Many women will have suffered from vaginal dryness by the time they experience menopause. Menopause is one of the main causes of uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, itching and pain during sexual intercourse. Although it is also possible for younger women to suffer from vaginal dryness, the reduction of oestrogen levels brought on by menopause is generally the cause for these unpleasant symptoms.
Reduced oestrogen levels lead to a lack of adequate moisture in a woman’s genital area. There is a decrease in the amount of milky white fluid released by a woman’s body to protect the genital area. This means that the mucosa is more susceptible to bacteria and viruses as well as a higher rate of infection. The sexual organs also undergo a change. This can include vaginal atrophy, meaning that the blood flow to the vagina and labia decreases and the mucosa becomes thinner. This increases the chances of tearing and skin irritation. The intensity of friction during intercourse can be a painful experience for some women. The vaginal mucosa is simply lacking the moisture it needs. In some extreme cases, the friction involved in athletic or everyday activities can also lead to pain.
The symptoms caused by vaginal dryness are unpleasant and too many women are reluctant to speak about the issue. But there are ways to help alleviate vaginal dryness.
Drink plenty of fluids
It may seem a bit obvious, but low fluid intake can encourage vaginal dryness. It is important to drink plenty of fluids in general, but also when it comes to vaginal dryness.
Stress and tension
Stress and tension can trigger or advance the development of vaginal dryness. Relaxing can help ease the discomfort associated with vaginal dryness. Yoga, autogenic training or any other type of relaxation technique can help relieve the symptoms. If you notice your stress levels increasing, try to take some time out to relax.
Intercourse as a way to combat vaginal dryness
This may not seem very logical at first, considering the pain that a lack of moisture can cause during intercourse. But enjoying regular intercourse can promote blood flow in the genital area, helping to work against vaginal atrophy. By spending more time on foreplay and the variety of things that can stimulate a woman, the right amount of moisture can be produced, which in turn can ease the discomfort of vaginal dryness during intercourse. Personal lubricants can also be used for this purpose.
The use of personal lubricants
Using personal lubricants to moisturise the genital area may prove beneficial. Personal lubricants help minimise friction during intercourse. But what many do not know is that personal lubricants can also be used for medical purposes. Using personal lubricants on a regular basis can help moisturise the genital area and relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness. There are two different kinds of personal lubricants: silicone-based and water-based personal lubricants.
Silicone-based personal lubricants contain silicone molecules. These molecules are larger than the pores of the skin, meaning that they remain on the skin’s surface. After applying a personal lubricant, a protective film forms on the skin, helping to provide some of the depleted moisture caused by reduced oestrogen levels. This can also help nourish the skin in the genital area. It is important for silicone-based personal lubricants to be free of preservatives and dermatologically tested.
Water-based personal lubricants consist mainly of water and help moisturise the vaginal mucosa. Water-based personal lubricants should contain only natural and nature-identical ingredients in order to ensure the most skin-friendly formula for the sensitive vaginal mucosa.
For over 20 years, pjur med has been providing silicone-based and water-based personal lubricants with these exact properties. Their natural and nature-identical ingredients appeal to health-conscious consumers and are recommended by doctors and pharmacists all around the world to combat vaginal dryness.
pjur med silicone-based lubricants such as pjur med PREMIUM glide and pjur med SOFT glide are free of preservatives, dermatologically tested and suitable for daily use.
The water-based personal lubricants from pjur med are made exclusively of natural and nature-identical ingredients with the highest standard of natural and skin-friendly properties. These personal lubricants include pjur med SENSITIVE glide, pjur med VEGAN glide as well as pjur med NATURAL glide.
Consulting a doctor
If these suggestions do not help, please seek the advice of a medical professional. In addition to hormone-free methods for easing symptoms, doctors can also prescribe hormone preparations to combat vaginal dryness. It is possible for vaginal dryness to have other causes that may require medical treatment.
Vaginal dryness should not be a taboo topic. The options presented above should help to alleviate the symptoms of vaginal dryness.
Ceri Wheeldon
Ceri is Founder and Editor of Fabafterfifty.co.uk She is a frequent speaker at events and in the media on topics related to women over 50 , including style and living agelessly. With 20+ years experience as a headhunter Ceri also now helps support those looking to extend their working lives.
Follow Me:
Add a comment