Generally, the vagina walls stay lubricated with a skinny layer of clear and almost transparent fluid. The estrogen hormone maintains the fluid. The estrogen also helps to keep the vaginal lining thick, healthy and elastic.
If the estrogen level falls, the natural vaginal moisture will also reduce. The moisture offers an alkaline environment that supports the survival of the sperms that helps the sperm travel down for sexual reproduction.
The vaginal wall starts to get thin as the woman grows older due to various hormonal changes. Thinner walls mean a lesser number of cells that secrete moisture. This eventually leads to vaginal dryness.
A fall in the estrogen level can happen due to various causes and can affect any age group. It may seem a minor problem, but the lack of moisture can change sex life. The fluid or the vaginal secretions lubricate the vaginal wall, and reduction in it will lead to friction during sexual intercourse.
Fortunately, there are many treatments to cure vaginal dryness. As we read further, we will see more of the causes and natural treatment for vaginal dryness.
What Causes Dryness in Vagina?
The chief reason for vaginal dryness is the fall in the estrogen level. The production of estrogen falls as a woman starts to age. Reduction in the estrogen level also indicates the end phase of the menstruation cycle in a woman’s life. This time is called perimenopause.
But, menopause is not the only cause that decreases the estrogen level. Other reasons are:
- Breastfeeding
- Smoking cigarettes
- Depression
- Excessive stress and tension
- Immune system disorders, like Sjogren’s syndrome
- Childbirth
- Excessive rigorous exercise
- Too much douching
- Application of some lotion and cream in the vaginal area
- Cancer treatments, like radiation in the pelvic region, therapy for hormones and also chemotherapy
- Surgical removal of ovaries
- Anti-estrogen medicines for treating uterine fibroids or endometriosis
- Side-effects of certain medications like allergy and cold pills and even few anti-depressants
Effects of Vaginal Dryness
When the natural and the best vaginal lubricant reduces due to falling in the estrogen level, it leads to uncomfortable vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can lead to:
- Burning sensation
- Loss of sexual interest
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Light bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Inflammation and soreness
- Recurring Urinary tract infections
- Vaginal itching or stinging feeling
The problem of vaginal dryness is a common one and can lead to a few embarrassing situations. A woman is not always comfortable in sharing the vaginal issues with even their partner.
Diagnosis of the Vaginal Dryness Problem
Any itching, burning, or discomfort in the pelvic or vaginal area requires the immediate attention of doctors or gynaecologists. The medical experts will inquire about your problem and the symptoms.
Your doctor will recommend you to do a pelvic examination of the thinning of the vaginal walls and how it is causing other symptoms. The test will help the doctors rule out other possible problems of vaginal dryness like urinary tract infection, etc. In severe cases, a doctor may even remove the cells from the walls of your vagina or even the cervix for a Pap test.
Vaginal dryness hardly indicates a severe medical condition. But it is necessary to seek help if the problem persists longer. If left untreated and uncared for, the vaginal dryness can cause inflammation and crack in the vaginal tissues. The problem can worsen with bleeding issues as well. The doctor can also ask for a sample of the vaginal discharge to test for harmful germs like bacteria.
Moreover, hormonal tests will help to determine if you have reached the stages of perimenopause or menopause. The vaginal lubrication gets reduced with age as you advance toward the end of the period cycle.
Treatment of Vaginal Dryness
There are several over-the-counter lubricants to help one from vaginal dryness. These lubricants can save one from the uncomfortable feeling of dryness and other symptoms one experiences in the pelvic and the vaginal regions.
The lubricants, when applied, can change the pH balance of the vagina and reduce the tendency of urinary tract infections. Ensure that the lubricant is water-based, and it should not contain artificial colours, herbal extracts, and perfume, as these can lead to further irritation.
Lubricants like mineral oil and petroleum jelly can damage diaphragms and latex condoms used for birth control. Healthcare providers may recommend you to have estrogen therapy either in the form of a ring, or pills or cream.
Rings and creams release estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues and help form the vaginal lubricant. Pills are used for more severe menopause symptoms like hot flashes. It is always better to consult with the doctors before using the lubricants or the medicines are taken.
Medication for Vaginal Dryness and Related Symptoms
Topical estrogen therapy is the best treatment for vaginal dryness. This particular therapy replaces a few hormones that your body is no longer producing. This further helps to relieve vaginal dryness and other related symptoms.
However, topical estrogen therapy does not allow much estrogen to enter the bloodstream as the pills for hormone therapy allow.
Most women use three types of vaginal estrogen:
- Ring (Estring): A soft and flexible ring is inserted in the vagina which releases a stream of estrogen to the tissues. The ring requires to be replaced every three months.
- Tablet (Vagifem): You need a disposable applicator to insert the tablet into your vagina. This needs to be taken once every day for the first two weeks. Then you take the pill twice a week until the treatment ends.
- Cream (Premarin, Estrace): Use an applicator to put the cream in the vagina. You will need to apply the cream every day for 1 to 2 weeks. Third week onwards, the application can be reduced as per the advice of the doctor.
Any estrogen product can also have side effects, such as breast pain and vaginal bleeding. Topical estrogen may not be suggested when you:
- Are suffering from breast cancer
- Have a history of endometrial cancer in the past
- Have vaginal bleeding already
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Prevent Vaginal Dryness
Avoid irritants like douches and condoms, which contain N-9 or nonoxynol-9, as these can cause dryness and itching. Age and reproductive changes are some of the apparent factors for problems in the vagina. Vaginal dryness is a common problem that many women suffer from despite the age group they are in.
Added lubrication can ease the discomfort during sexual activity and in day-to-day life. Coconut is a brilliant menopause dryness natural remedy. Related Topic: How Menopause Affects Our Hair?.
Coconut oil has taken a significant place in the beauty world for its benefits to the hair and skin. Many women consider coconut oil to be the best lubricant for menopause dryness because:
- Coconut oil functions as a barrier
- It carries anti-bacterial properties
- Excellent moisturizer for skin
- Safe to use as it is free of irritants
- Easily available
Consuming coconut oil in food and drinking coconut water is also beneficial to avoid skin dryness.
Taking proper preventive measures can help to solve the problem of vaginal dryness and related symptoms. Doctors are always there to assist you in case of severe conditions. It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid future problems related to vaginal dryness.