause approaches. Menopause is a natural process in women’s lives with age their menstrual period ends, and their ovaries stop producing estrogen which is required for them to become pregnant. Estrogen keeps the tissues and skin of your vulva and vagina from becoming thinner and less elastic, which results in vaginal dryness.
Certain health conditions or treatments for health can lead to vaginal dryness, including:
- Breastfeeding
- Childbirth
- If you’re taking birth control pills.
- Menopause
- If you have your ovaries removed (oophorectomy).
- If you receive treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy or hormonal treatment.
- If you take anti-estrogen medication for treating breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids) or medications like antihistamines used to treat itchy eyes or runny nose treatment) or antidepressants.
- Diabetes
- If you develop an autoimmune disorder, called Sjogren’s syndrome, it can cause dryness in the whole body.
- Reduce blood supply to the vagina.
- Stress and anxiety, which affect libido or vaginal lubrication.
- If you’re not being sexually aroused.
- If you develop Flammer syndrome, in which your blood vessels work differently because of cold or stress.
- If you use scented soaps, douches, or washes around or on your vagina.
Females who smoke may experience menopause earlier than those who don’t, so they may experience vaginal dryness at an earlier age.
Symptoms
People with vaginal dryness may experience symptoms, such as:
- Vaginal itching or soreness
- Burning
- Irritation
- Frequently peeing
- Pain during penetrative sex or avoid sex.
- Discomfort during physical activity
- Higher risk of getting vaginal infections and urinary tract infections
If the dryness happens due to an estrogen level drop, you may have:
- A lower level of natural vaginal secretions.
- Tightening in vaginal opening.
- Narrowing of the vagina.
These changes can lead to less moisture in your vulvar area, making you feel dryness or irritation when you wear underwear or during normal activities like walking or sitting.
How can moisturizers and lubricants help?
Without a prescription, you can easily get lubricants and moisturizers from a drug or grocery store. They can help to replenish your vaginal tissue and make it wet, which prevents pain during sex. However, don’t use moisturizers that aren’t meant for vaginal use like those used for the face or body.
- Vaginal moisturizers:
This is one of the easiest ways to reduce vaginal dryness because they are designed specifically for the vagina to keep it moist and relieve vaginal dryness symptoms. It has two types, including – internal moisturizers that can be inserted inside the vagina, where they help build up vaginal tissue. External moisturizers are made for the vulva.
You can apply the moisturizer a few times a week before bed and let it absorb. Here are some common examples of vaginal moisturizers – Replens, Luvena, and Liquibeads. However, don’t use moisturizer or cream that is not designed for the vagina, and avoid scented soaps or other toiletries as it makes vaginal dryness worse.
- Vaginal lubricants:
Water-based lubricants can lower discomfort during intercourse. Sexually active women should use lubricants in addition to a vaginal moisturizer. Applying a lubricant can relieve any pain and discomfort you may feel during sex because you give the area moisture.
Make sure when you choose lubricants, they should not contain petroleum jelly or glycerin because glycerin causes vaginal irritation, and petroleum jelly causes condoms to weaken or break during sex. Silicone-based lubricants can last long, and oil-based lubricants can irritate and make condoms less effective. So, choose wisely.
If your irritation and pain during sex don’t improve after 2 months of use, or you have other symptoms, then, consider seeing a gynecologist.
When to seek professional help?
Vaginal dryness is not a sign of a serious medical condition, but some women may feel embarrassed to talk about it with their doctors. However, many treatment options are available. You should contact a healthcare provider if:
- You notice bleeding or unusual discharge from the vagina.
- Experience vaginal dryness for weeks and home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are not working.
- It interferes with your daily activities.
- Affect your sex life or relationship with your partner.
- It happens along with severe vaginal bleeding between your periods or after you have had sex.
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom that you may experience at some point in your levels, particularly, due to a drop in estrogen levels at the start of menopause. This dryness has no significant health consequences; however, it can become a source of discomfort. This dry feeling can cause painful sex or burning, itching, and soreness in your genitals. Mild symptoms can easily be managed by home remedies and over-the-counter options including vaginal moisturizers and lubricants during sexual activity. However, if symptoms don’t improve after 2 months of use, seek medical help.
Need help with vaginal dryness, visit our gynecology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional help. Call us to book your appointment now or for inquiries!!!
At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we have the best GYN doctor in Brooklyn, and we provide women with quality health care services. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call us on 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at http://www.gynecologistbrooklyn.com/.