Dryness and irritation on the skin is uncomfortable and unpleasant. It can be caused by bad habits, harming our social and even intimate life.
Dryness even affects intimate or genital organs, such as the penis and vagina, which can have negative consequences for personal health, even affecting sexual performance.
For this reason, in this article, we will learn what vaginal dryness is and how it can be properly alleviated, knowing its causes and appropriate treatments.
What is vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness is that pathology where the vaginal area presents a decrease in estrogen fluids, the sex hormones that are formed in the ovaries.
This commonly occurs during the menopausal stage , in elderly women, this type of atrophy mainly affects the vagina and all its surroundings , other times it can extend to various parts of the skin of the human body, giving the sensation of tissue. or dry skin, without natural lubrication.
Note: A medical study emphasizes that “Before menopause, the woman’s body produces estrogens (the main female hormones), which regulate the menstrual cycle, keep the vaginal walls flexible and well lubricated” . (1)
Causes of vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness has various causes, many have to do with menopause or allergic reactions, the important thing is to recognize them and how to deal with them:
hormonal contraceptives
It is a main cause, especially if hormonal contraceptives are taken without previous medical prescriptions. Since these hormonal contraceptives prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg and sometimes influence the mucus in the vagina.
Note: Hormonal birth control is known as “the birth control pill.”
Medicines
Excess consumption of certain medications, mostly to reduce sleep or relieve stress and anxiety, can greatly influence the functioning of the vagina and its surroundings.
And how it affects morphology, it even affects simple functions such as urinating properly and even reaching more serious cases such as decreasing estrogen and altering the menstrual cycle.
decreased estrogen
This is the main cause of vaginal dryness, when it comes to the decrease in sex hormones, known as estrogens . This begins during the menopausal stage and can progress, if not properly treated, to a high percentage of estrogen reduction in the vaginal area.
Note: A study mentions that “During menopause, the level of female hormones begins to decrease, mainly estrogen, which has consequences in various tissues of the body.” (two)
vaginal infections
Vaginal infections influence vaginal dryness very frequently , such as vaginitis or vaginosis. These affect the internal functioning of the uterus and can damage or stop the mucus that exists in this organ. They are caused by very severe bacteria and microorganisms, transmitted by sexual contact.
Use of irritating products
These irritating products are known, since when they come into contact with the mucous walls, they cause allergic reactions or inflammation almost immediately, which is harmful to the genital organ and cervix. They can be aesthetic products or others such as vaginal showers .
very tight clothes
Tight clothing damages the vaginal walls, clogging the labia and making pelvic movement or function difficult. This can be very common, in those women who want to dress in a very elegant or flirtatious way.
cigarette consumption
Cigarette smoking is very harmful to humans , due to the amount of harmful chemicals that can affect the lungs, throat, deteriorate the skin and spread to other organs, including the genitals and their physiology.
Note: It is known, thanks to a medical study, that “No other consumer product is as dangerous or kills as many people as tobacco, a substance whose consumption has become a public health problem.” (3)
stress and depression
Finally, stress and depression are the causes of vaginal dryness, mainly because worry and anguish weaken the defenses of the immune system and allow the passage of diseases, rashes and irritations more easily.
Symptoms of vaginal dryness
There are clear symptoms of vaginal dryness, different types of symptoms that must be recognized instantly, in case something serious arises:
pain when urinating
It is one of the main symptoms , when you feel pain when urinating, a pain present in the urethra and even its surroundings such as the uterus, the clitoris and even the labia majora or minora.
Important: You have to be aware of how much pain you feel or how frequent this pain is.
Pain and bleeding during sexual intercourse
The bleeding during sexual intercourse, accompanied by extreme pain, is not frequent, so a couple should be aware if, during the act, they feel uncomfortable due to the presence of red fluids or unbearable pain on the part of the woman. This mutual support as a couple is important.
burning and itching
The burning and itching are not normal, if they feel very prolonged and extend to the surroundings of the vaginal walls. If it is very annoying and does not end, this can also cause irritation and then it cannot be easily removed, it can seriously hurt the vagina area.
light flow
Finally, in vaginal dryness certain mild discharges can be seen present, sometimes of strange colors, such as yellow discharge or other colors such as red and brown.
Note: They may have unpleasant odors and strange textures. This is a symptom of bacteria or infections, avoiding the lubrication of the vaginal area.
How to relieve vaginal dryness?
Fortunately, there are different ways to relieve vaginal dryness , make yourself comfortable, read about them, in order to avoid it and not prolong it. Take it as a kind of treatment.
moisturizers
Moisturizers are a good way to relieve vaginal dryness because they moisten and soften the skin, especially the vaginal skin or tissue. They retain the water that is in the outer layer of the skin and keep it hydrated or fresh , in order to avoid irritation.
lubricants
Lubricants seek the same purpose, moisten certain areas that are not only the skin , but specifically the genital organs . Such lubricants are cool and help to lubricate or dilate the vagina.
Tip: This can be used for genital massages or sexual intercourse to reduce pain, or in any case vaginal burning.
estrogen therapy
These seek to alleviate the passage of menopause , which, as we know, reduces estrogen from the genital organ, however it is a double-edged sword since in certain cases, if not taken properly, they can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Therefore, they should be evaluated by a gynecologist or specialist doctor.
Proper intimate hygiene habits
It is necessary to maintain the habit of having adequate hygiene , especially in an intimate way, this also refers to cleaning the vagina (both inside and outside) always wash with soap and water.
On the other hand, hair removal is important to avoid the accumulation of mites or microbes. In addition, there are also other ways to keep the vagina clean. Get used to this habit.
Key Findings
- The dryness of the vaginal area refers to the decrease in estrogen, extending to other tissues of the organism.
- Vaginal dryness prevents the lubrication of the vaginal walls and usually occurs during menopause.
- There are several factors that cause vaginal dryness, including cigarette smoking and frequent stress.
- There are various ways and specific treatments to alleviate vaginal dryness, including lubrication, estrogen therapy, and proper hygiene habits.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.