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VAGINAL DRYNESS

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VAGINAL DRYNESS

Vaginal dryness occurs when the tissues of the vagina are not adequately lubricated, resulting in vaginal friction.

  • Normally, glands in the cervix produce a natural lubricant/moisture that coats the wall of the vaginal.
  • This natural lubricant travels down the vaginal and helps to keep the vaginal area clean. This lubricant is also slightly acidic and helps prevent the vaginal area from infection while removing dead cells.
  • It also reduces friction during sexual intercourse.
  • Vaginal dryness is a common condition in women, it can occur at any age but is most prevalent in older women particularly those going through menopause.
  • Vaginal dryness may not be a big problem for some, but it can have a major impact on sex life in some women. Lack of vagina moisture may cause pain and discomfort during sex and may increase the chance of bacteria or yeast infection.
  • If left untreated, vaginal dryness may cause cracking or sores of tissues in the vaginal.

CAUSES

Vaginal dryness is most commonly caused by a drop in the level of the female hormone estrogen. As a woman ages and menopause approaches, she begins to produce less estrogen. With less estrogen, the body naturally produces less lubricant in the cervix.

Other factors that may cause a decrease in estrogen level may include:

  • Smoking
  • Childbirth
  • Breastfeeding
  • Cancer treatments such as radiation therapy to the pelvis.
  • Surgery to remove the ovaries
  • Certain immune disorder
  • Depression
  • Excessive stress

Douching and other irritants such as soaps, lotions, perfumes can cause vaginal dryness

Certain antidepressants

Allergy, cold, and asthma medications that contain antihistamines

Low sexual drive

Sjogren disorder, an autoimmune disease that causes dryness in the eyes, mouth, and vagina

SYMPTOMS

  • Painful intercourse
  • Soreness
  • Light bleeding after intercourse
  • Vaginal itching or burning
  • Mild or slight vaginal discharge

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Vaginal dryness is rarely a serious medical condition.  However, any itching, burning, discomfort, or bleeding in your vagina area may require medical care.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor may ask about your past health, how long your symptoms have lasted, or what worsen or make them better.

The doctor will also carry out a pelvic exam by checking the vaginal walls for thinning or redness. This test may help the doctor rule out other possible cause of your discomfort including a vaginal or urinary tract infection.

A sample of your vaginal discharge may also be collected to test for any harmful bacteria.

TREATMENT

Treatment option may include:

  • Over-the-counter lubricants or moisturizing creams to reduce dryness, discomfort, or itching. Lubricants made specifically for vaginal use should be used. They should not contain perfumes, herbal extracts, or artificial colors. Because many products can irritate the vaginal skin, seek evaluation and guidance from a physician if the condition persists.
  • If your dryness is caused by low estrogen levels, topical estrogen therapy may be prescribed. This helps to replace some of the hormones that the body is no longer making. Estrogen therapy may be in form of a ring, cream, or pill. Pregnant or breastfeeding women or women who have cancer should talk to their doctor about the safety of topical estrogen therapy.