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Dryness in the intimate area can occur at any period of a woman's life. For some, it is temporary discomfort, while for others it is a problem that regularly recurs and begins to affect quality of life.

Menopause is not always the cause, as many women believe. Changes in hormonal background, pregnancy, taking medications, infections, and other factors can also lead to the appearance of this symptom.

In this article, we will look at why vaginal dryness occurs, what symptoms may accompany it, and in which cases it is necessary to see a doctor. We will also explain what to treat vaginal dryness with and which modern methods help eliminate the problem depending on the cause of its occurrence.

What vaginal dryness is

Vaginal dryness is a condition in which the mucous membrane produces an insufficient amount of natural secretion necessary for its moisturization. Natural secretion supports healthy microflora, protects tissues from microtraumas, and helps preserve the elasticity of the mucous membrane.

With insufficient moisturization, the mucous membrane becomes more sensitive to irritation. Because of this, dryness in the vagina may be accompanied by discomfort while walking, exercising, during intimacy, or even in everyday life.

Causes of vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can have different causes — from natural hormonal changes to gynecological and general diseases. In some women, discomfort occurs only during certain periods of life or the menstrual cycle, while in others it persists for a long time and requires treatment.

The production of natural secretion is affected by estrogen levels, the condition of the mucous membrane, vaginal microflora, taking certain medications, as well as some diseases. Below we will consider the most common causes that can lead to the development of this condition.

Vaginal dryness before menstruation

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels gradually decrease. Because of this, some women may notice a temporary decrease in natural moisturization of the mucous membrane and a feeling of dryness in the vagina a few days before the start of menstruation.

As a rule, after the beginning of menstruation or after menstruation ends, the hormonal balance changes, and the discomfort disappears on its own. If the discomfort persists throughout the cycle or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is worth seeing a gynecologist.

Vaginal dryness during pregnancy

Despite increased estrogen levels, some women notice vaginal dryness during pregnancy. Most often, this is associated with changes in hormonal background, increased blood supply to tissues, changes in vaginal acidity, or individual characteristics of the body.

It is not advisable to use any medications on your own during this period. If the discomfort is pronounced or does not go away, it is necessary to see a doctor, who will select a safe way to relieve the symptoms.

Vaginal dryness during menopause

During menopause, estrogen levels decrease significantly, so natural moisturization of the mucous membrane becomes less intense. That is why dryness in the vagina is one of the most common symptoms of menopause.

This symptom is often combined with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and other manifestations of menopausal syndrome. If the symptom is associated with thinning of the mucous membrane against the background of estrogen deficiency, atrophic vaginitis may be diagnosed, which requires appropriate treatment.

General factors that cause dryness of the intimate area

According to The North American Menopause Society Position Statement, insufficient moisture of the mucous membrane may be associated not only with a decrease in estrogen levels, but also with the effects of certain medications, lifestyle features, and other factors.

The most common include:

  • chronic stress;
  • prolonged breastfeeding;
  • taking certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, certain hormonal agents);
  • using aggressive intimate hygiene products;
  • frequent douching;
  • smoking;
  • insufficient drinking regimen.

In many cases, eliminating the factor that provokes discomfort helps reduce discomfort or completely get rid of unpleasant sensations. If the symptoms persist, it is necessary to see a gynecologist.

Diseases that cause dryness of the intimate area

Sometimes intimate dryness is one of the manifestations of a disease. In such cases, it is rarely the only complaint and is often combined with other symptoms.

The cause may be:

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not trying to determine the cause of dryness on your own. Similar symptoms can occur with different conditions, so effective treatment is possible only after an accurate diagnosis has been established.

Associated symptoms of vaginal dryness

Associated symptoms of vaginal dryness

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), dryness of the mucous membrane is often combined with irritation, burning, and pain during sexual intercourse, especially if it is caused by estrogen deficiency or atrophic changes of the mucous membrane.

Vaginal dryness — symptoms associated with this condition:

  • burning in the intimate area;
  • vaginal itching;
  • irritation of the mucous membrane;
  • a feeling of tightness;
  • increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane;
  • discomfort or pain during sex;
  • the appearance of small cracks on the mucous membrane or skin of the external genital organs.

