Avoid using deodorants and perfumed products in and around your intimate area
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is common and can affect up to one in three women. Whilst it frequently appears during and post-menopause, it’s not a problem exclusive to menopausal women. In fact, women of any age can experience it.
Normally, glands in your cervix produce a natural lubricant that keeps the vagina moist. This can change for a variety of reasons like dehydration or stress, and medication like oral contraception.
When you’re going through menopause the oestrogen levels in your body naturally decrease which is why you may experience vaginal dryness due to reduced natural lubrication.
Vaginal dryness symptoms
Most women experience the following vaginal dryness symptoms:
- Burning, soreness or pain inside the vagina or the lower vagina
- Itching, burning or soreness around the entrance to the vagina (vulva)
- Pain during sex, sometimes accompanied by light bleeding
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Frequent need or urge to urinate
- Thinner vaginal lips (labia)
You should see a doctor if:
Vaginal dryness interferes with your lifestyle, relationships or sex life.
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Understanding vaginal dryness
You can experience symptoms of vaginal dryness before you start menopause. However, during menopause a decrease in lubrication is considered natural. As your oestrogen levels decrease, vaginal walls become thinner and less lubrication is produced in your cervix.
Vaginal dryness treatment
Vaginal dryness treatment depends on your individual situation, so it is always recommended to consult your doctor for treatment options.
You can treat vaginal dryness symptoms with regular use of vaginal moisturisers. If you have started menopause, you can also ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Preventing vaginal dryness
Use lubricants during sex and enjoy more foreplay so your body has more time to produce its own natural lubricant
Ask your doctor about oestrogen treatments or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Facts about vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can affect you at any age, not just during menopause.
Other causes of vaginal dryness include use of perfumed products for intimate hygiene, breastfeeding and certain medications.
Vaginal discharge throughout your cycle is a healthy sign. It means your vagina is naturally well-lubricated and keeping itself clean.
Learn more about intimate health
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