About Vaginal Dryness
What is vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness happens when the tissues of the vagina don’t produce enough natural lubrication. This common condition affects women at any age, though it’s particularly common during and after menopause.
Healthy vaginal tissue usually stays lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid that keeps the vagina elastic, comfortable, and maintains its natural pH balance. When this moisture decreases, the vaginal environment changes, often leading to symptoms that affect physical comfort and intimate relationships.
Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness
You might be experiencing vaginal dryness if you notice:
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Burning or itching in the vaginal area
- Light bleeding after intercourse
- Mild vaginal discharge
- Feeling sore or irritated throughout the day
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- A change in vaginal odor
Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness happens naturally at different life stages, with menopause being the most common cause due to falling estrogen levels. This hormone is important for maintaining vaginal tissues and natural lubrication.
Other common causes include:
- Breastfeeding and childbirth, when hormones fluctuate
- Certain medications, including some antihistamines, antidepressants, and hormonal treatments
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation to the pelvic area
- Immune system disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Some skin conditions affecting the genital area, like eczema and dermatitis, or psoriasis
- Harsh soaps, douches, or intimate hygiene products
- Stress and anxiety, which can reduce natural arousal responses
How to Treat Vaginal Dryness
Several treatment options can effectively relieve vaginal dryness symptoms, from over-the-counter products to prescription medications.
Lubricants
Water-based or silicone-based lubricants offer immediate relief from vaginal dryness during intimate activities. These products reduce friction and discomfort during sex but don’t treat the underlying cause. For regular relief, you might need to combine lubricants with other treatments.
Vaginal Moisturiser
Vaginal moisturisers work by rehydrating the vaginal lining and can provide relief for up to three days. Unlike lubricants, these products are designed for regular use rather than just during intercourse, and help maintain natural pH balance and elasticity.
Vagisan Moist Cream is a hormone-free vaginal moisturiser that provides long-lasting relief from vaginal dryness, that you can buy from Click2Pharmacy without a prescription. It contains lactic acid to help maintain the natural pH of the vagina and can be used regularly to keep tissues hydrated and comfortable.
Medication for Vaginal Dryness
Vagifem tablets are small, easy-to-use vaginal suppository tablets containing estradiol. These tablets are inserted into the vagina using an applicator and release a low dose of estrogen directly to the tissues where it’s needed. Vagifem can effectively relieve dryness, soreness, and discomfort during intercourse with minimal side effects.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
For menopausal vaginal dryness, hormone replacement therapy can be highly effective. Ovestin Cream contains estriol, a natural estrogen cream that helps restore moisture and elasticity to vaginal tissues that is also used to treat vaginal atrophy. This prescription-only cream is applied directly to the vagina and surrounding area, providing targeted relief with minimal absorption into the bloodstream. It can significantly improve comfort and reduce symptoms like itching and burning.
