Help! My vagina is dry! Read our 7 tips for relieving vaginal dryness naturally
Vaginal dryness is more common than you might think. At least 17% [1] of women will experience vaginal or vulval dryness, and the numbers soar to as many as 90% for postmenopausal women [2]. So why is such a universal experience so often ignored?
Don’t let embarrassment stop you from getting treated
No one should experience the uncomfortable (and sometimes debilitating) effects of vaginal dryness. For many of us, embarrassment is the barrier to finding relief. Others might be at a loss as to where to go for help or how to begin caring for their intimate health.
The great news is there are very effective ways to treat vaginal dryness naturally, but your first point of call should always be your doctor or OB-GYN.
Why am I dry down there? Causes of vaginal dryness
There are many contributing factors to the problem of vaginal dryness. One of the most common causes is linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen helps to maintain the vagina’s natural lubrication, elasticity and thickness. A drop in estrogen levels causes delicate vaginal tissue to become thinner and lose moisture. Unfortunately, this can result in itching, burning, and pain in the vagina and vulva. [3] This can range from mild to all-consuming! Lowered estrogen levels are especially common during perimenopause and menopause, breastfeeding, pregnancy and childbirth [4].
Other causes of vaginal dryness include a lack of vaginal hydration or not being aroused before or during sex. Using products which can absorb vaginal moisture such as tampons, taking medication or undergoing medical treatments that decrease vaginal lubrication, irritation of the vaginal tissue or disruption of vaginal pH can also cause dryness.
Factors that can increase your likelihood of experiencing vaginal dryness include:
Hormonal factors that affect estrogen production
- Menopause and perimenopause. Due to a drop in estrogen levels the walls of the vagina become thinner during menopause [5].
- Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can also lead to a drop in estrogen levels resulting in vaginal dryness.
- Pregnancy and childbirth. Again, the hormone estrogen drops during pregnancy and after childbirth which can cause a decrease in vaginal lubrication.
Medical factors
- Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome [6]. This disorder affects the moisture-producing glands in the vagina and commonly causes vaginal dryness.
- Treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy [7]
- Medications such as anti-depressants or antihistamines such as hay fever remedies [8]
- Taking hormone treatments such as HRT or hormonal contraceptives can affect estrogen production [9]
- Hysterectomy (removal of your womb) [10].
Lifestyle factors
- Lifestyle factors including smoking and alcohol use [11]
- Use of harsh soaps in the vulval area or use of products that contain irritants [12]
- Douching [13]
- Emotional stress [14]. Chronic stress can wreak havoc with our hormones sometimes resulting in vaginal dryness
- Tampon use [15]
- Low libido resulting in not being aroused before or during sex
What does a dry vagina feel like?
Itching, burning, irritation, pain, or too much friction during sex. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. These are some of the uncomfortable effects of vaginal dryness. Keep reading to discover some top tips for treating vaginal dryness naturally and finding the relief you deserve.
How to get rid of dryness down there. 7 tips for relieving vaginal dryness naturally
1. Avoid using harsh chemicals in your vagina and on your vulva
Some intimate cleansers, lubricants, moisturizers contain synthetic or harsh chemicals that can irritate and damage the delicate membranes of the vagina. We recommend avoiding products with parabens, silicone and glycerin and any known skin irritants. Using scented or perfumed soaps, sprays and washes in your vagina can also contribute to vaginal dryness [16]. We recommend being wary of Fragrance in a product ingredients list if it is intended for sensitive intimate tissues.
2. Minimize risk of infection by choosing pH matched feminine products
For good vaginal health – keep your vagina acidic! pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a water-based environment.
The pH scale is from zero to 14, with pH7 in the middle being neutral. If a pH is lower than 7 then the liquid is acidic and when above 7 it is alkaline.
A typical healthy vaginal environment is moist and acidic, usually around pH 4. An acidic environment around pH4 means the acidity kills microbes and prevents infections. Many commercial lubricants and feminine washes are not matched to vaginal pH. Using a lubricant with a pH above vaginal pH will have a neutralising effect and increase your risk of infection. Most soaps are strongly alkaline. Search for intimate washes designed for intimate use or go gently with the soap.
All water-based AH! YES® lubricants, moisturizers and feminine washes are pH matched to the vagina and designed to respect delicate vaginal tissue without compromise.
3. Use a vaginal moisturizer regularly
Vaginal moisturizers can be used daily to quickly relieve symptoms of dryness and ease associated pain, itching, and burning. AH! YES® VM is a certified organic vaginal moisturizer that lasts up to three days. It’s designed to gently replenish moisture levels without the use of synthetic chemicals, hormones, fragrances, parabens, and any known skin irritants. AH! YES® VM can be applied both internally to the vagina and externally to the vulva.
4. Find the right lube
If vaginal dryness is causing you pain during sex, it’s time to reach for a lubricant. There are three main types of lubes – water-based, plant-oil based and silicone based. AH! YES® WB, our organic water-based lubricant is intensely hydrating and designed to feel completely natural without leaving any stickiness. It’s a fantastic option if you are experiencing pain due to dryness. AH! YES® OB is an organic plant-oil based lube with a thicker consistency. It is long-lasting and doubles as a massage oil. Lubes can be used together for ultimate comfort.
Silicone lubricants are not absorbed or broken down by our body, so they provide a long-lasting lubrication, which often needs to be washed off after use for comfort and skin health. They cannot rehydrate dry tissues as they contain no water. They can however make a hydrophobic (water-hating) seal over the skin so whilst they can lock in moisture, they can also lock in dirt and bacteria. This is why you will never find silicone in our lubricants.
5. Consider switching from tampons to a menstrual cup or period underwear.
Studies show that using super-absorbent tampons may absorb vaginal moisture and cause vaginal dryness [17]. This can result in irritation and dryness, particularly if you have a lighter flow. Menstrual cups and period underwear are excellent alternatives to consider.
6. Rule out infection and underlying conditions that might need treatment
We advise always checking in with your doctor to rule out any possible infections or health conditions that might be causing or exacerbating dryness. Your doctor may also prescribe medicated creams, tablets or vaginal suppositories to treat dryness.
7. Don’t lose hope!
Vaginal dryness can be hard to live with, but it is very common and extremely treatable. Don’t lose hope in your search for relief.
Other considerations:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) also known as Hormone Therapy or Estrogen Replacement Therapy is a common medicinal treatment for vaginal dryness during menopause [18]. HRT replaces hormones that are low which includes the use of replacement estrogen. There are different types and doses of HRT, including: a daily pill, a patch, a vaginal ring, gel, cream or spray.
For women who still have their uterus, Estrogen/Progesterone/Progestin Hormone Therapy (also called Combination Therapy) may be available. This therapy combines doses of estrogen and progestin, the synthetic form of progesterone [18].
Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to find out what treatment options are available to you.
Check out our range of certified organic vaginal moisturizers and lubricants here.
