For many women, vaginal dryness is an occasional and temporary discomfort. This condition is usually caused by hormonal imbalances that occur during menopause. It can also arise from chemotherapy and other intense treatments, medications, anxiety, and childbirth. Whatever the cause, dryness can be irritating, uncomfortable, cause itchiness or burning sensations, and even make sex painful. To combat this in your daily life, here are some ways you can try to prevent this condition and treat the pain when you do experience dryness.
Avoid Using Overly Drying Products
Because your vagina is self-cleaning, it doesn’t need a lot of extra help down there. Skip the douching and keep it simple; a little bit of water or some mild unscented soap will get the job done. For some women, using heavily scented soaps, lotions, and other products containing harsh chemicals can dry out the vaginal area and make it prone to irritation.
Use Lubricants
One of the worst effects of vaginal dryness is painful sex. This is a recurring problem for many women. Taking time to have sufficient foreplay can help tremendously with this issue, but some women still may need a little extra help. The best solution is to use lubricants liberally. Be careful with the products you choose, as those with fragrances or ingredients such as petroleum jelly will do more harm than good. Instead, opt for water or silicone-based products that will help provide sufficient moisture when you are lacking. These will also make the experience much more pleasurable for you and your partner.
Try Vaginal Moisturizers
If the pain and discomfort have not eased, consider using some vaginal moisturizers. These are over-the-counter, easy to find, and specially formulated to be gentle around this area and provide relief when you need it.
Medical Treatments
If all else fails and painful symptoms persist, a few available options for medical treatment prescribed by a doctor can help efficiently and adequately treat this condition.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy utilizes different methods to introduce estrogen into your body to help stabilize your hormones and alleviate symptoms such as vaginal dryness. This treatment can come in pills, patches, creams, or even rings. In addition, the dosage of estrogen can vary to suit a woman’s needs. This treatment is especially beneficial for women going through menopause as estrogen levels begin to drop. However, for those who have not undergone a procedure to remove their uterus, the doctor may prescribe these treatments in combination with additional hormones of progesterone or progestin, which will not be too strong for the uterus while still keeping it healthy.
MonaLisa Touch
Another alternative treatment to vaginal dryness is called the MonaLisa Touch. A vaginal probe uses laser energy to repair the vaginal walls by encouraging the production of collagen and moisture deep within the tissue. It is fast, relatively painless, and does not yield any dangerous side effects with a few rounds of treatment. For women who need a better option than hormone replacement therapy, the MonaLisa Touch can quickly provide the results they are seeking. Suitable for most women seeking estrogen replacement therapy, this procedure can help them become pain-free and get back to normal vaginal health. Contact your doctor if you experience vaginal dryness and feel that you can benefit from medical intervention, contact your doctor to discuss all the available options.
