Nearly 17 percent of the women before menopause, i.e., between 18 and 50, experience vaginal dryness during sex. However, a critical reason for vaginal dryness in this demographic is the lack of sexual arousal during sex. Unfortunately, women sometimes have sex with someone they do not necessarily like, sometimes even despise. Other times, there is not a proper psychological stimulation, such as foreplay, or they might be under stress.
Many times, however, vaginal dryness is not because the woman is not feeling aroused during sex; instead, there might be some underlying reason. For example, using various hygiene products, such as feminine sprays and harsh soaps, may lead to vaginal dryness. In addition, chemicals in swimming pools or hot tubs and some washing powders may also cause vaginal dryness. Medications such as those for allergies or colds and some antidepressants can also dry out mucous membranes, including those in the vagina.
Aside from the aforementioned causes for vaginal dryness in premenopausal women, many women also suffer with this condition from other internal health reasons. A decline in estrogen levels in women causes vaginal dryness. This is an everyday problem for women who are breastfeeding mothers, had a hysterectomy, or are undergoing chemotherapy.
Hysterectomy with ovaries removed can cause menopause-like symptoms in women, including vaginal dryness. However, vaginal dryness is not as pronounced in women who do not have their ovaries removed during hysterectomy as those who do. Chemotherapy can damage a woman’s ovaries, leading to a decline in estrogen levels. Chemotherapy causes dramatic and abrupt changes in hormone levels and lowers the amount of vaginal lubrication produced.
Are There Any Solutions?
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, you can adopt the following ways to lubricate your vagina:
- Choose the Right Partner: A partner who arouses you will give you a better chance to have natural lubrication and eliminate vaginal dryness.
- Use A Lubricant: A lubricant provides lubrication similar to natural vaginal fluids. You can apply it to the lips of your vagina and the area around it just before intercourse.
- Use A Vaginal Moisturizer: Unlike a lubricant, a vaginal moisturizer is not applied before sex, but rather two to three times a week as it lasts up to three days.
- Stay Balanced with a Vaginal Probiotics: There are vaginal probiotics that will help keep your pH balanced and in better overall health. This may not resolve your vaginal dryness but will certainly help with your overall health.
- Talk with Your Healthcare Provider: Each person’s health is unique and speaking with an experienced OB/GYN will have answers to your individual concerns.
