What are the Causes of Vaginal Dryness
April 23, 2021 Womens Health 761 ViewsMeaning of Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness can occur to any woman. Usually, low estrogen levels in the body lead to vaginal dryness. Estrogen is a hormone that keeps the lining of the vagina smooth, thick, and elastic. If women have gone into menopause, then vaginal dryness is a common problem. Vaginal dryness is a health problem. In such a situation, the woman may feel pain during sexual intercourse. In some cases, women develop a disinterest in sexual intercourse. It obstructs the woman’s physical development and other activity. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, it can increase the risk of vaginal infection. Let us explain in detail about causes of vaginal dryness in today’s article.
- Causes of Vaginal Dryness
- Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness
- Diagnosis of Vaginal Dryness
- Treatments for Vaginal Dryness
- Prevention of Vaginal Dryness
Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Decreased estrogen levels are the main cause of vaginal dryness. Also, there is a decline in estrogen production with an increase in age. However, during perimenopause in women, the menstrual period moves towards the last stage. Menopause is a condition that causes a decrease in estrogen production. Some other causes may include:
- Breastfeeding
- Smoking cigarettes
- Depression
- Extreme stress
- Immune system disorder
- Childbirth
- Rigorous exercise
- Some cancer treatments, such as radiation to the pelvis, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.
- Surgical removal of ovaries (Read more – What is the treatment of uterine cancer)
Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness
Due to vaginal dryness, there is discomfort in the vagina and cervix. Vaginal dryness may include the following symptoms:
- Decreased desire for sexual intercourse
- Burning sensation in the vagina
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal prickling
- Normal bleeding after sexual intercourse (Read more – Bleeding during sexual intercourse)
- Vaginal pain during sexual intercourse
- Urinary tract infection
However, most women who have the symptoms of vaginal dryness may be unable to go to the clinic because they consider these problems a shame. But this problem may result in further complications if left untreated. Women should stop feeling ashamed and talk to a doctor about the symptoms and receive timely treatment.
Diagnosis of Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is a type of problem that can affect any woman. In such a situation, the doctor may give you the following suggestions. He may ask you some questions about the problem in the vagina and take information about the symptoms you are experiencing. Apart from this, some questions related to menstruation can be asked. The test involves pelvic testing and, in some cases,, the doctor can take swabs for lab tests. Normally, the doctor conducts some tests based on symptoms. There are some cases in which the doctor talks about personal details that may be uncomfortable for the woman, but these details are helpful to plan your treatment. (Read more – What is irregular menstruation)
Treatments for Vaginal Dryness
If there is a problem of dryness in the vagina, then it can be treated as follows:
- Lubricant is a kind of fluid that can be used to create moisture in the vagina. Using lubricant and gel to relieve vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse relieves dryness.
- Some vaginal moisturizer cream is available in medical stores to create moisture in the vagina. It can be applied to the vagina to reduce vaginal dryness. If vaginal dryness is not the only reason for sexual intercourse, then lubricant can be used.
- If menopause causes vaginal dryness, then your doctor may recommend vaginal estrogen. It increases estrogen deficiency during and after menopause. Vaginal estrogen cream can be used as tablets and vaginal rings. However, excessive use of this hormone can cause discomfort in the vagina. According to the doctor, lubricant, estrogen treatment, and moisturizer cream are useful for women who are undergoing menopause.
- In many cases treatment is done through hormone replacement therapy. During menopause in women, there is a decrease in hormone levels, so it is advisable to take hormone drugs. HRT is more effective than vaginal estrogen. Take the medicine as per the advice of the doctor. (Read more – What is the treatment of menopause)
Prevention of Vaginal Dryness
Some of the following measures can be taken to prevent vaginal dryness. Avoid using the products that may cause vaginal irritation, such as lotions, soaps, stains, cloth washing powders, etc. In this way, you can reduce the risk of vaginal problems. Apart from this, there may be vaginal problems due to smoking, using tampons, and some condoms. So, avoid using these items to prevent vaginal dryness. (Read more – What are vaginal lumps)
We hope that we could answer your questions regarding the causes of vaginal dryness through this article.
If you are having problems with vaginal dryness, you can contact the Gynecologist.
We only aim to give you information through the article. We do not recommend medication, treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you good advice because no one else is better than them.
