Is vaginal dryness disrupting your life? Is it affecting your daily activities and close relationships? Has intimacy become uncomfortable or even painful? You are not alone - vaginal dryness is a common problem that many women experience at some point in their lives, particularly as they age. You can feel incredibly insecure, and it can mess with our mental health and intimate relationships.

The bigger question is, why is this dryness occurring? How can you identify their symptoms? And what effective treatments are there? Here’s your guide on navigating vaginal dryness with ease.

Signs of Vaginal Dryness

• Persistent discomfort or itching in and around the vaginal region.
• Burning sensation that lasts all day or when urinating.
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Increased vulnerability to urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Causes of Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough natural lubrication. It might be easier to treat and manage vaginal dryness if you are aware of its causes. Some common causes are:

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes significantly influence the health of the vagina. The main culprit of dryness in the vagina: Oestrogen! This hormone, oestrogen helps to preserve moisture in our vagina lining. Hormonal shifts may occur as a result of:

• Menopause: During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels naturally decline. The low oestrogen levels cause the vaginal walls to thin and become dry, among many other symptoms like mood fluctuations and hot flashes, to name a few.
• Postpartum & Breastfeeding: Hormonal shifts following birth may cause transient dryness due to the dramatic decline in your hormones. Dryness is exacerbated by lactation, which reduces oestrogen synthesis. Women may experience vaginal dryness for a few weeks as oestrogen levels remain low during this period.

2. Medical Conditions

Vaginal dryness may be attributed by or made worse by several medical procedures and drugs:

• Cancer treatments: Radiation and chemotherapy can impact the synthesis of oestrogen.
• Antihistamines and antidepressants: They might lessen the body's natural lubrication.
• Birth control pills: Certain pills can reduce oestrogen levels.

3. Lifestyle Factors

Vaginal dryness can also result from daily routines and lifestyle decisions such as these:

• Stress: Excessive stress might throw off the hormonal equilibrium.
• Smoking: Smoking has an impact on oestrogen levels and blood circulation.
• Intimacy: Less sexual activity might result in less lubrication naturally.

Quick Check-in: Are you committing these mistakes?

Preventing and controlling vaginal dryness requires practising good daily habits. Take notice if you are doing the following:

• Using Heavily Scented Harsh Soaps
  The vaginal region can become dry and irritated by harsh soaps. Instead, use gentle soaps without fragrances or feminine washes formulated for the intimate area.
• Douching
  Douching is the act of washing the inside of your vagina with water. It is not beneficial as it upsets the normal bacterial balance in the vagina, leading to vaginal dryness and other issues.
• Wearing tight undergarments
  Tight undergarments can restrict the airflow. Instead, put on breathable undergarments to keep irritation and moisture accumulation at bay. Ditch your tight pants!

Effective Treatments for Vaginal Dryness:

1.    Over-The-Counter Product

When finding a lubricant, it is best to find one that is similar to the moisture your body produces naturally. The Vagisil Prohydrate External Hydrating Gel provides instant dryness relief that mimics a woman’s own natural moisture as it contains ProHydrate® Complex, a unique blend of moisturisers with Hyaluronic Acid.

Provides long-lasting relief of dryness without hormones

• Prevents painful sex due to dryness
• Relieves & hydrates dry, uncomfortable skin

2.    Lifestyle Modifications

You can control vaginal dryness through lifestyle changes by:

• Staying hydrated: Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Sipping on water throughout the day and not waiting until you are thirsty to drink.
• Avoid smoking: Cutting back on or giving up smoking might lead to better blood circulation and hormonal balance.
• Manage your stress levels: Engage in stress-relieving practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing techniques.

3.    Diet

Besides your overall health, the health of your vagina is greatly influenced by your nutrition. Some food can aid in preserving moisture and warding off dryness in the vagina:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  Found in walnuts, flaxseed and fish, help reduce inflammation and promote hydration.
• Plant-Based Oestrogens
  Phytoestrogens, which are found in whole grains, soy products, and flaxseeds, can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body and help keep the vagina moist.
• High Water Content Fruits and Vegetables
  Watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers are some of the most hydrating fruits and vegetables that can help to keep your body hydrated.

Impact on Intimacy

The ripple effect of vaginal dryness can be significant as it often bleeds into one’s personal and emotional aspects of life. You may find yourself asking: “What exactly is wrong with me?” You may feel annoyed, embarrassed, which can lower confidence and self-esteem. As if the physical discomfort from vaginal dryness isn’t enough, vaginal dryness can also impact one’s sexual intimacy. You may find yourself avoiding sexual activity due to the pain and discomfort experienced during intercourse. Relationship tension might arise as your partner could potentially feel hurt by your avoidance behaviour.

Discussing Vaginal Dryness with Your Partner

To build understanding and maintain closeness, it is crucial to keep the lines of communication open with your partner concerning vaginal dryness. Here's how to broach the subject:

1. Tell the truth: Without feeling embarrassed, express your honest thoughts and feelings.
2. Inform your companion: Describe the signs and causes of a dry vagina.
3. Examine options together: Talk about available treatments and figure out how to stay intimate without being uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Don’t let vaginal dryness interfere with your life! Stay well-informed and take proactive steps to enhance your intimate health. Discover relief, regain control and confidence in your everyday activities and intimate moments with Vagisil. You got this.