Is your vagina dry and you don’t know what has caused the vaginal dryness? First, let’s make it clear that it is not a life-threatening condition. However, I cannot say that it will not cause discomfort and depending on the different moments, also painful.

The condition is treatable, but only if you seek treatment. Due to the affected area, women tend to shy away due to embarrassment. Whether your vagina is dry or too wet, it’s not something to blush about. If dryness becomes a problem that causes friction or pain for you or your partner, then you need help. Being a woman, I understand how embarrassing it is to have a doctor play your parts, but without help, your relationship can suffer considerably. Do not be selfish with yourself, nor with the man, all because your cheeks get red easily, whatever the problem, fix it.

When it comes to caring for the vagina, take a leaf out of a man’s book. The vagina is sacred so treat it as such, MEN DO IT” why not you?

dry vagina

Although dryness is known in many cases to cause vaginal itching and burning/stinging around the vaginal opening and in the lower third of the vagina, it is the pain that can occur during intercourse that women find most stressful.

Causes of vaginal dryness can include:

Sex
Diaphragms
antidepressants
antibiotics
Chemotherapy
Radiation
allergens
Showers – Tampons – Condoms

The dryness is a direct result of lower estrogen levels which is a common occurrence during and after menopause. When estrogen levels drop, vaginal tissue becomes thinner, less elastic, drier, and weaker. However, inadequate vaginal lubrication can occur in women of any age. It is also a characteristic sign of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis), thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to reduced estrogen.

For women who deny their man sex to avoid painful intercourse, did you know that there are vaginal lubricants that help make sex happen without discomfort? (Certain lubricants consist of a clear liquid that seeps through the walls of the blood vessels that surround the vagina.)

When a woman is sexually aroused, more blood flows to the pelvic organs and more fluid is produced. But the hormonal changes of menopause, having a baby, and breastfeeding can hinder the process and prevent action.

A drop in estrogen levels can be the result of:

Menopause
Hysterectomy
Sudden effort – effort
menstrual changes
The pregnancy
Birth
hormonal contraceptives
endometriosis
stress, tiredness
infertility drugs

How can I help prevent my vagina from drying out? Easy, stop using products that are likely to increase dryness or irritate vaginal tissue. Specific soaps, powder detergents, vaginal douches, scented gels and allergens contain harsh ingredients that you should stay away from if they contain questionable ingredients.

Another preferred option is Kegel exercises. They help increase circulation in the pelvic area, which in turn strengthens the vaginal tissue. While lubricants are occasionally useful for sex, specially formulated moisturizers will improve the health of the vaginal tissues. Particular formulas containing phytoestrogens are known for their ability to naturally replenish declining estrogen levels.

Flaxseeds are high in phytoestrogens and are known to minimize hot flashes and relieve discomfort from sore breasts. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for fighting heart disease, arthritis, and balancing hormones, and the result is usually less severe.

There is nothing better than supplements to help combat different conditions. This applies to the case of a dry vagina. Consider B vitamins and vitamin E. Vitamin A helps maintain flexibility. If you decide to take vitamins consult your doctor.

Another option is evening primrose oil.

healthy vagina

Prevent vaginal dryness and infections by maintaining a healthy vagina. If you’ve been lucky and haven’t had any issues with your bits “YET”, then be prepared for when you do.

A healthy vagina is moist and produces a reasonable amount of vaginal discharge. Over time, discharge due to hormonal cycles and aging can alter the behavior of the vagina. Typical vaginal fluid would appear clear/white, pasty or slippery in consistency and odorless.

The body relies on the hormones estrogen and progesterone to create ample lubricating secretions for the vagina. Going through the stage of perimenopause and menopause when hormones are changing, it is common for dryness to occur as less discharge is produced.

Various reasons for dryness.

Beware of soaps that are advertised as mild, such as Dove and Ivory, as they can dry out genital tissue because they are not pH balanced.

What you eat. Estrogen is needed to help lubricate the vagina. Since estrogen is created from cholesterol, the body’s ability to efficiently produce and metabolize estrogen is largely dependent on the fat we consume in our diet. But while there is a connection between fat in our diet and estrogen levels, it is essential to consume fats that promote health and hormonal balance rather than those that promote disease.

Hydration is important to keep the mucous membranes moist. Be careful with drinks that contain caffeine and avoid alcohol.

Medications: Specific medications, such as allergy or cold medications, even some antidepressants tend to dry out the mucous membranes, including the vaginal tissues. Ask your GP about birth control pills as they are known to cause this problem because the hormones they contain are not natural to the human body.

While most people associate dryness with the timing of perimenopause/menopause, hormonal imbalance can occur in women who have premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, anorexia, or pituitary and hypothalamic problems; and also in those who have recently given birth, are breastfeeding, have unbalanced diets and have undergone cancer therapy or smoke tobacco products.

Stress has an influential impact on the system and yet women tend to overlook the signs. By overloading the adrenal glands, chronic stress forces androgens to drop, interfering with the normal female sexual response cycle. At this point it affects the stages of excitement and decreases natural lubrication.

Natural solutions for vaginal dryness

Unfortunately, a large number of women who suffer from vaginal dryness continue to suffer because conventional medications do not work for them.

The suggestions below are meant to help, however they may work for some while for others they are useless solutions.

Add soy isoflavones to your diet. Whole soy foods are high in isoflavones and lignans and are known to help.

Give your body the highest level of nutritional support. The body will always find it difficult to function properly without essential ingredients. For example, omega-3 essential fatty acids support healthy cell membranes and hormonal balance.

Keep an eye on your vagina. Check it regularly with a mirror. Keeping track of any changes will help identify if dietary habits are the cause of particular problems.

Swap KY Jelly for a quality lubricant that contains methyl paraben. Choose a natural lubricant like Sylk or Astroglide without parabens or glycerin.

Natural oil such as sweet almond or grape seed oil after a bath is effective.

Control the condition by using vitamin E suppositories. Topically applied vitamin E can help restore thin vaginal tissue.