One of the most common but lesser-known problems in women is vaginal dryness or vaginal atrophy. Unfortunately, most people do not have the right information about this disease and mistakenly think that this complication occurs only in postmenopausal people.
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom during and after menopause, but it can occur at any age and for various reasons. It is usually caused by low levels of estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that keeps the vaginal lining smooth, thick and elastic.
Vaginal dryness is a common problem, but many people do not seek help because they may not realize it is a health problem that can lead to side effects such as pain during intercourse and decreased libido. It can also cause discomfort during exercise and other physical activities and increase the risk of vaginal infections.
Causes
Various causes can cause vaginal dryness, but the main reason is decreased estrogen levels. The ovaries produce estrogen, which controls the growth of female body characteristics such as breasts and body shape. It also plays an essential role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Estrogen helps keep the lining of the vagina thick, moist and healthy. The coating becomes thinner, drier, and less stretched as the surface decreases. These changes are also known as vaginal atrophy. Estrogen levels can drop for a variety of reasons, including:
- Menopause
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Childbirth
- Breastfeeding
- Anti-estrogen drugs for treating breast cancer or endometriosis
- Treatments for cancer
Other causes include:
- Sjögren’s syndrome: It is an autoimmune disorder that includes inflammation of the salivary glands and tears.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines help manage the symptoms of colds and allergies by drying out the discharge. Side effects can include vaginal dryness and difficulty urinating.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants sometimes cause sexual side effects such as vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and difficulty in orgasm.
- Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can affect libido, lubricate the vagina, and reduce blood flow to the vagina.
- Flammer syndrome: Flammable syndrome, in which blood vessels respond unusually to stimuli such as cold and stress.
- Not enough foreplay before sex
Symptoms
Vaginal dryness occurs when the vaginal tissues are not well-flowing and healthy. It can occur at any age but is more common in older women. Warning Symptoms include:
- Vaginal itching
- Burning
- Irritation
- Pain during sex
- Discomfort during physical activity
- Higher risk of vaginal infections
- Light bleeding after intercourse
- Higher risk of urinary tract infections
If a decrease in estrogen levels causes dryness, the following symptoms may also occur:
- Lower levels of natural vaginal secretions
- Tightening of the vaginal opening
- Narrowing of the vagina
Diagnosis
Any burning, itching, or discomfort in the vagina requires a visit to a gynecologist. The doctor will ask a woman about her medical history to determine how long you have had symptoms and what makes them worse or better.
Vaginal dryness rarely indicates a serious illness. But if the discomfort lasts for more than a few days or you feel uncomfortable during sex, get help. If left untreated, vaginal dryness can cause sores or cracks in the vaginal tissue. See medical attention immediately if the disease is accompanied by severe vaginal bleeding.
The doctor examines the pelvis, exploring the vagina for thinning or redness. This test can also help look for other possible causes of discomfort, such as a vaginal or urinary tract infection. The doctor may also remove cells from the vaginal wall or cervix for a Pap smear. Blood tests are also done to check hormone levels and other factors that may be causing it.
Prognosis of vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is often not treated because many women are embarrassed to work with their healthcare provider. Only a quarter of women with this condition seek treatment. If left untreated, vaginal dryness can severely affect the quality of life. However, with proper treatment, the problem can be easily corrected.
Prevention
Avoid condoms containing nonoxynol-9 or N-9. They include a chemical that can cause vaginal dryness. It is important to know that reproductive-related or age changes to the vagina can’t be prevented. Regular sexual activity, not using showers, perfumes, or deodorants in or near the vagina, washing only with unscented and colorless soaps, and devoting more time to foreplay before sex will stimulate increased vaginal discharge.
Treatment
Various treatment options are available for vaginal dryness. Some are available without a prescription, while others require a prescription.
