How to recognize and treat vaginal dryness?

Are you experiencing vaginal irritation? Like a persistent dry sensation, or even pain during intercourse? Don't panic: you're not alone. Vaginal dryness affects many women at different times in their lives: postpartum, menopause, stress, medical treatments... Fortunately, solutions exist to restore well-being and pleasure. So, what are the causes of vaginal dryness? How can it be effectively relieved? In this article, discover everything you need to know to take care of your intimate health with peace of mind!

How do you know if you're suffering from vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a common problem for millions of women. It results from a lack of vaginal lubrication, leading to discomfort... and sometimes pain during sexual intercourse.

Here are the most common symptoms of vaginal dryness:

• persistent dry sensation;
• irritation;
• burning;
• itching in the vulvovaginal area.

Some women may also experience stinging or an unpleasant rubbing sensation due to daily habits (walking, wearing tight underwear, etc.).

Are you experiencing discomfort during sexual intercourse? That's another sign that should alert you. Because, yes, the absence of intimate lubrication can make intercourse painful and lead to a decrease in female libido for the affected woman.

Finally, beyond the intimate sphere, some of you may feel discomfort when inserting tampons, or after specific activities, such as swimming, for example.

Why is vaginal lubrication important?

But why do we talk so much about vaginal lubrication? Well, because it plays an essential role in your intimate comfort. It is naturally produced by the glands in the cervix and the vaginal walls. It helps to:

• maintain good vaginal hydration;
• protect you against irritation and vaginal infections.

Not bad, right? Wait, its role doesn't stop there! Because, as you've understood, it also plays an important part in sexual intercourse. Thus, good lubrication:

• promotes tissue flexibility;
• reduces friction;
• limits the risk of pain and micro-lesions.

Finally, natural lubrication also contributes to the balance of your vaginal flora. How? By maintaining an environment favorable to "good bacteria" (lactobacilli), which protect the vagina against infections.

 

What are the main causes of vaginal dryness?

Behind your vaginal dryness... many possible reasons! Understanding and analyzing them will help you find THE right solution.

Hormonal imbalances

First possible cause: hormonal variations. And particularly that of estrogen, which plays an important role in the hydration and flexibility of the vaginal mucous membranes. If their level decreases, lubrication becomes scarcer... and this promotes dryness.

These hormonal changes can occur frequently in a woman's life:

• During menopause: the drop in hormone production leads to thinning of the walls (= vaginal atrophy) and drying of the intimate mucous membranes.
• During postpartum and breastfeeding: after childbirth, often until the return of periods, certain hormone levels remain low. And can, therefore, reduce natural lubrication.
• After a hysterectomy: when the ovaries are removed, hormone production is greatly reduced, leading to a lack of lubrication and vaginal dryness.
• During certain phases of the menstrual cycle: after ovulation, estrogen hormone levels drop and can lead to increased dryness.

Vaginal infections and chronic diseases

Your vaginal dryness can also be due to different forms of infection, such as:

• urinary infections;
• a yeast infection;
• bacterial vaginosis;
• any other vaginal infection.

Note also that certain chronic diseases can affect your vaginal mucous membrane and promote dryness. These include:

• diabetes;
• autoimmune diseases;
• certain dermatological disorders.

Certain medical treatments

Vaginal dryness can also be caused by certain medical treatments that have the side effect of decreasing vaginal lubrication. These include:

• Hormonal contraception, especially certain progestin-only pills that reduce estrogen levels.
• Antidepressants, which can have certain side effects and affect sexual response and lubrication production.
• Cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy) which cause hormonal changes similar to those of menopause.

Psychological factors

Finally, know that your psychological state can also impact your vaginal lubrication. For example, if you suffer from:

• stress;
• anxiety;
• depression;
• certain traumas.

Because it's hard to feel sexual arousal when you struggle to relax or are constantly under tension. And less desire... means less vaginal secretions. Thus more vaginal dryness.

How to treat vaginal dryness?

Let's break the suspense: vaginal dryness is not inevitable! We offer you some effective solutions to implement to improve your daily comfort.

Adopt good intimate hygiene

Be aware that certain hygiene practices can weaken your intimate flora and worsen dryness:

• excessive washing;
• vaginal douches;
• unsuitable products (perfumed soaps, classic shower gels).

To clean your intimate areas, we recommend using gentle washing gels with a physiological pH. This is an effective alternative that will respect your intimate comfort much better.

Use lubricants and vaginal moisturizers

If you experience discomfort during intercourse, use water-based or silicone-based lubricants for local application. They will reduce friction against your vaginal wall: immediate relief!

Also consider vaginal moisturizers (in gel or cream form). Often enriched with hyaluronic acid, they improve mucous membrane hydration over several days. Great!

Food supplements for libido and vaginal hydration

Some women choose to consume specific food supplements for intimate hydration and sexual well-being. They turn to:

• Omega 3 and evening primrose and borage oils, which support the elasticity of mucous membranes thanks to essential fatty acids.
• Certain adaptogenic plants, such as maca or ginseng, which can stimulate libido and improve arousal.
• Phytoestrogens (red clover, soy), which mimic the action of estrogen and are sometimes recommended for menopause.
• Libido supplements, plant-based, which revive sexual desire and boost intimate comfort.

Intimate probiotics

Have you ever thought about probiotics? Because, let's reiterate, the balance of your vaginal flora is essential for your good intimate health. And, in this regard, certain probiotics (those based on lactobacilli) will help you maintain the balance of your vaginal mucous membrane.

These probiotics are particularly useful after antibiotic treatment or if you suffer from recurrent vaginal infections.

Consult a healthcare professional

Of course, if dryness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as burning, pain, or abnormal discharge)... Do not hesitate to consult a gynecologist or doctor for a clinical examination. They will assist you in identifying the cause and guide you towards appropriate treatment. For example:

• Local hormonal treatment (estrogen-based suppositories or creams), often recommended for menopause or hormonal deficiency.
• Treatment for your infections, if a yeast infection or vaginosis is diagnosed.
• Psychological support, if your vaginal dryness is linked to stress or emotional blockages.

To summarize, vaginal dryness is a much more common problem than we think. And it can impact the well-being and intimate life of many women. So, yes: it can have varied causes. But solutions exist to restore good vaginal hydration. Adapting your intimate hygiene, using lubricants, taking food supplements or probiotics, or seeking support... One thing is certain: regaining your intimate comfort is far from impossible!