Vaginal dryness is a common condition that can affect women of all ages, though it tends to become more prevalent after menopause. Some key causes include:
- Decreased estrogen levels. Estrogen keeps vaginal tissues healthy by maintaining normal moisture and elasticity. As estrogen drops during perimenopause and menopause, the vaginal tissues can lose moisture and become thinner and less elastic. This can make intercourse painful.
- Medications and medical treatments. Certain medications like antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and some chemotherapies can reduce moisture. Radiation treatment for pelvic cancers can also damage vaginal tissues.
- Breastfeeding and postpartum state. Hormonal changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily cause vaginal dryness. This usually resolves after breastfeeding ends.
- Inadequate arousal before sex. The vagina naturally lubricates itself during arousal. But sometimes arousal is not adequate to produce enough moisture for comfortable intercourse. This may be due to insufficient foreplay, lack of lubrication, or conditions that make arousal difficult.
Symptoms of vaginal dryness include:
- Painful intercourse
- Light spotting after sex
- Burning sensation
- Itching, stinging, or rawness
- Recurrent UTIs
There are several
treatment options available, including over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, prescription estrogen creams or suppositories, managing underlying causes of dryness, and focusing on relaxation and arousal techniques before intercourse.
I aimed to provide an informative overview of this medical topic. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.