Vaginal dryness is often associated with menopause and the pre-menopausal phase. But did you know that one can experience it even before your periods leave you alone for the rest of your life? Well, according to a report by the British Menopause Society, more than 17% of women suffer from vaginal dryness before the age of 51 (the average menopause age). So if you too have been experiencing lack of vaginal discharge or its complete absence even when aroused, you’re not alone. Let’s look at all the possible causes of vaginal dryness before you get into the panic mode:
Causes Of Vaginal Dryness
Picture this: You and bae are getting all handsy and even though you’re completely turned on, you’re not wet. Why, you wonder? Well, here are five common culprits that might be causing it:
Menopause
According to a 2018 study, menopause is the most common cause of vaginal dryness. In fact, more than 95% of women suffer from it before or during menopause. This is because with age-induced decrease in estrogen (female sex hormone) can reduce the blood flow to the vagina and hampers its ability to produce enough lubrication during sex.
Hormonal Imbalance
If you’re not menopausal but are still experiencing vaginal dryness, it could be due to a hormonal imbalance. Factors such as stress, vigorous exercise, childbirth, and breastfeeding can cause a slew of changes in the body that can lead to a reduction in your estrogen levels. This is often not a cause of worry and can be fixed with an active lifestyle, healthy diet, and hormonal pills prescribed by your doc.
Medicines
Cold and allergy medicines and some anti-depressants can also dry out the vagina and keep it from producing enough lubrication. Once the course of your medicines is over, your vagina will regain its lost glory.
Lack Of Sexual Arousal
Sometimes, the lack of vaginal lubrication can also stem from a lack of sexual arousal. Maybe you don’t feel connected to your partner, maybe they’re just not doing it right, maybe your mind is distracted and you’re not into it.
Underlying Conditions
According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Research, conditions such as the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can lead to sexual dysfunction. This includes loss of libido and vaginal dryness due to the resulting hormonal imbalance. It can also be a side-effect of a vaginal infection or inflammation. Additionally, mental-health issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma can also keep you from enjoying sex and getting wet.
Effects Of Vaginal Dryness
Are you hiding your condition? Well, in case you are then apart from making sexual intercourse awfully painful, it can cause injuries and cuts in the vaginal canal. This can lead to a burning sensation while peeing. Worse still, if any bacteria enters the bloodstream through these open wounds and releases toxins, it can cause instant death due to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Additionally, the dryness can also cause itching, irritation, discomfort, and constant pain down there and make you lose your mojo completely.
How To Keep Vaginal Dryness At Bay
All the deets on the causes of vaginal dryness and its painful consequences may make it seem like the scariest thing in the world. But don’t worry, we’ve got you, boo. Here are five simple and effective ways to keep vaginal dryness from ruining your sex life:
Avoid Douching
Introducing a stream of water into the vagina to “clean” it is the biggest blunder you can commit for your intimate health. It can disturb the naural flora of your vag and cause infections and dryness. The truth is that the vagina is a self-cleansing organ. All it needs from you is to give it space and let it take care of itself.
Maintain Proper Intimate Hygiene
Yes, your vagina doesn’t need your intervention. But the areas surrounding it–the pubic mounds, vulva, and groin can’t self-clean. If you don’t wash these areas, all the germ and sweat buildup on them can lead to skin and vaginal infections and even vaginal dryness. According to the guidelines by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, it’s important to use a gentle cleanser to clean the area at least once a day. However, you’ve got to steer clear of using harsh soaps or perfumed products to do so as they can aggravate vaginal dryness.
POPxo Recommends Best Intimate Wash: Sirona’s Natural Intimate Wash
Made with natural ingredients like Tasmanian pepper fruit, this product is harsh on the germs but gentle on the sensitive genital skin. It leaves your intimate area squeaky clean and keeps it fresh all day long without disturbing the natural acidic mantle down there.
Switch To A Menstrual Cup
Pads and tampons absorb period blood and can render the vagina dry. However, a menstrual cup collects the catamenia instead of absorbing it and doesn’t lead to vaginal dryness. So switching to a menstrual cup can really help prevent or control vaginal dryness.
POPxo Recommends Best Menstrual Cup: Sirona’s Menstrual Cup
Made with 100% medical-grade silicone, the cup is super-flexible and can be inserted easily into the vagina. With a whopping capacity of 28 ml, it provides leak-proof protection for eight hours straight.
Moisturise
The best way to combat vaginal dryness is to lube up. Using a lubricant on the vaginal opening can make sex less painful and moisturise the vagina too. It can help you get back in action!
POPxo Recommends Best Lube: Sirona’s Moisturising Lube Tube
It’s water-based, glycerine-free, and is made with nourishing natural ingredients like aloe vera and riberry. Sirona’s Moisturising Lube Tube is a godsend if you suffer from vaginal dryness. It can moisturise the vaginal opening, relieve itching and irrtation, and make sex pleasurable. The best part? It is dermatologically-tested and is safe to use multiple times. The product comes in two more variants—strawberry and blackcurrant flavour—to help you make the most of your pleasure sesh.
If the vaginal dryness is persistent or is accompanied with extreme itching, irritation, redness or fever, you must visit a doctor. Better safe than sorry, right?
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
How To Deal With Menopause: Are your periods finally going away for good? Know all about dealing with the hormonal frenzy during this time.
Everything About Vulvovaginal Health: Here’s a detailed guide on how to keep your intimate area fresh and healthy.
Vaginal Care: Here are the do’s and don’ts of taking care of your vagina like a boss.
