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Vaginal Dryness: Signs, Symptoms, and More

Vaginal dryness is one of the most common complaints I hear every day. So, what is vaginal atrophy or vaginal dryness? This condition not only leads to a variety of symptoms, but can also impact a woman's intimate experiences, especially vaginal dryness during sex.

Common Causes of Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can be caused by various factors, including:

Hormonal changes

  • Postpartum period - Hormonal fluctuations after childbirth
  • Perimenopause or menopause - During these hormonal changes, low estrogen levels lead to thinning of the tissue and a decrease in vaginal secretions.
  • Vaginal microflora changes - Alterations in acidity and microflora, increasing the risk of vaginal infection which make the symptoms of dryness even worse.

Medications

  • Oral contraceptives - Can reduce natural lubrication.
  • Cancer treatments - Hormone-blocking therapies that decrease estrogen levels.
  • Long-term antihistamine use - may also contribute to vaginal dryness.

Certain health conditions

  • Sjorgen's syndrome - can lead to inflammation of glands throughout the body including the vagina therefore leading to less production of secretions and contributing to vaginal atrophy.

Lifestyle choices

  • Smoking - which can affect blood flow to your vaginal tissue
  • Excessive alcohol consumption - leading to dehydration, can both affect your vaginal lubrication and arousal during any sexual activity.

Mental Health

  • Stress and anxiety - Mental health issues can negatively affect physical arousal, leading to symptoms like vaginal itching.
  • Relationship issues - may contribute to vaginal dryness given that your physical arousal is linked to your mental health. If your mental health isn't ideal, you may not get the physical response you're looking for during sexual activity.

Impact on Intimacy

In regards to intimacy, vaginal dryness can affect sexual pleasure and intimacy, leading to discomfort or painful intercourse. These symptoms may also lead to you wanting to avoid intimacy which can possibly lead to frustration and emotional consequences for yourself and your partner. Your vaginal dryness doesn't need to be a symptom that you have to live with. Discuss your vaginal dryness symptoms with your physician or healthcare provider to effectively address the issue. Let your partner know what you are experiencing and maintain open lines of communication so they understand what is happening and can support you through this time.

What Does Vaginal Dryness Feel Like?

Understanding what vaginal dryness feels like is important for recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate care. The experience can vary from person to person, but common sensations include:

  • Burning or Stinging Sensation - A feeling of irritation or discomfort, particularly during or after sexual activity.
  • Itching - Persistent vaginal itching that may lead to discomfort throughout the day or night.
  • Painful Intercourse - Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) often described as a sharp or aching pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Dryness - A noticeable lack of moisture or lubrication, especially during sexual activity.
  • Tightness - A feeling of tightness or reduced flexibility in the vaginal area, making penetration more difficult.
  • Soreness - General soreness or tenderness in the vaginal region, which may persist even after intimacy.
  • Discomfort with Tampons - Increased difficulty or discomfort when using tampons, often due to the lack of natural lubrication.
  • Vaginal Discharge Changes - A reduction in normal vaginal discharge, leading to an overall sense of dryness.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options.

Solutions for Vaginal Dryness

Thankfully, there are solutions for vaginal dryness.

Over the counter options

  • Lubricants and moisturizers - Provide relief during intimacy.
  • Boric Acid Moisturizing Gel - Products like pH-D Feminine Health’s Boric Acid Moisturizing Gel. It has a combination of hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and coconut oil which can help retain moisture in the tissue.

Prescription medications

  • Vaginal estrogen therapy - restores normal vaginal pH, restoration of healthy microflora, thickens the tissue, and increases vaginal secretions. It can even improve sexual response.

Natural remedies and lifestyle changes

  • Maintaining proper hydration
  • Balanced diet
  • Minimizing alcohol consumption
  • Avoiding smoking

When to Seek Medical Advice

Vaginal dryness again is common but not normal. You don't have to live with this symptom and should seek advice if you are experiencing vaginal dryness including pain with intercourse, bleeding with intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge, or anything that is different from your normal. Your physician or healthcare provider will do a history and physical to determine what is the cause of your vaginal dryness symptoms and give you treatment options, which could include lifestyle changes, hormonal therapy, or even a menopause supplement tailored to your specific needs.

In conclusion, understanding the causes of vaginal dryness during sex is crucial for finding effective solutions and improving sexual health. This blog has covered the various physical and psychological factors that contribute to this condition and offered a range of treatments and remedies. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes, readers can enhance their comfort and intimacy. Remember, seeking medical advice when necessary and maintaining open communication with partners are key steps in managing vaginal dryness and achieving a fulfilling sex life.

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Dr. Erica Montes is a Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and a Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Center in San Antonio and completed her residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center-Parkland Hospital where she was elected one of three chief residents at the largest program in the nation. She is proud to be one of the few Latina physicians in the United States and hopes her work and visibility can decrease some of the health care disparities seen in her community. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

For the last 10 years, Dr. Montes has practiced in Arizona with an emphasis on patient engagement, encouraging all patients to be active in their health care decisions. She is robotically trained on the daVinci Robotic Surgical System and excels in minimally invasive surgical procedures and in-office procedures. Medical interests include contraception, treatment options for abnormal uterine bleeding, and gynecologic surgery. She also believes preventative care is one of the most important aspects of medicine including immunizations, for which she was awarded “Arizona Big Shot” in 2014 by the Arizona Partnership for Immunization.

She is also the mama to three beautiful boys who keep her grounded, as well as a medical blogger and the creator of The Modern Mujer Women’s Health Blog. Her vision to create this blog started soon after delivering her third son and realizing that there are not many places on the internet for people to find expert information about their health, let alone in English and Spanish! The foundation for her blog combines her medical knowledge, life experiences, and approachable personality to create a safe space to learn about your body.

You can find her on Instagram @the.modern.mujer, Facebook @the.modern.mujer and stay up to date at modernmujer.com.

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