Vaginal Dryness and Itching: Many women may experience dryness in the vagina at some point in their lifetime. Vaginal dryness is a common problem that women may feel embarrassed to discuss with their doctors. Nevertheless, if it affects your daily life, it is important to seek medical help.
The glands present in the womb (cervical glands) are responsible for producing natural lubrication in the vagina. It helps in keeping the vagina moist and clean. However, factors such as certain medications, decreased hormone levels, or breastfeeding can lead to vaginal dryness symptoms.
Due to dryness, there can be problems of pain and irritation during a sexual relationship. Although vaginal dryness can affect all women, it is more common in postmenopausal women over the age of 50.
Vaginal atrophy is the medical term for vaginal dryness and irritation and is a very common problem for women. You will be surprised to know that about 50% of women above the age of 50 experience vaginal dryness, 25% experience vaginal dryness during sexual relations and 16% experience vaginal pain.
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, you are not alone. That's why do not hesitate to seek medical help. It will help you to lead a comfortable life. Through this article, Dr. Pooja C Thukral, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabad, is telling about the tips to avoid vaginal dryness.
'The reason your vagina remains lubricated is because of the hormone estrogen that your body produces,' she says. Before knowing the remedy, let us know about its reasons-
Reasons For Vaginal Dryness
A woman may experience vaginal dryness if she is breastfeeding or on oral contraceptive pills or taking chemotherapy or radiotherapy or taking any type of medication like antidepressants.
Women undergoing menopause also suffer from this problem as the production of hormones decreases with age. When the vagina is dry, you may feel burning or tingling. Dryness in the vagina makes you feel very uncomfortable. It is very painful during a sexual relationship.
Vaginal Dryness Treatment
- Improve your hydration level. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your body tissues have the necessary hydration to remain adequately lubricated. Drinking enough water can also help with cellular health and the absorption and uptake of important nutrients in the body.
- There are usually no foods to lubricate the vagina. However, eat enough for the day. It's a good start to eat a well-balanced diet full of rich, colourful foods and drink plenty of water.
- For lubrication, you can apply any plant base or coconut oil in the vagina or on the skin outside the vagina. Virgin coconut oil is natural oil obtained from mature coconuts. It has many health benefits and can be used to get relieve dry skin.
- Coconut oil is a natural emollient and can help moisturize the skin. You can apply coconut oil evenly on the vagina by massaging it gently. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your private parts.
- Estrogen creams are available that can be applied to lubricate the vagina.
- Once the dryness in your vagina is cured, then stop using vaginal creams.
- Sometimes, oral hormone replacement therapy must begin after menopause begins. It helps in vaginal lubrication.
- These days, vaginal lasers are available that generate a very comfortable form of heat that stimulates the vaginal glands to improve vaginal secretion.
These remedies can help you to avoid the problem of vaginal dryness.
