A problem most women feel embarrassed to talk about is vaginal dryness. Did you know over half of women experience vaginal dryness?
Usually it’s experienced during sex which can lead to pain and infections. These issues can lead to a loss of sexual desire and affect the relationship.
Vaginal dryness does not only cause pain during sex, it can even make it uncomfortable to sit, stand, exercise, urinate or work.
Here are the most likely reasons your vagina isn't as lubricated as usual:
Menopause
One of the most common causes of vaginal dryness is a decrease in estrogen levels. A drop in estrogen reduces the amount of moisture available and makes the vagina more fragile.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers are also very often experiencing vaginal dryness due to the low levels of estrogen.
Birth control
They mimic the second half of the menstrual cycle, which is a progesterone-dominant, low-estrogen state. So you have less estrogen circling in the body when taking it than you would otherwise.
Certain health conditions
Some autoimmune health conditions can cause vaginal dryness. Also chemotherapy treatment and certain drugs such as allergy and cold medications and some antidepressants.
Tampons
In the process of doing their job they can also wick away some of our natural moisture. It’s not permanent though, it lasts 12 to 24 hours, but during that time it can cause imbalances.
Hygiene products
Soaps, sprays, wipes and washing powders with harsh ingredients can all cause dryness and other irritations. Also certain bath products.
Anxiety and stress
Psychological and emotional factors like stress and anxiety lead to insufficient blood flow which causes dryness especially during sex. Stress also makes the hormones go havoc.
Tips for treatment:
Avoid intimate soaps and other harsh intimate products.
Use oil for intimate cleansing.
Use a tampon not larger than your needs, or change to pads or cup.
Use perfume free washing powder.
Always use a lubricant when having sex. Watch out for petroleum based lubricants.
Talk to your doctor about issues related to low estrogen.