Vaginal Dryness: Symptoms, Causes, And Remedies By Expert

Vaginal dryness is a common condition among women. Multiple factors contribute to this issue, which most women suffer from at some stage of their life. Vaginal dryness can be quite painful and multiple factors contribute to it. We spoke to our expert, Dr. Pooja C Thukral, Consultant - Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabad, and asked her to share some common reasons behind vaginal dryness, its symptoms and remedies. 

Symptoms Of Vaginal Dryness

When the vagina is dry, you might suffer from a burning or tingling sensation. Vaginal dryness makes you feel quite uncomfortable. If you indulge in sexual intercourse with a dry vagina, it would turn out to be painful.

Reasons For Vaginal Dryness 

Our expert shared that the reason why your vagina stays lubricated is the hormone oestrogen, which is produced in your body. If a woman is breastfeeding or on oral contraceptive pills, received chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or under any kind of medications like antidepressants, she might experience vaginal dryness. Women who are undergoing menopause too suffer from this condition.

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Remedies For Vaginal Dryness 

If you are suffering from vaginal dryness, try the following remedies suggested by our health expert.

• Improve your hydration level. Drink a lot of water throughout the day.
• There are generally no food items that can help lubricate the vagina. However, make sure you have enough food throughout the day.
• You can apply any plant based oil or coconut oil in and around the vagina or on the skin outside the vagina for lubrication. 
• Oestrogen creams are available, which can be applied in the vagina to lubricate it. 
• Once your vaginal dryness gets better, stop using vaginal creams.
• Occasionally, oral hormone replacement therapy should begin once the menopause has started. This helps with the vaginal lubrication.
• These days, vaginal lasers are available which generates a very comfortable form of heat that stimulates vaginal glands to improve the vaginal secretions.

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Other than trying these remedies, make sure you keep a check on your overall vaginal hygiene too. Here are some quick tips - 

• For good vaginal health, make sure you wear underwear made using breathable, good quality cotton, which doesn't allow any bacterial infections and prevents moisture. 
• Eat healthy food, preferably high probiotic food that prevents yeast infections and gives you overall good health. 
• If you use tampons instead of sanitary pads, don't forget to change it timely. 
• Just like any other part of your body, it is essential that you clean yourself down there as well. However, make sure you don't use any harsh products or scrub too much. Remember that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. You don't need to use a lot of soaps to clean it. Just using water too will do the job. 
• Make sure you always pee after having sexual intercourse. This will help lessen the chance of bacterial growth. 
• If you workout regularly, make sure you get out of your sweaty clothes as soon as you come back home. Wet clothing will only invite germs and lead to infections. 
• Avoid using scented products around your vagina as they can irritate and lead to itching.