Vaginal dryness is a symptom that many women experience at some point in their lives. It is painful due to several reasons, the most common of which is menopause. But the question is, “Should you really not worry about it, or would you have to do something to address it?”
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about vaginal dryness and how to treat it if you are experiencing it.
What is Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness is the pain that you experience while sitting, peeing, or during any activity. Normally, the vaginal lining is lubricated with fluid to keep it thick and elastic. When you have vaginal dryness, the tissues in your vagina are dry, thin, and not well moisturised.
The effect is you feel uncomfortable, especially during sexual intercourse.
The Common Symptoms
For you to be able to properly identify the condition that you have, you should know all the symptoms of vaginal dryness which are:
- Feeling of soreness or itchiness in and around your vagina
- Pain and discomfort during sexual activity
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Recurrent UTIs
All these symptoms affect the quality of life, so the best thing to do if you have vaginal dryness is to get it treated.
Common Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Apart from knowing the symptoms, we should also learn about the possible causes why a person experiences vaginal dryness. There are several causes of vaginal dryness, including:
In many cases of vaginal dryness, it happens when a woman’s oestrogen levels decrease, which happens when you age or during the menopausal stage. When these hormones go low in number, the skin and tissues of your vagina and vulva become thinner and less elastic. Hence, the dryness.
Other health conditions and treatments also cause vaginal dryness. It can be from:
- Breastfeeding and delivery
- Taking birth control pills or any birth control involving hormones
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy
- Diabetes
- Medications such as anti-oestrogen medications (i.e., treating endometriosis), some antidepressants and antihistamines.
- Having your ovaries removed (called oophorectomy)
- Autoimmune disorder called Sjogren’s syndrome causes dryness throughout the body
- Using perfumed and scented soaps and washes around or in your vagina
- Not being aroused (during intimacy)
Remedies, Care, and Treatment
Before we continue with the natural remedies for vaginal dryness and how to care for it, we must first talk about how it is properly diagnosed. The doctor will base their diagnosis on your medical history and physical examination.
They will try to identify the exact cause why you’re experiencing vaginal dryness by asking you what symptoms are bothering you and any medications you’re currently taking.
As for the physical examination, they may conduct the following tests:
- A pelvic exam to have a visual inside your vagina (they will assess if the inside is thin, dry, and red)
- And a blood test to check if changes in your hormone levels or an existing health condition is causing the dryness
- Or a test of your vaginal discharge so your doctor can rule out other causes or if you have signs of an infection that you don’t know of
How to Treat Vaginal Dryness
Worry not, for there are many available treatments for this condition, even treatments for painful intercourse caused by vaginal dryness (dyspareunia).
For the medications, we have low-dose oestrogen cream, ring or tablet. They are directly applied into your genitalia using an applicator. These are prescribed for daily use until you are relieved (then weekly as needed). The ring containing oestrogen will be put into your vagina for a maximum of three months to be replaced by a new ring.
Other medications are ospemifene and dehydroepiandrosterone. Both of which act like an oestrogen. The only difference is that the former is taken by mouth while the latter is a vaginal suppository. Your gynaecologist will recommend which among these you will take.
There are also lubricants and moisturisers that help relieve the painful symptoms of vaginal dryness, which you can buy at drugstores without a prescription. Regarding vaginal moisturisers, apply them to the inside of your vagina every couple of days to moisturise the vaginal lining. As for vaginal lubricants, apply them just before any sexual activity to ease discomfort. You can choose from water-based lubricants, silicon-based lubricants, and oil-based lubricants.
Are there foods to naturally lubricate the female genitalia?
There is no definitive research on specific foods to eat. The only suggestion you might get from your gynae or healthcare provider could be staying well-hydrated throughout the day.
Are there natural remedies to treat vaginal dryness?
Trusted sources say that natural oils may be a natural remedy. Examples are grape seed, coconut, sunflower, vegetable, and olive oils. But you should use them as an external lubricant before sex. You should note that oil-based lubricants can cause the condom to break. Thus, it is best to use water-based lubricants if you are of childbearing age. Otherwise, you can use them.
Prevention: Is It Possible?
There are also sexual wellness tips that you can benefit from. Following them can do you no harm.
- Communicate with your partner. Tell them about your symptoms so you can get it checked and treated before it worsens.
- Foreplay is important. The goal here is to get aroused before sexual activity to increase lubrication.
- Try to relax. Talk to your partner if they want to explore intimate activities that you have an idea about. Do these things to make sex more enjoyable.
When Should You See a Doctor/Gynae?
Vaginal dryness is not a sign of a serious health condition. The challenge in it is your embarrassment of discussing this concern to your healthcare provider. But always remember that doctors value your privacy as a patient. This kind of pain and discomfort significantly affects your day-to-day activities.
Let’s help you with the circumstances as to when should you see your gynaecologist.
- Interferes with your work, family, and personal commitments
- Affects your sex life and/or your relationship with your partner
- Does not get any better even with natural remedies
- If you experience severe vaginal bleeding
Conclusion
If you have been feeling discomfort for the past couple of days due to vaginal dryness, be wise and contact a Singapore women’s clinic immediately. The earlier you get it treated, the sooner you can get back to your good old life, without the interference of this vaginal concern.
Contact us at WS Law Women’s Clinic to book a consultation. We are always ready to help every woman in need of health assistance and treatment.