The Silent Problem: Vaginal Dryness
|
|
Time to read 5 min
Having a ‘dry vagina’ is just as uncomfortable as it sounds and no one really wants to talk about it, especially when anthems like Cardi B’s WAP hits a little differently for women who experience vaginal dryness.
The heart of the song really is to prioritize female pleasure so shouldn’t we include WAP into such discourse? Many women experience discomfort and even pain during intercourse and masturbation because of vaginal dryness.
Though menopausal women report experiencing it most often, younger women deal with it too. Some 17% of women ages 18 to 50 and 25% of women ages 50 to 59 have experienced vaginal dryness during sex, according to Women’s Health Concern. There’s even suspicion that the number recorded is low because women are often ashamed or embarrassed to bring the topic of vaginal dryness up to their doctors.
So we’re here to say if you do have a WAP, please don’t feel ashamed because this is a very common experience and more importantly, there are ways to help your body get the waters flowing again (bring a bucket and a mop for this wet..)
Dr Dmitry Loktionov - MB. BCh. OB-GYN
Dr. Dmitry is an accomplished doctor, women's health advocate, and founder of Quanna, a next-generation sexual wellness brand. With a background in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, he works towards empowering women with knowledge and improving access to holistic care.
TL;DR
What causes vaginal dryness?
There are a number of factors that contribute to vaginal or genital dryness, but it is most often caused by a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen is a hormone that helps keep the tissues of your vagina lubricated and healthy. When there is less estrogen, there’s also less sexual arousal because this glorious hormone is responsible for boosting blood flow to the vagina.
While menopause is the most obvious case, there are many circumstances that can affect the body’s natural hormone balance, making your vagina feel irritation, burning, and pain during intercourse rather than pleasure.
Other causes
Postpartum
Estrogen and progesterone levels insanely drop after giving birth. Breastfeeding also decreases estrogen levels so as to allow for milk production.
Stress, Anxiety, & Depression
Factors like stress and anxiety directly affect hormone production.
Cancer Treatments
Breast cancer treatments Like Chemotherapy or Radiation. Cancer treatments immediately lessen the amount of estrogen produced in the ovaries.
Medication
Medications that treat allergies, colds, and asthma can have the unfortunate side effect of vaginal dryness due to an overall drying effect on the body. Also, some forms of birth control and antidepressants, like SSRIs, can contribute.
Douching
You really don’t need to do it! Your vagina actually cleans itself, so there’s no need to buy products that interrupt the natural balance of flora & acidity in the vagina. Avoid perfumed soaps as well!
Lack of Arousal
This seems obvious, but lack of foreplay or insufficient stimulation means you are not lubricated enough to enjoy pleasurable sex. Our bodies aren’t always ready to go in an instant, so be patient and give yourself time to explore because arousal is both mental and physical.
However, if a lack of interest in sexual intercourse continues to happen even after loads of foreplay, you may be suffering from low libido.
Low libido
As we already discussed, your changing hormone levels, including a drop in vaginal estrogen, are probably the number one cause of a dry vagina and a low libido is one of the symptoms. However, a decrease in hormone levels is not always the culprit for low libido. Sometimes it's due to a lack of proper nutrients.
Make sure you're getting regular exercise and eating a balanced diet rich in nitric oxide which causes blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow and arousal.
Making sure you're getting all these in a healthy diet can sometimes be a bit difficult which is why we recommend including a female libido booster into your daily diet. Make sure it contains a blend of adaptogens and herbs like Maca, Tribulus, and Pine Bark to maintain a healthy sex drive and hormonal balance.
How to treat vaginal dryness
It’s inevitable that the vagina will experience changes as we age, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to prevent and even treat vaginal dryness.
Lubrication
Generally, the saying goes a little bit of lube goes a long way. Quanna advocates using lube, with or without vaginal dryness, to help deepen sexual intimacy, enhance arousal, and help you last longer during sex.
Water-based lubricants, like Oomf CBD lube, are a great option with its blend of hydrating plant-based ingredients and a natural pH balance free of paraben, glycerin, and alcohol. Expect a warm tingling sensation to promote blood flow, alleviate discomfort and increase sensitivity during intimate moments.
Sex
Regular sexual intercourse, stimulation, and activity, with a partner or masturbating alone, can help keep the tissue in the vagina moist and promote healthy vaginal tissue.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce vaginal dryness. Specifically, estrogen therapy can help to restore moisture to the vaginal area and alleviate symptoms.
Estrogen is a hormone that plays a critical role in many bodily functions, including maintaining vaginal health. As women age and go through menopause, their bodies produce less estrogen, which can lead to vaginal dryness and other symptoms.
Hormone therapy involves taking estrogen either in the form of pills, creams, or patches. These medications can help to replenish the body's supply of estrogen and improve vaginal lubrication.
While hormone therapy can be effective at reducing vaginal dryness, it is not without risks. Estrogen therapy has been associated with an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. Women who are considering hormone therapy should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the right treatment option for them.
Estrogen supplements
Estrogen creams and tablets are inserted a few times a week into the vagina. Creams must be measured and can get messy. Tablets are a good alternative. There are also vaginal rings that you can look into.
These all help to increase vaginal estrogen and vaginal lubrication.
Functional medicine
If you’re experiencing symptoms of chronic vaginal dryness pre-menopause, consider working with a holistic practitioner like a Naturopath, Functional Medicine Doctor, and/or Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor. Working with a practitioner who can look at your hormonal levels from a 360-degree purview will allow you to tackle dryness from the root cause.
Conclusion
Vaginal dryness does not have to be a death sentence to your general comfort or your sex life. Vaginal dryness is a common issue that affects many women. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, menopause, low libido, or certain medications.
When you are in tune with your vagina, you are presented with a profound resource for checking in with your state of body and mind. If you notice that you feel out of balance, please speak with your gynecologist.
