Vaginal dryness - Balance Clinic

Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Vaginal dryness is a common condition that can affect women of all ages, although it is most prevalent during and after menopause. It occurs when the vagina does not produce enough natural lubrication, causing discomfort during sexual activity. There are several potential causes of vaginal dryness:

• Hormonal changes - When estrogen levels decline, especially during perimenopause and menopause, the vaginal tissue becomes thinner and less elastic. This leads to decreased natural lubrication.
• Medications - Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce moisture in the vagina.
• Medical conditions - Conditions like diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome, and immune disorders can also cause dryness.
• Breastfeeding - The hormonal changes of breastfeeding can temporarily cause vaginal dryness.
• Douching - This can disrupt the natural bacteria balance in the vagina leading to dryness.
• Lack of arousal - Inadequate foreplay prevents the vagina from lubricating properly.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

Symptom	Description
Pain and discomfort	During sexual intercourse
Light spotting	After intercourse
Burning sensation	In the vagina
Recurrent vaginal infections	-
Need for lubricants	To make intercourse comfortable

If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, there are several effective treatment options available:

Treatment	Description
Over-the-counter lubricants	Water-soluble lubricants like KY Jelly can provide relief during intercourse. Silicone-based lubricants tend to last longer.
Prescription estrogen therapy	Localized, low-dose estrogen in the form of creams, tablets or rings helps replenish vaginal tissue. This treatment is very effective, especially for postmenopausal women.
Prescription non-hormonal therapy	Medications like ospemifene act like estrogen to treat dryness without hormones.
Lifestyle changes	Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, douching, tight clothing, etc. Stay hydrated and engage in plenty of foreplay.
Natural remedies	Soy-based lubricants, vitamin E supplements, and tea tree oil can help provide relief in some cases.

Balance Clinic offers comprehensive treatment for vaginal dryness using cutting-edge bioidentical hormone therapies tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced physicians and nurses provide compassionate care and expert guidance to help you regain comfort and enjoy intimacy again. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Conclusion

Vaginal dryness is a frustrating problem for many women. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, relief is possible. If over-the-counter lubricants do not provide adequate symptom relief, make an appointment with your gynecologist or health care provider to explore prescription options that can successfully treat the underlying cause. You don't have to live with persistent vaginal discomfort - solutions are available to restore vaginal health and function.