Dealing with Vaginal Dryness

Why Vaginal Dryness Occurs

Many women sometimes experience a lack of natural vaginal lubrication. This can make the vagina feel tight, itchy, and irritated. Without enough lubrication, sexual activity might be uncomfortable or even harmful.

Vaginal lubrication, often called leukorrhea, is a slightly thick fluid that has a bit of acidity to prevent infections. When the vagina is dry, it lacks this moisture, which is somewhat similar to how our skin sweats (although it's not exactly sweat). In medical terms, this fluid is known as modified plasma transudate.

Women should normally produce this fluid even when they're not sexually aroused. It's crucial for keeping the vagina healthy. When a woman is sexually stimulated, the production of this fluid increases, making sexual activity more comfortable, enjoyable, and even helping with the possibility of getting pregnant by assisting sperm movement up the vaginal canal. At times, women might have too much vaginal lubrication and may need to use panty liners to prevent it from soaking their underwear.

Reasons for Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can occur for various reasons, like stress, using tampons, and using products such as douches and feminine hygiene items. Prescription medications and hormonal changes can also lead to vaginal dryness.

During Perimenopause & Menopause

The most common hormonal changes that contribute to vaginal dryness happen during menopause. As women go through menopause, the vaginal walls become thinner (reducing from about nine layers to around three layers) and lose elasticity. Women also produce less vaginal fluid. Hormone therapy and vitamins, along with holistic approaches, can help manage menopause symptoms to some extent.

Using Moisturizing Lubricants

Using natural moisturizing lubricants (vaginal moisturizers) can help restore lost moisture. These moisturizers are absorbed into the vaginal membrane to hydrate the vaginal tissue. Aloe, present in all our vaginal moisturizers, is particularly effective for combating vaginal dryness.

Unlike lubricants, vaginal moisturizers are meant for regular use, ranging from three times a week to daily, depending on the level of dryness. Lubricants, on the other hand, are specifically designed for sexual activity. Moisturizers are usually less viscous and might not offer enough comfort during penetration. These moisturizers are absorbed by the vagina, and any excess is naturally eliminated. Wearing a panty liner or menstrual cup to catch any excess fluid can be useful.

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Lubricants to Avoid

If you're dealing with vaginal dryness, avoid lubricants labeled as warming, cooling, or stimulating. These often contain ingredients that can irritate and worsen vaginal dryness. Also, steer clear of lubricants with ingredients like nonoxynol and PEGs (PEG 90M, Polyethylene glycol, and Polyoxyethylene). PEGs have high osmolality levels, which can cause skin dryness and irritation, while nonoxynol-9 can be harsh on the delicate vaginal tissues. We neither stock nor recommend products containing these ingredients.

Various lubricants are available, and the closer they are to being natural, organic, and pure, the better they are for your vaginal health.

Effective Lubricants for Vaginal Dryness

In addition to vaginal moisturizers, if you opt for lubricants, keep these points in mind:

• Prefer water-based lubricants. Avoid petroleum-based ones like Vaseline, as they can lead to cysts, infections, and damage to sex toys and condoms. Note that not all water-based, oil-based, silicone-based, or hybrid lubricants work with polyurethane condoms or other birth control methods. Check with each brand to ensure compatibility before use.
• Understand the distinction between moisturizers, anti-irritants, and drying powders. Vagisil, for instance, markets all these products under the same name, which can be confusing for consumers.
• Anti-irritant creams (often containing 5% to 20% Benzocaine) are used to numb the skin to keep itching to a minimum. They should be applied only on the outer labia and not inside the vagina or on the inner labia. We advise against using these without discussing potential side effects with your physician.
• Feminine powders and talc absorb excess sweat but should not be used inside the vagina, similar to anti-irritant creams.

Maintaining a Healthy Pelvic Floor

In addition to avoiding detrimental lubricants, maintaining a healthy pelvic floor enhances blood circulation to the vaginal canal and helps prevent dryness. Start practicing Kegel exercises. Aim for at least two sessions a day, and you should notice improvements within a few weeks. Some Kegel exercisers can enhance the effectiveness of these exercises, much like workouts with weights.

Embrace Sexual Activity

Engaging in sexual stimulation, whether alone or with a partner, is also beneficial for tackling vaginal dryness. The saying 'use it or lose it' holds true in this context. Ensuring healthy blood flow and stimulating your genital region helps maintain its functionality. Vibrators can be helpful in this regard by increasing blood circulation and natural lubrication.

Vaginal Dryness is Common

Vaginal dryness is a common experience for most women at some point. The best approach is to prioritize vaginal health before it becomes an issue. If you're already experiencing it, don't delay seeking help until it becomes uncomfortable. Remember, just as you'd address dryness in your mouth by staying hydrated or having a candy, the same principle applies here.

Sexual health often carries unnecessary stigma and shame, but it doesn't have to be that way. Embrace and celebrate your sexuality. Using sexual products to enhance your experience is akin to pampering yourself with skincare or exercise. So go ahead and give your vagina the care it deserves.