Insufficient vaginal moisture can cause symptoms that may affect women of any age.
Burning and itching:symptoms of vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common problem. But how do you know when you have it? Women often suffer from symptoms that they don’t really recognise. Symptoms of vaginal dryness can actually vary quite significantly. They can range from a simple burning sensation in the intimate area to small tears and injuries to the vagina. We’ll explain all the symptoms that could indicate vaginal dryness.
Graduate biochemist
DR. KADE
Medical Affairs
What will be discussed
The female intimate area
To correctly identify symptoms of vaginal dryness, you first need to understand how the vagina works.
The vagina is a female internal sexual organ, and is a 10 to 12-cm long, thin-walled canal made of connective tissue and muscles. It is moistened by fluid from the blood vessel system of the vaginal wall (also known as transudate) and by mucus from the uterine glands (cervical glands).
The role of hormones in the body
Hormones are signalling or messenger substances that are produced in certain organs or tissues and released either into their surrounding area or into the blood, which transports them to the specific sites of action, the target organs.
Here, they control bodily functions and affect your metabolism, as well as growth and reproduction.
During sexual arousal, the vaginal wall is moistened further by fluid from the so-called Bartholin’s glands. These release a secretion containing mucus, which facilitates sexual intercourse and makes it feel pleasant.
Good to know symptoms of vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is characterised by a lack of secretions that ensure the vagina remains lubricated. In case of a deficiency, the vagina is unable to produce sufficient moisture, which can reduce its elasticity.
Symptoms of vaginal dryness
If the vagina is not sufficiently moist, a number of symptomatic complaints arise that can affect women of any age. These include:
- Sensation of dryness and soreness
- Itching and burning at the entrance to the vagina and in the vulva
- Pain during sex, cycling and sitting or as a result of other mechanical stimuli (e.g. friction or pressure)
- Minor injuries to the skin, for example micro-tears
- Sensitive skin irritations
- Occurrence of minor bleeding
Symptoms of vaginal dryness
and why you should take them seriously
Vaginal dryness is still considered a taboo subject. It can feel too embarrassing to talk about it openly and to discuss treatment options. However, vaginal dryness is a serious issue. Because if a dry vagina is not treated, it can become very uncomfortable. Dryness also makes it much easier for pathogens to penetrate the vaginal skin. As a result, the risk of local infections of the intimate area may increase.
When does vaginal dryness occur?
Vaginal dryness can happen at any age. In particular those taking a mircopill, going through menopause or having already gone through the menopause complain of various symptoms that can be attributed to vaginal dryness. However, stress, certain medications or certain metabolic diseases can also be the cause.
It’s advisable to speak to your pharmacist or gynaecologist to gain clarity on your situation, as persistent or recurring vaginal dryness can indicate a hormone deficiency. A gynaecological examination can determine whether a hormonal change, for example during the menopause, is responsible for vaginal dryness or whether medication or an existing illness (e.g. diabetes) could be the trigger. Learn more about the causes of vaginal dryness in the following article.
