Are you experiencing irritation in your vagina? Like a persistent feeling of dryness, 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, etc. Fortunately, solutions exist to help you regain well-being and pleasure. So, what are the causes of vaginal dryness? How can you relieve it effectively? In this article, discover everything you need to know to take care of your intimate areas with complete peace of mind!
How do you know if you suffer from vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness is a common problem for millions of women. It results in a lack of vaginal lubrication, which leads to discomfort... and sometimes pain during sexual intercourse.
Here are the most common symptoms of vaginal dryness:
- persistent feeling of dryness;
- irritations;
- burns;
- itching in the vulgovaginal area.
Some women may also experience tingling or an unpleasant feeling of friction, due to daily habits (walking, wearing tight underwear, etc.)
Are you experiencing discomfort during sex? This is another sign that should alert you. Because yes, a lack of intimate lubrication can make intercourse painful. And cause a drop in libido in the woman concerned.
Finally, outside of the intimate sphere, some of you may experience discomfort when inserting your tampons. Or after specific activities, such as swimming, for example.
Why is vaginal lubrication important?
But yes, after all, why do we talk so much about this vaginal lubrication? Well, because it plays an essential role in your intimate comfort. It is naturally produced by the glands of the cervix and the vaginal walls. It allows:
- to maintain good vaginal hydration;
- to protect you against vaginal irritations and infections.
Not bad, right? Wait, its role doesn't stop there! Because, as you've probably guessed, it also plays an important role 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 intimate dryness?
There are many possible reasons for your vaginal dryness! Understanding and analyzing them will help you find THE right solution.
Hormonal imbalances
The first possible cause: hormonal fluctuations. Especially estrogen, which plays an important role in the hydration and suppleness of vaginal mucous membranes. If their levels decrease, lubrication becomes less frequent... and this contributes to dryness.
These hormonal changes can happen frequently in a woman's life:
- At 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 menstruation , certain hormone levels remain low. And can, therefore, reduce natural lubrication.
- After a hysterectomy: When the ovaries are removed, hormone production is greatly reduced, resulting in poor 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 intimate dryness can also be due to different forms of infection, such as:
- urinary tract infections;
- a fungal infection;
- bacterial vaginosis;
- any other vaginal infection.
Also note that certain chronic diseases can affect your vaginal mucosa and promote dryness. It is thought:
- to diabetes;
- to autoimmune diseases;
- to certain dermatological disorders.
Certain medical treatments
Intimate 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 some side effects and affect sexual response and lubrication production.
- Cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy) that cause hormonal changes similar to those of menopause.
Psychological factors
Finally, be aware that your psychological state can also impact your vaginal lubrication. For example, if you suffer from:
- of stress;
- of anxiety;
- of depression;
- of certain traumas.
Because it's hard to feel sexually aroused when you're struggling to relax or constantly tense. And less desire means less vaginal discharge. So, more vaginal dryness.
How to treat intimate dryness?
Let's break the suspense: vaginal dryness isn't inevitable! Here are some effective solutions you can 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 grooming;
- vaginal douching;
- unsuitable products (scented soaps, classic shower gels).
To clean your intimate areas, we recommend using gentle cleansing gels with a physiological pH. This is an effective alternative that will better respect your intimate comfort.
Use vaginal lubricants and moisturizers
If you experience discomfort during intercourse, use topical lubricants, whether water-based or silicone-based. They will reduce friction against your vaginal walls: immediate relief!
Also consider vaginal moisturizers (in gel or cream form). Often enriched with hyaluronic acid, they help improve mucous membrane hydration for several days. Great!
Dietary supplements for libido and vaginal hydration
Some women choose to consume specific dietary supplements for intimate hydration and sexual well-being. They turn to:
- Omega 3 and evening primrose and borage oils, which support the elasticity of the mucous membranes thanks to essential fatty acids.
- Certain adaptogenic herbs, such as maca or ginseng, can boost libido and improve arousal.
- Phytoestrogens (red clover, soy), which mimic the action of estrogen and are sometimes recommended in cases of menopause.
- Herbal libido supplements that revive sexual desire and boost intimate comfort.
Intimate probiotics
Have you ever considered probiotics? Because, as we've said, maintaining a balanced vaginal flora is essential to your intimate health. And, in this regard, certain probiotics (those based on lactobacilli) will help you maintain the balance of your vaginal mucosa.
These probiotics are particularly useful after antibiotic treatment or if you suffer from recurring vaginal infections.
Consult a healthcare professional
Of course, if the dryness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as burning, pain, or abnormal discharge)... Don't hesitate to consult a gynecologist or doctor for a clinical examination. They will help you identify the cause and direct you to appropriate treatment. For example:
- Local hormone treatment (ovules in the form of capsules or estrogen-based creams), often recommended in cases of menopause or hormonal deficiency.
- Treatment for your infections, if a yeast infection or vaginosis is diagnosed.
- Psychological support, if your intimate dryness is linked to stress or emotional blockages.
To summarize, vaginal dryness is a much more common problem than you might think. And it can impact the well-being and intimate life of many women. So, yes: it can have a variety of causes. But solutions exist to restore good vaginal hydration. Adapt your intimate hygiene, use lubricants, take dietary supplements or probiotics, or even seek support… One thing is certain: regaining your intimate comfort is not impossible!