Vaginal dryness: Increasing your vaginal lubrication

In women, the mucous membranes of the vagina and the cervix produce substances which act as natural lubricants. These substances facilitate penetration during sexual intercourse, but they also prepare the uterus and the vagina for reproduction; however, in some cases the production of these substances is decreased or does not occur at all, which is the cause of vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness occurs when the vagina does not have enough lubrication. It is primarily menopausal or pregnant women or young mothers who are impacted by this phenomenon. Different women experience different degrees of lubrication.

Women usually achieve lubrication with the help of estrogen. Vaginal dryness is therefore caused by a decrease in oestrogen production, leading to a lack of vaginal lubrication.

Vaginal dryness may cause susceptibility to gynecological infections. The main signs of vaginal dryness are:

• A burning sensation in the vagina
• A feeling of irritation in the vagina
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal itching

Vaginal dryness: what are the causes?

Vaginal dryness is mainly due to a lack of oestrogen production in women. This is the hormone accountable for lubricating the vagina. This is why vaginal dryness tends to occur after a major hormonal change, such as during menopause or after pregnancy.

Certain medications may also cause vaginal dryness. For example, some antihistamines and antidepressants may lead to the loss of vaginal lubrication.

However, poor hygiene in the vaginal area can also provoke dryness. Indeed, if the intimate products used are too aggressive, they may cause imbalances in the vaginal flora.

Repeated sexual intercourse without foreplay may also lead to dryness of the vagina.

Finally, stress can also provoke vaginal dryness as can extreme fatigue or even clothes that are too tight.

Vaginal dryness: how can you treat it?

Timely treatment may enable women with vaginal dryness to live a normal life again. That said, these treatments sometimes do not work or are inadequate for the treatment of vaginal dryness. So, if moisturising creams and ovules are not sufficient you need to look into cosmetic medical treatments.

In most cases, laser treatment allows the patient to return to normal life. Laser treatment is also recommended for the regeneration of the vaginal cells and the removal of dry surface layers.