With age, women experience a couple of changes in their bodies that could easily develop into a condition that can be quite troublesome to deal with. One such condition is vaginal dryness, which is when the tissues of the vagina are no longer well-lubricated. This is a common symptom for menopausal women and can be quite painful and unpleasant. In this guide, we’ll discuss the common causes of vaginal dryness and what treatment options are available.
What is Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness occurs when the blood vessels of the vagina become narrower and become less prominent. This decreases the amount of blood flow to the vaginal walls, which prevents the lubrication of the vagina. This can lead to painful intercourse. Vaginal dryness most often occurs in women over the age of 50 who have experienced menopause.
Some of the common symptoms that are associated with vaginal dryness include:
- Painful Intercourse
- Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
- Blocking of the Urethra
- Increased Irritation and Inflammation
- Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness occurs when the vagina is dry, and there is a decrease in the amount of lubrication being produced. There are various causes for vaginal dryness, including
- Menopause – Most women experience vaginal dryness during their menopausal years. During menopause, hormonal changes cause a decrease in the amount of lubrication that is produced by the vagina, resulting in vaginal dryness.
- Low Estrogen Levels and Other Hormones – A low level of estrogen can also cause vaginal dryness. Estrogen is responsible for keeping the vagina moist, and when there is a deficiency, the results can be dryness. This is one of the most common causes of vaginal dryness in women.
- Other hormones, like progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, are also responsible for vaginal dryness. If these hormones are out of balance, it could lead to vaginal dryness.
- Medications – Some medications are also responsible for causing vaginal dryness. These medications can include, but are not limited to, diuretics, blood pressure medications, and hormone medications.
- Childbirth – Vaginal dryness can also develop following childbirth. If a woman has not made a complete recovery from the birth of a child, she can suffer from vaginal dryness.
- Douching – This is another common cause of vaginal dryness. Some women prefer to use douches to cleanse the vagina. Although these are not harmful to the body, they are known to wash away the natural bacteria that helps the vagina maintain its moisture. This can lead to vaginal dryness.
- Decreased Sex Drive – This is one of the lesser-known causes of vaginal dryness. A decrease in the sex drive can cause the vagina to dry out. This is due to less friction between the sexual partners and less of a sense of needing to remain moist.
This lack of sex drive can also be a result of depression, a lack of intimacy, and the older age of the partners.
Vaginal Dryness Treatment Options
If vaginal dryness is caused by hormonal changes, it might be possible to relieve these changes through the use of hormone replacement therapy or HRT. This is usually only recommended for women who are over the age of 50 and only if they have not gone through menopause yet. There are other treatment options available as well:
- Vaginal Lubricants
- Vaginal Moisturisers
- Kegel Exercises
- Vitamin E Supplements
- Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation
Conclusion
When vaginal dryness occurs, it can have a huge impact on the woman’s self-image and her quality of life. While there are treatment options available, it’s important to remember that this condition is not a life sentence. It’s best to set an appointment with a specialist to see what’s the most suitable form of treatment for you.
CLEO Clinic is a premium aesthetics practise offering a comprehensive range of aesthetic and dermatology services. From facelift procedures to laser vaginal rejuvenation, our range of services will help you look and feel great after every visit. Contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment.
