Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment

There may be many reasons for dryness in the vagina, the main factors include hormonal changes, the side effects of any medication including contraceptive pills and menopause. The problem of dryness in the vagina can occur to any woman at any age. However, most women at a  young age undergo such issues, and at their mature age, they experience the dryness after menopause. In most of the cases women who are between 50-60 years of age experience vaginal dryness.  Vaginal dryness causes itching, discomfort during sex and pain due to dryness.

Symptoms

Among women, the symptoms of dryness in the vagina arise during the intercourse in most of the cases. Vaginal dryness can occur due to the following reasons:-

• Thinning of the vaginal layer
• Vaginal anaesthesia
• Vaginal infection
• Uneasiness
• General unhappiness
• Lack of moisture during intercourse
• Frequent urine
• Having sex
• Cortisone
• Light bleeding during intercourse

In addition to these, different women can experience different types of symptoms.

Many types of treatment are available to cure vaginal dryness. However, let’s take a glance at some of the most practical steps to remedy this condition. 

1. Lubricants

Simply put, lubricants are the gel substance that lets the vagina remain moist during sex. Lubricants can be applied on the penis before penetration or can be put directly in the vagina to make it moist. This gives immediate relief from the vaginal dryness for a while. Lubricants are available in a range of varieties in pharmacies and shops. With expert assistance, you can pick up your most compatible lubricant. 

2. Vaginal Moisturizer

Vaginal moisturizers are creams that keep the vagina moist. If dryness is not the only cause of problems during sex, then they can be better than lubricants, because its effect lasts for long. Usually, it needs to be applied consistently for a few days. Water-based moisturizers are generally considered to be the best, because latex condoms may not work well with oil or petroleum-based products, and occasional discomfort may occur in the vagina.

3. Vaginal Estrogen

If dryness in the vagina is due to menopause, the doctor can prescribe vital estrogen. It increases the low levels of estrogen during and after menopause. Vaginal estrogen comes in the form of pills that are usually meant to be tucked in the vagina itself much like the vaginal ring. Be it vaginal moisturiser or rings, all of them work equally well, however, using estrogen pills come off as comparatively more convenient.

It is commonly believed that Estrogen is more effective than treatment, lubricant, and moisturizer for women who are going through the phase of menopause. However, it may take a few weeks to start the work so you can use lubricant or moisturizer in the beginning. Typically, the treatment has to continue indefinitely because stuttering comes back when the medication is stopped.

4. Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is a treatment in which medicines are taken to replace those hormones which decrease in levels during menopause. Doctors prescribe these either as tablets or skin patches, implants in the skin or with gels on the surface. HRT has a more comprehensive effect on the body than in viral estrogen, so if you are experiencing other symptoms like menopause, such as hot flashes etc., it is a fairly good idea to use it. Given the side effects, it is always advisable to take full information from the doctor before usage. If there is any serious problem with their use, contact the doctor immediately.