Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms, and the Best Treatments

Introduction

Vaginal dryness is a very common condition that occurs to the majority of women. It hurts and is uncomfortable at times while performing daily activities. The majority of women don’t want to talk about it. However, you need to know about vaginal dryness to remain healthy in general. Here in this article, reasons, symptoms, and best treatments will be discussed. We will also post when to visit the doctor and how experts can assist you. This information can improve your lifestyle.

What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a frequent health condition in older women. It is the feeling of dryness and itching on and around your vagina. Most often, this is brought about by low estrogen levels during, prior to, and after menopause.

But estrogen is the hormone which lubricates the vagina. It results in the secretion of a thin, watery fluid within and around the vaginal wall. It moistens the lining of the vagina and maintains its pH level constant. It also acts as a lubricant during coitus.

Estrogen deficiency may occur at any age due to various causes but most often during the postmenopausal phase. Dryness of vagina can give a woman the persistent sensation of dryness and itching, which can become an enormous problem in a woman’s life. Fortunately, there are at least some ways to treat the condition.

Common causes of vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness has numerous causes. Some are medication-related, some are lifestyle-related, and some are related to health. Here is the most common cause:

• Hormonal changes: low estrogen produces low vaginal lubrication. It is felt menopause, during breastfeeding or after delivery.
• Medications: Some medicines such as antihistamines, antidepressants and oral contraceptives reduce moisture.
• Medical condition: Diabetes, autoimmune disease, or infection results in dryness.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotions trigger stress, which affects hormones, reducing lubrication.
• Overwashing: Douching or rough soap can disturb and dry the vagina.
• Habits: Drinking and smoking also causes dryness.

However, some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can affect vaginal wetness.

Symptoms to watch for

Dryness of the vagina leads to a broad array of symptoms such as

• Burning and itching of the vagina.
• Pain during sex or exercise.
• Thin, less elastic walls of the vagina.
• White or yellow discharge with a strange smell.
• Frequent urination or painful urination due to bladder infections.

Moreover, all these symptoms have the potential to become active on a physical and emotional level. Hence, an early detection ensures better treatment.

How does vaginal dryness affect daily life?

It is not comfortable to live with vaginal dryness. Walking or sitting is unpleasant. Most women do not have sex because it pains them or they are modest. It causes strained relationships and tension. Otherwise, untreated vaginal dryness also puts one at risk of infection. It also hurts vaginal tissues in the long term. That is why one needs to treat it early.

Best treatments for vaginal dryness

The most common treatment of vaginal dryness is topical estrogen therapy due to low estrogen levels. They restore some of the hormones your body no longer makes. That makes vaginal symptoms more comfortable, but it does not deliver as much estrogen into the bloodstream as hormone therapy you take in pills.

One of three kinds of vaginal estrogen might be used:

• Ring: This gentle, flexible ring is placed by your doctor inside your vagina, where it releases a steady dose of estrogen directly onto the tissues. The ring is replaced every three months.
• Tablet: Use a throwaway applicator to put a tablet into your vagina once daily during the first two weeks of therapy. Then you do it two times a week until no longer necessary.
• Cream: Use with an applicator to the vagina. You will use the cream generally daily for 1–2 weeks and then decrease to 1–3 times a week as your doctor instructs.

Topical estrogen must not be applied if:

• You have breast cancer.
• Have endometrial cancer history
• Have vaginal bleeding but are not certain why.
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

Other medications to treat vaginal dryness are

• Vaginal non-hormonal moisturizers
• Daily oral therapy is employed, ospemifene, which makes vaginal tissue stronger and thicker so women feel less pain with sex. The potential for uterine lining thickening (endometrium) and stroke and blood clot risk of Osphena is cautioned against by the FDA.
• Relaxation time before sex to try to get as relaxed and excited as possible. Utilize a water-based lubricant (Astroglide, K-Y) so you can enjoy more enjoyable sex.
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When to see a specialist?

If your daily routine is being obstructed due to vaginal dryness, then it is the appropriate time to visit an expert. A sexual medicine expert in Tamil Nadu can provide cutting-edge treatment. Therefore, they diagnose the cause and suggest the best course of action. Early consultation prevents complications and improves sexual health. Specialized women’s health care services are now accessible in the majority of clinics.

If you live nearby, seeking the advice of the best sexologist in Namakkal can bring relief immediately. They are qualified professionals who can manage sensitive issues and give confidential treatment. Moreover, even for couples and men, the best andrologist in Salem can treat allied sexual problems as well.

How experts help with sexual health?

Sexual health encompasses general well-being. Sexual health clinics provide treatment and counseling. Sexual health information clinic in Tamil Nadu provides proper information and counseling. Professionals treat patients with dignity.

Furthermore, experts combine medical therapies with mental support. They might control underlying conditions like anxiety or hormone imbalance. This enhances the body’s and mind’s well-being. Professional help thus increases quality of life.

Tips to maintain vaginal health

Dryness of the vagina is easier to prevent than you think. Try these easy tips:

• Drink sufficient water each day to maintain hydration.
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and essential fats.
• Avoid constricting, soggy clothes and skin irritation.
• Practice safe sex with condoms or diaphragm.
• Do regular gynecological check-ups so that any problems are caught early.
• To reduce friction, use lubricants during sex if necessary.

Additionally, practice hygiene, but do not do much. It is all about balance. For more tips about maintaining vagical dryness consult the best sexologist in Namakkal. 

Conclusion

Dryness of vagina is a simple condition to treat. It happens because of many reasons, the first and foremost being hormonal imbalance. It hurts but can be treated by following the right strategy. Some small changes in lifestyle work. Medical intervention when required works. Consulting experts, like a sexual medicine expert in Tamil Nadu, is wise for long-term relief. Clinics and experts provide customized treatment for improved sexual well-being. Don’t forget, vaginal health is key to your happiness and well-being. Take control at an early stage and take guidance when necessary