The Silent Pain: Understanding Vaginal Dryness

 

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that many people may experience at some point during their lives. This symptom can be caused by decreased hormone levels, breastfeeding, or certain medications. It’s commonly linked to menopause.

Usually, the walls of the vagina stay lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. The hormone estrogen helps maintain that fluid and keeps the lining of your vagina healthy, thick, and elastic. But the lack of vaginal moisture can have a huge impact on your sex life. Fortunately, several treatments are available to relieve vaginal dryness. 

What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that affects a person’s quality of life. It can cause pain during sitting, exercising, peeing, and sexual intercourse. Vaginal dryness usually results from low estrogen levels. Estrogen is the hormone that keeps the lining of the vagina lubricated, thick, and elastic. When the tissues in your vagina are thin, dry, and poorly moisturized, it results in vaginal dryness. This causes discomfort, particularly when having sex.

At any age, vaginal dryness can occur. When estrogen levels start to decline during or after menopause. it is most prevalent. The hormone estrogen contributes to the health and hydration of your vaginal lining. Your vaginal walls become thin and dry when your estrogen levels are low. Vaginal atrophy is a typical menopausal condition that causes this. There are numerous secure and efficient treatments for vaginal dryness.

Causes of Vagina dryness

Vaginal dryness frequently occurs when estrogen levels fall. This happens on its own as you get older or during menopause. Your menstrual cycle ends and you can no longer get pregnant during menopause. The skin and tissues of your vulva and vagina become thinner and less elastic as estrogen levels drop, and your vagina may start to dry out.

Vaginal dryness can have several causes, including:

1. Menopause: As women age, their estrogen levels naturally decrease, leading to thinner vaginal tissues and reduced lubrication.
2. Medications: Certain medications, such as hormonal contraceptives, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can decrease vaginal lubrication.
3. Breastfeeding: During breastfeeding, estrogen levels may be low, leading to vaginal dryness.
4. Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy can all reduce estrogen levels and cause vaginal dryness.
5. Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can affect hormone levels and lead to vaginal dryness.
6. Sjogren's syndrome: This autoimmune disorder can cause dryness in the eyes, mouth, and vagina.
7. Irritation: The use of certain hygiene products, such as soaps, douches, and perfumes, can cause vaginal irritation and dryness.
8. Certain health conditions: Medical conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and vaginal atrophy can also cause vaginal dryness.

Why is my vagina dry during sex?

Vaginal dryness is usually most apparent during sexual penetration. Without enough vaginal lubrication, friction (or rubbing) during sexual intercourse can cause pain and discomfort. Take time before sex to make sure you’re fully aroused. Engage in foreplay with your partner and try to relax. Using water-based sexual lubricants can also help. Unfortunately, painful sex can lead to a loss of interest in sex or loss of intimacy with your partner. As embarrassing as it may feel, discuss your symptom with your partner so they can help you.
What does a dry vagina feel like?

Vaginal dryness causes discomfort and pain in your vagina, especially during sex. A dry vagina may also cause:

1. Burning and itching.
2. Bleeding after sex due to your vaginal wall tissues breaking open.
3. Soreness in your vulva.
4. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections.
5. Needing to pee more often.
6. Not wanting to have sex.

Less moisture in your vagina leads to less moisture in your vulvar area (external genitals). This means you can feel dryness or irritation when putting on your underwear or during normal activities like walking or sitting.