The Leading Causes of Vaginal Dryness and What You Can Do to Resolve the Issue

So, ladies, let's talk about something we don't really discuss but definitely should: vaginal dryness. Yep, clearly one of those topics that would never arise over coffee with the girls, though it affects more women than one would suspect.

Vaginal dryness, believe it or not, is quite common: in fact, it affects more than half of postmenopausal women and 17% of women aged 18 to 50 years. You're definitely not the only one feeling a little dry.

As with anything else, the major causes of vaginal dryness can easily sneak up on you. It’s usually due to the reduced level of estrogen in the body, an event that may occur during menopause, after giving birth, or even when one is under medication.

Other causes involve autoimmune diseases, to some lifestyle choices, and even various kinds of medical or surgical interventions. But here's the bright side—it's treatable, beginning with getting comfortable talking about it.

Vaginal Lubrication: What is it For?

Let's break it down to some baselines: your vagina self-lubricates. It's pretty crucial for a healthy vaginal environment, keeping pH, harmful bacteria from overgrowth, and infection at bay. Think of it as the body's self-cleaning service.

This discharge changes throughout your cycle, serving different functions at various times. The fluid also comes from the Bartholin's glands, located near the entrance of the vagina. Their role is to provide additional lubrication, which helps protect sensitive tissues and maintain comfort.

Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Now, how would you know if you’re suffering from vaginal dryness? Not in the way it sounds though. Certainly, you would feel dry, but you also could show some characteristic symptoms of the problem.

• Feelings of widespread aching
• Painful coitus
• Itching in or around the vagina

Remember: when you’re naturally less moist down there, it can disrupt the normal bacteria in your vagina. You’re at higher risk for infection, from a simple UTI to bacterial vaginosis and even vaginitis. If all this is beginning to ring a bell, do not take it lightly. This is your body talking to you.

Dry Vagina and Menopause

Menopause is one of the principal causes that leads to vaginal dryness. The levels of the hormone estrogen in your body fall during perimenopause and menopause.

It’s this fall in estrogen that dries out the mucous membranes that keep the vagina moist, elastic, and healthy. You could also experience vaginal dryness, in addition to other menopausal symptoms like periods being erratic or hot flashes.

You aren't just imagining it: Your body is really going through major changes. To be fair, though, for some women, those therapies can help offer relief of symptoms, and yes, that does include estrogen treatments or even non-hormonal moisturizers such as Lubracil. Just know you've got options.

Postpartum and Breastfeeding

Ah, the joys of motherhood. Giving birth on your system is not limited to regular functioning, vaginal dryness, among other things, can be postpartum because of overproduction of hormones contributing factors to dryness.

But that’s completely normal and sorts itself out once your hormones mellow down. In the meantime, don’t be shy about using a vaginal moisturize, like Lubracil, which might make sex somewhat more tolerable.

If this doesn’t quite carry you through, the physician might recommend a temporary course of estrogen cream until you’re through this phase. Remember: this too shall pass; but do keep the communication lines open with your medical professional if the dryness is troublesome for you on a daily basis.

Contraceptives

If you're on hormonal birth control, that could be why you're dry. Want the lowdown? Essentially, getting on hormonal birth control means your body's natural estrogen and progesterone are replaced by synthetic hormones, either in pill form or by way of some IUDs.

Great for not getting pregnant, but fatal for the clear, productive liquids. The artificial hormones will not perfectly pair up with your natural ones. Voilà: dryness. That may absolutely be a reason to talk to your doctor about trying another type of contraceptive. No doubt there are enough options out there and some will probably be easier on your natural lubrication process.

Anti-Depressants

This one might shock you: If you're taking antidepressants, especially SSRIs like Prozac or Zoloft, it turns out they may cause dryness. Serotonin, the happy hormone that keeps your mood nicely balanced, is the neurotransmitter it targets and boosts.

But at the same time, SSRIs can't help dull a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which, interestingly, is in charge of regulating all kinds of involuntary body functions, including lubrication.

Maybe it’s kind of a trade-off, right? The mind feels a bit better, but the body suddenly starts acting out in weird ways. If you feel that your dryness is because of the antidepressant, don’t hesitate to take up the matter with your doctor. Many a time, tweaking the medicines can bring down those symptoms without messing with your mental health.

Chemotherapy and Hysterectomy

Women who have undergone chemotherapy or hysterectomies or chemotherapy can experience what’s often referred to as “medical menopause.” Due to its impact on hormone levels; it can bring about early stages of menopause.

It's the same as after a hysteroscopy, where the cervix or secretor glands are taken out and your vagina can get super dry. At any rate, these are some of the other symptoms that should be discussed with your doctor.

There are also some therapies to help with these symptoms, such as local estrogen creams, and other non-hormonal treatments. All of these problems can be addressed so don't sit in silence and anguish!

Are You Over-Washing?

Over-washing, douching, or using harsh soap takes away natural moisture and disturbs the bacterial balance in your vagina. Your vagina will absolutely take care of its own cleaning, just fine. Do use non-scented mild cleaners; don’t rub too hard. Less is always more down there.

What Can I Do to Resolve Dryness?

So, what should you do? Start by using a vaginal moisturizer, such as Lubracil, to provide comfort and ease. If that doesn’t offer enough relief, consider discussing the various options of estrogen creams and hormone replacement therapy with your doctor.