Vaginal health is an integral but often overlooked aspect of a woman’s overall health. One of the most frequent — but least talked about issues is: vaginal dryness. Many believe that they can only have vaginal dryness if they’re in the middle of or following menopause, but it’s not exclusively so. This can cause you discomfort, itching and pain during sex — not to mention make you more susceptible to infections if left untreated.
Hormonal changes are the most common culprit, but lifestyle factors, stress, some medications and even your everyday hygiene habits can also play a part. The vagina, as delicate tissues go in the body, depends on a fair amount of natural lubrication for its protection, flexibility and comfort; when that balance is disrupted — which can be due to a variety of factors other than menopause — dryness occurs.
Vaginal dryness, as Dr Ritu Sharma from Vinayak Hospitals in Bengaluru told Moneycontrol, is not something that women should suffer in silence. When the underlying cause – hormonal, medical or lifestyle-related – is pinpointed, it makes it easier to select the most suitable preventive methods. “Simple modifications, early interventions and open dialogue with healthcare providers can have a huge impact,” she told Moneycontrol.
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Here is a closer look at the causes, symptoms and preventive strategies all women should be aware of.
Causes of Vaginal Dryness
- Hormonal Changes: Levels of estrogen decrease during menopause, post partum, and while breast-feeding causing decreased natural lubrication.
- Medications: Medications that patients take to treat cancer, depression and allergies can also have a vaginal-drying effect.
- Stress and Anxiety: Long-term stress changes the balance of hormones and can also decrease lubrication associated with arousal.
- Hygiene Products: The vaginal lining is so delicate that the use of soap, scented wipes and douches can all irritate it.
- Common Symptoms: Persistent itching or burning sensation
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse: Light bleeding after intercourse
- Higher susceptibility to urinary or vaginal infections: Ongoing tightness/weird dryness of the skin
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key to the overall health of our mucous membranes, including our vagina.
- Avoid Harsh Products: You should use mild, unscented soaps or soap-free wash instead of scented soaps and sprays.
- Use Lubricants and Moisturizers: Water-based lubricants or vaginal moisturizers can be used for instant relief.
- Manage Stress: Remedies such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises regulate hormones naturally.
- Seek Medical Support: For more chronic dryness, doctors may recommend topical estrogen therapy or other medical interventions.
What causes vaginal dryness?
- Hormonal Changes: Estrogen levels decrease during menopause, postpartum, and while breastfeeding, causing reduced natural lubrication.
- Medications: Medications for cancer, depression, and allergies can also lead to vaginal dryness.
- Stress and Anxiety: Long-term stress alters hormone balance and can reduce lubrication associated with arousal.
- Hygiene Products: The delicate vaginal lining can be irritated by soap, scented wipes, and douches.
- Persistent itching or burning sensation
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse
- Light bleeding after intercourse
- Higher susceptibility to urinary or vaginal infections
- Ongoing tightness/weird dryness of the skin
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for the health of mucous membranes, including the vagina.
- Avoid Harsh Products: Use mild, unscented soaps or soap-free washes instead of scented soaps and sprays.
- Use Lubricants and Moisturizers: Water-based lubricants or vaginal moisturizers can provide instant relief.
- Manage Stress: Yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises can help regulate hormones naturally.
- Seek Medical Support: For chronic dryness, doctors may recommend topical estrogen therapy or other medical interventions.
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