Topical estrogen cream
One option is topical estrogen therapy, a cream or ointment that can be applied directly to the vaginal area to relieve symptoms. A person who uses a topical cream absorbs less estrogen than taking estrogen in pill form. As a result, the risk of side effects is relatively low. Topical treatments include:
- Vaginal ring: The woman inserts a flexible ring into the vagina, where a small amount of estrogen is released into the tissue. Women must change the ring every 90 days.
- Vaginal cream: Women can apply the cream to the vagina using an applicator. Estrogen cream is an effective and tolerable treatment for vaginal atrophy and dryness compared to a placebo.
- Vaginal tablet: In this case, the woman uses an applicator to insert the pill into the vagina.
There is limited research on topical estrogen’s long-term effects, but it is likely to be safe compared to oral hormone replacement therapy. Women with a history of breast cancer, who are pregnant or may become pregnant or breastfeeding, should talk to their doctor about topical estrogen therapy’s safety. Instead, the doctor may recommend non-hormonal treatments.
Over-the-counter treatments
Women can use lubricants to increase moisture during intercourse. Water-based lubricants may be preferable to oil-based lubricants, as oily substances can irritate and tear the condom. Women can also use vaginal moisturizers every one to two days to help maintain normal vaginal moisture.
MonaLisa touch therapy
MonaLisa Touch is a fast, simple, and safe laser treatment that takes less than five minutes. Provides both immediate and lasting relief from vaginal dryness. Mona Lisa delivers gentle laser energy to the tissue of the vaginal wall, stimulating the healing response in the vaginal canal. Cellular changes in collagen and elastin that promote vaginal tissue health begin almost immediately. The benefits of MonaLisa Touch are:
- In-office procedure
- Requires no anesthesia
- Minimal side effects
- No downtime
- Symptom relief after just one treatment
Home remedies
Some lifestyle changes can help deal with vaginal dryness and discomfort.
Regular sex
Regular sexual activity, whether alone or with a partner, can help manage vaginal dryness. Blood flow to the vaginal tissues increases during stimulation, which helps stimulate moisture production. Adequate foreplay and stimulation before sex can help overcome vaginal dryness and increase sexual pleasure.
Phytoestrogen supplements
Phytoestrogens are compounds that act like estrogen in the body. They are in plant foods, including soy, nuts, seeds, and tofu. Taking phytoestrogens may slightly improve vaginal dryness and hot flashes during menopause.
Using cotton underwear
Artificial underwear can be sticky, leading to more vaginal irritation and restricted airflow. Cotton underwear gives enough air to the vagina.
Vaginal moisturizers
One of the best ways to reduce vaginal dryness is to use a vaginal moisturizer. Special moisturizers are designed specifically for this sensitive area of the body. Using a vaginal moisturizer can help keep the vagina moist and relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness.
The moisturizer can be used several times a week before bed. Place it around the walls of the vagina to absorb it. Do not use moisturizers that are not specific to the vagina. Likewise, should avoid using scented soaps, moisturizers, or other hygiene items.
Pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen weak vaginal muscles. As estrogen levels decrease, the vaginal muscles weaken over time. The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, intestines, and uterus. Pelvic floor muscles also play an important role in sexual function. Strengthening these muscles can reduce pelvic pain during sex and increase pleasure. During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles support the baby and help with the birth process. Here are five exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and reduce complications:
- Kegels: Pelvic floor exercises or Kegels are exercises for contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. Identify the right muscles. The easiest way to identify these muscles is to stop the urine flow; these are the pelvic floor muscles. To do the Kegels, contract these muscles, stay in this position for 5 seconds, and release for 5 seconds.
- Squats: Squats involve the largest muscles in the body and have one of the greatest benefits of improving strength. When standing, keep your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and press your hips as if you want to sit on a chair. Come down so that your thighs are parallel to the ground, and keep your weight slightly bent outward at your heels and knees, then straighten your legs and return to a standing position.
