Having a Dry Vagina, Causes, Treatments, and Preventions
Vaginal drynessis a painful symptom that many women may experience at some point in their lives.
The causes vary, such as decreased hormone levels, breastfeeding, or the effects of certain medications. Dry vagina is also usually associated with menopause.
The following will be explained about the causes, symptoms, to treatment and prevention of dry vagina. Listen to it, yes!
1. Dry vagina, what condition is it?
Dry vagina is a common symptom during and after menopause. However, vaginal dryness can also occur at any age and for a variety of reasons.
Dry vagina is usually a result of low levels of the hormone estrogen in the body. Estrogen is a hormone that makes the vaginal lining lubricated, thick, and elastic.
The condition is common, but many women do not seek medical help, as they may not realize that it is a health problem that can be addressed.
According to a report in the EPMA Journal in 2019, dry vagina can cause pain during sex, contributing to a loss of interest in sex. The condition can also cause discomfort during exercise or other physical activities, as well as increase the risk of vaginal infections.
2. What are the symptoms or effects of dry vagina?
Reported by Healthline,dry vagina can cause discomfort to the vaginal and pelvic areas. This condition can also cause:
- Burning sensation
- Lost interest in sex
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Mild bleeding after sex
- pain
- Persistent urinary tract infections or frequent relapses
- Vaginal itching or sensations such as stung
Read More: These Foods Can Overcome Unpleasant and Pungent Vaginal Aromas
3. Causes of vaginal dryness
Citing Medical News Today, dry vaginas are usually caused by decreased estrogen levels, generally starting to decline as menopause approaches.
The ovaries produce estrogen, and estrogen controls the development of female body characteristics, such as breasts and body shape. It also plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Estrogen helps keep the tissues lining the vagina thick, moist, and healthy. As the levels decrease, the coating becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This change is known as vaginal atrophy.
Estrogen levels can drop for a variety of reasons including:
- Menopause
- Ovarian removal surgery (which can trigger menopause)
- Childbirth and breastfeeding
- Cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation
- Antiestrogen drugs to treat breast cancer or endometriosis
Other causes of vaginal dryness can include:
- Sjögren’s syndrome: an autoimmune disorder involving inflammation of the salivary glands and tears
- Use of antihistamines: which helps manage the symptoms of colds and allergies by drying secretions. Side effects can include vaginal dryness and difficulty urinating
- Antidepressants: sometimes have sexual side effects such as dry vagina, decreased libido, and difficulty reaching orgasm
- Stress and anxiety: that can affect vaginal libido and lubrication, according to a report in the 2019 EPMA Journal
- Reduced blood supply to the vagina
- Flammer syndrome: when blood vessels react in unusual ways to stimuli, such as cold and stress
Women who smoke may experience menopause faster, so vaginal dryness may occur at an earlier age in this group.
4. How to prevent dry vagina
Quoting Everyday Health,you can prevent or minimize the risk of dry vagina in these ways:
- Having sex regularly
- Do not use douche,deodorant, or deodorant in or near the vaginal area, and be sure to clean the vagina with only soap without fragrance and dye
- Spend more time for foreplay during sex with a partner to arouse and stimulate yourself, which can increase vaginal secretions
5. Dry vaginal treatment
Reported by Cleveland Clinic,there are several treatment options available, which the doctor will adjust to the cause of dry vagina.
Common treatments of dry vagina include:
- Prevent the use of soap or lotions in and near the vaginal area
- Use of oral estrogen or non-estrogen therapy
- Using vaginal discharge and moisturiser that can provide moisture in the short term
- Use of estrogen or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) locally, which is inserted directly into the vagina for long-term moisture
There are also natural ways such as the use of oils such as grape seed oil, olive oil, sweet almon oil, coconut oil, or sunflower seed oil.
Also be sure to increase the duration of foreplay during sex. Vaginal moisture is associated with sex drive. Talk to your partner about ways to increase this sensation.
That’s the information about dry vagina, ranging from understanding, causes, symptoms, to how to treat and handle it. The condition is generally not serious and there are several treatments to address and prevent it. However, if you are constantly experiencing dry vagina, it is best to see a doctor to get the right treatment.
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