The severity of symptoms may vary depending on the cause of dryness and the woman's general health condition.

Dryness and burning in the intimate area

Burning occurs due to increased sensitivity of an insufficiently moisturized mucous membrane. It may intensify while walking, during physical activity, after hygiene procedures, or sexual intercourse.

If pain during sex occurs at the same time, this may indicate pronounced irritation of the mucous membrane or a concomitant gynecological disease. In such a situation, examination should not be postponed.

Dryness and vaginal itching

Itching may occur due to insufficient moisturization of the mucous membrane, but it is also often a sign of a gynecological disease. Most often, this symptom accompanies infectious, inflammatory, or fungal processes, so it is impossible to determine its cause without an examination.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not using antifungal or other medications without an established diagnosis. Identical symptoms may occur with different diseases, so treatment should be prescribed only after the cause of the complaints has been determined.

Dryness and cracks in the intimate area

Prolonged dryness of the labia or mucous membrane can lead to the appearance of small cracks. Due to the loss of tissue elasticity, they easily occur even with slight friction, physical activity, or sexual intercourse.

If dryness of the external labia is also observed, cracks recur or do not heal for a long time, it is necessary to undergo an examination. Such changes may be associated not only with insufficient moisturization of the mucous membrane, but also with concomitant diseases.

What to do for vaginal dryness

If the discomfort appeared for the first time or recurs regularly, you should not try to solve the problem on your own. First of all, it is necessary to see a gynecologist, since the same symptom may occur with different diseases and conditions.

During the appointment, the doctor will clarify when the discomfort appeared, whether it is associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, taking medications, or other factors. If necessary, additional tests or examinations may be prescribed.

Before the consultation, it is advisable to:

  • not use vaginal medications without a doctor's prescription;
  • stop douching;
  • avoid intimate hygiene products with fragrances and aggressive components;
  • in case of discomfort during sexual intercourse, use a water-based lubricant.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not postponing an examination if the discomfort persists for more than several weeks, recurs, or is combined with other symptoms.

How to treat vaginal dryness

How to treat vaginal dryness

The treatment strategy depends on the cause of the symptoms. If dryness is associated with changes in hormonal background, the strategy will differ from the treatment of infectious, inflammatory, or autoimmune diseases.

Depending on the examination results, the doctor may recommend:

  • local hormonal medications for estrogen deficiency (in the absence of contraindications);
  • treatment of infectious or inflammatory diseases;
  • correction of endocrine or other concomitant disorders;
  • review of medication therapy if the symptom appeared after starting certain medications.

If dryness is associated with pronounced age-related changes of the mucous membrane and conservative treatment does not provide a sufficient effect, the doctor may suggest additional methods. One of them is CO2 laser intimate rejuvenation, which is used to stimulate restoration of the mucous membrane and improve its moisturization. The appropriateness of the procedure is determined individually after examination.

Prevention of dryness in the intimate area

It is not always possible to completely prevent dryness, especially if it is associated with age-related or hormonal changes. At the same time, proper care of the intimate area and regular observation by a gynecologist help reduce the risk of this symptom appearing.

To maintain the health of the mucous membrane, it is recommended to:

  • use intimate hygiene products with a neutral pH level;
  • not overuse douching and aggressive antiseptics;
  • wear underwear made of natural fabrics;
  • maintain an adequate drinking regimen;
  • treat gynecological, endocrine, and other diseases in a timely manner;
  • not self-medicate when itching, burning, or other unpleasant symptoms appear;
  • regularly undergo preventive examinations by a gynecologist.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend undergoing a gynecological examination at least once a year, even if there are no complaints. This helps detect diseases in a timely manner, which may not have pronounced symptoms in the early stages.

Dryness should not be perceived as a normal age-related change or a feature of the body. A correctly established cause and timely initiated treatment help eliminate discomfort, prevent complications, and preserve the health of the intimate area.

The information in the article is provided for informational purposes and is not an instruction for self-diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms of a disease appear, you should see a doctor.

Sources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The North American Menopause Society

National Health Service