Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness



Vagina is the terminal part of female genitalia. It is kept moist and lubricated by the lubricating fluid that is present all the time inside it. This fluid is maintained by the estrogen hormone that in addition to maintaining the fluid level in vagina, keeps it thick, elastic and healthy. Vaginal dryness means the vagina is not lubricated enough by the secretions and dryness takes place which can be troublesome.

CAUSES OF VAGINAL DRYNESS:

Following can be the causes of vaginal dryness:

  • Low estrogen hormone levels:

It is one of the most common causes of vaginal dryness. It occurs during menopause, after menopause, after childbirth or during breast feeding. Estrogen hormone is the main hormone that is responsible for keeping the vaginal health and in its absence or low levels vagina and other female genitalia are affected.

  • Medications

Medications containing antihistamines like cold, allergy and asthma medications cause drying effect inside the body thus causing vaginal dryness.

  • Irritants

Irritation caused by soap chemicals, dyes, perfumes or irritant substance on things that are used as towels or underwears can also be the triggers of vaginal dryness.

  • Anxiety

Stress and anxiety results in decreased blood flow to vagina that causes less lubrication and thus dryness of vagina.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VAGINAL DRYNESS

  • Burning sensation on urination

  • Painful sexual intercourse

  • Vaginal discharge

  • Vaginal soreness, which includes the itching and burning sensations

  • Infections occur more commonly due to the dryness

TREATMENT OF VAGINAL DRYNESS:

  • Avoid irritant substances

  • Using lubricants and moisturizing vaginal creams

  • In case of menopause, hormone replacement therapy is done.

VAGINAL DRYNESS AND THE MENOPAUSE:

Menopause means the stoppage of monthly bleeding cycle in women of older age. This occurs due to decline in sex hormones like estrogen. There is a list of signs and symptoms associated with the start of menopause. One of the most common signs of menopause is  vaginal dryness.