Vaginal dryness occurs when the vagina loses moisture. There are numerous reasons this can occur.
Vaginal drynessa common issue among women
Issues such as intimate well-being are very personal, and many people don’t feel comfortable discussing intimate problems. There’s no doubt about it: nobody enjoys talking about vaginal dryness.
If you also suffer from vaginal dryness, you’re not alone. We find that it’s important to discuss it. Vaginal dryness is totally normal and can occur at various life stages. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that we just have to accept it. The good thing is that there are ways and means of alleviating the symptoms, also without taking hormones.
Graduate biochemist
DR. KADE
Medical Affairs
What will be discussed
Vaginal dryness: what is it?
Vaginal dryness is caused by a lack of moisture in the intimate area. Lubrication, i.e. secretion of the body’s own lubricating fluid, is not always sufficiently available, which can feel very uncomfortable. This lack of moisture can be due to a variety of causes, and can lead to various complaints in the long term. Vaginal dryness often causes an unpleasant pinching sensation in everyday situations such as when sitting, walking or cycling. Sex and going to the toilet can also be painful. Find out more about the symptoms of vaginal dryness and how you can alleviate them.
Why do we experience vaginal dryness?
There can be many reasons for vaginal dryness, which is why it is often all the more difficult to find the trigger. We’ll explain the potential causes of vaginal dryness and what you can do about it:
Women of all ages are affected by vaginal dryness. This can be due to physical, medical, but also psychological reasons.
Vaginal dryness: unpleasant, but easily treatable
Vaginal dryness is a sensitive issue. It’s also impedes on everyday life to a great extent, as it affects both our your overall well-being and love life. Vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable and painful, as the vagina is not sufficiently moist and becomes sore easily. This can result in burning pain.
Causes of vaginal dryness
The reasons why vaginal dryness occurs can be very different and vary between individuals. To treat it effectively, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. If it’s persistent or you have any existing illnesses, it’s essential that you consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Are you suffering from stress or are you under a lot of emotional strain?
- Are you going through menopause?
- Are you undergoing treatment for cancer?
- Do you suffer from a chronic illness like diabetes?
Any women can experience vulvovaginal dryness
Anyone who believes that vulvovaginal dryness only happens to older women is mistaken. Vulvovaginal dryness is an issue that affects all age groups and is common:
- when taking certain medicines, such as the pill
- during menstruation (as the intimate area dries out more easily due to all the wiping)
- during pregnancy (pregnant and breastfeeding women can also suffer from vaginal dryness)
- in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Women going through the menopause may experience dryness of the vagina and the external genital area. This is because of changes in hormone levels shortly before, during or after the menopause. The body produces less oestrogen,
making the vaginal skin thinner and release less fluid. This can lead to vaginal dryness, which makes the vagina more sensitive and also more susceptible to infections like vaginal thrush.
Vaginal dryness: also a question of proper hygiene
If you look after your vulva and vagina properly, you can effectively prevent vulvovaginal dryness.
