Tips to Prevent Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness. It happens a lot. Around 20 to 50 percent of women are affected. What can you do to resolve or alleviate the symptoms?
Around 20 to 50 percent of all women experience vaginal dryness at some point. There can be various reasons for this. Whatever the reason, vaginal dryness often causes (serious) physical and psychological symptoms.
Causes of a drying vagina
The vagina is naturally moist and separates more fluid from sexual arousal. The increased humidity prevents irritation or discomfort when penetrating through a penis or a vibrator. If the vagina remains too dry, the cause is often physical. But the psychological factors cannot be excluded. Here are some factors that lead to vaginal dryness:
- Insufficient estrogen due to pre- or perimenopause, also known as the transition
- A particular phase in your menstrual cycle: there is less of the hormone estrogen during the first days after a period
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cystitis
- Medications such as birth control or hormone therapy for breast cancer
- Emotional problems such as relationship problems, anxiety, stress, or trauma
Complaints with Vaginal Dryness
- More or less severe itching or a burning, harrowing feeling
- Pain while urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse. There may also be slight bleeding and damage to the vaginal wall.
- Less likely to come to an orgasm
- Recurrent bladder infections
- Greater risk of vaginal infections
- Depressive feelings because of the pain
What Can You Do About It?
- Provide adequate and good lubricants
- Do not force anything during sexual intercourse
- Do not use perfumed wipes, vaginal rinses, or soap
- Try to get an orgasm regularly. According to sexologist Louise Manzanti, this seems to be the ultimate means to keep your vagina in good condition.
Practicing safer sex is a must regardless of your relationship style. Here are some easy ways to do it — from getting tested often to disclosing your status.
While counting partners may seem like no big deal, the associated pressure and judgment (from both ourselves and others) is often an unnecessary problem.