- Bridge: Bridge movement focuses primarily on the hip muscles, then the lower back, hamstrings, and spine muscles. This movement is also a great exercise for stretching the thighs and abdomen flexor muscles after sitting for several hours in a row.
Lie on a mat and place your hands on the floor on either side of your body. Spread your legs shoulder-width apart and bend your knees. Simultaneously press the heels to the ground, squeeze the hips, and pull upwards. In this position, the back is arched, and the chest is close to the chin. Stand up so your spine and buttocks are in line or your hips are slightly higher. Pause and breathe a little, then lower your body and repeat in the same way.
Foods that help with vaginal dryness
Eating foods that have similar effects to estrogen in the body and help improve blood flow is a great way to deal with vaginal dryness naturally. These foods include:
- Olive oil: Olive oil is full of healthy fats that hydrate the skin. This oil helps lubricate the body from the stomach to the vagina to move and function properly.
- Flaxseeds: Flaxseed is often recommended for women during menopause because it eliminates the risk of health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Flaxseed contains phytoestrogens that help lubricate the vagina.
- Soybeans: Soybeans contain phytoestrogen isoflavones, which mainly help lubricate the vagina. They also contain protein and are a good source of iron, magnesium, and calcium.
- Leafy green vegetables: Foods such as spinach, kale, and vegetables are rich in nitrate, which the body converts to nitric oxide, a vasodilator that facilitates blood flow. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids that help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Oysters: The oyster contains a lot of zinc, which counteracts vaginal dryness. Oysters also contain fatty acids that dilate blood vessels by relaxing smooth muscle cells, thus improving vaginal lubrication. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fatty acids are commonly found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, cod, and oysters.
- Whole grains: High-fiber whole grains such as quinoa and brown rice are good for blood sugar. These foods keep blood sugar levels even, which in turn can balance hormones. Hormonal imbalances are often the cause of vaginal dryness.
- Nuts: Nuts, especially pistachios, walnuts, and almonds, are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, strengthening the walls and muscles of the vagina.
- Avocados: Avocados and olives are delicious alternatives to saturated fats and contain lubricants such as vitamin E to keep the skin and body hydrated.
- Apples: Apples contain phytoestrogen fluoride, which stimulates vaginal blood flow and lubricates the vagina.
- Water: Water is not food but essential for vaginal lubrication. Not drinking enough water can reduce cervical mucus stores and cause a feeling of dryness.
The bottom line
Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort in the vaginal and pelvic areas. There are several reasons for this disease. It is rarely a serious condition, and several treatments can help treat it. There are also ways to prevent this from happening.
However, if you experience vaginal dryness and it does not go away, you should talk to a gynecologist. After examining and diagnosing vaginal dryness, Arjang Naim, MD, suggests the best and least dangerous treatment method.
Additional questions
- What is the main cause of Sjogren’s syndrome?
In Sjogren’s syndrome, the immune system attacks the tear and salivary glands and other secretory glands throughout the body. The reasons for this remain unknown, but research suggests that it is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and possibly hormonal factors.
- What causes vaginal itching?
- Irritants
- Skin conditions
- Yeast infection
- Bacterial vaginosis
- STIs
- Menopause
- Stress
- Vulvar cancer
- Is vaginal dryness normal?
About 17% of women between the ages of 18 and 50 experience vaginal dryness during sex, even before menopause.
- What vitamins may help with vaginal dryness?
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- Sea buckthorn oil
- Hyaluronic acid
- Fish oil
- DHEA
- Can phytoestrogens raise estrogen levels?
Phytoestrogens have estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. This means that some phytoestrogens have estrogen-like effects and increase estrogen levels in your body, while others block the effects of the hormone and decrease estrogen levels.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321615#outlook
https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-dryness#takeaway
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/pelvic-floor-exercises#next-steps
https://www.webmd.com/women/remedies-vaginal-dryness
https://www.everydayhealth.com/vaginal-dryness/guide/#diagnosis