Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms and More

Have you ever wondered, What does vaginal dryness feel like? If so, you are not the only one worrying about this. Lots of women ask this question when they feel uncomfortable during intimacy because of the dryness down there.

If you do not know where this dryness is coming from or what might help you combat it, you are in the right place. This blog will walk you through the causes, symptoms, and manifestations of vaginal dryness. Moreover, learn when it is necessary to talk to your doctor about vaginal dryness.

What is Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness is one of the menopause symptoms; it occurs when the tissues in your vagina are not moist enough, as they normally are. Your vaginal lining and tissues inside are naturally moist and lubricated, which helps them stay nourished, elastic, and thick. When there is some hormonal imbalance inside your body, these tissues do not produce secretion, making the vagina dry, which leads to discomfort and other symptoms that compromise your sexual and overall health. 

What are the Causes of Vaginal Dryness?

Possible causes of vaginal dryness during sex are as follows:

1. Less Oestrogen

Vaginal dryness is one of the symptoms of menopause. Just like all those symptoms, it occurs when the oestrogen levels in your body are decreased. This hormonal imbalance occurs during menopause, which marks the end of your reproductive era. Dryness vagina is one of the signs of coming to the end of menopause. The decrease in oestrogen makes the skin and tissue in your vulva and vagina thin, dry and less stretchy.

2. Health Conditions

Apart from menopause, some health conditions disturb oestrogen levels, making your vagina dry. Here are a few more causes of vaginal dryness:

• Using birth control pills 
• Chemotherapy for treating cancer
• Antidepressants, or antihistamines, are used
• for endometriosis treatment.
• Childbirth
• Breastfeeding
• Surgical removal of the ovaries
• Diabetes
• Sjogren’s syndrome is a condition where the immune system affects the moisture-producing cells in the body.
• Decreased libido or not getting aroused sexually
• Cleaning the vagina with chemical-based cleansers or using vaginal scents 

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness?

Dryness in the Vagina can feel uncomfortable and might bother your daily activities during intimate moments. Here are the symptoms of vaginal dryness:

1. Tight and Dry Tissue

You may feel that your vagina is moist or completely dry. This dryness makes the tissues less flexible, and you may also feel tightness down there.

2. Itching

A tight and dry vagina can cause itching, and you may feel like rubbing or scratching it. Itching also irritates your vagina, making it sore.

3. Burning Sensation

Dry vagina causes a burning sensation because the tissues are irritated. Burning can persist as a result of infection in the urinary tract or bacterial vaginosis. If the burning is severe, it is necessary to talk to your doctor.

4. Uncomfortable Sex

Intimacy naturally causes your vagina to become wetter when aroused. But when there is a hormonal imbalance, say after menopause, your vagina gets dry, which makes sex uncomfortable. You may feel pain during sex or spotting, as well as burning after penetration. 

5. General Discomfort

Overall, you may feel uncomfortable or uneasy down there. Even when you are not intimate, a sense of insecurity can compromise your overall health and comfort. 

6. Peeing More than Usual 

Dryness in Vagina does not directly cause frequent urination. Dry and irritated vaginal tissues disturb the urethra and make you feel like you need to pee again and again. 

7. Frequent Urinary Tract Infections 

Healthy vaginal tissues act as barriers and protect against urinary tract infections. When these tissues are thin and dry, it is easy for bacteria to enter and cause infection frequently. 

When should I see my doctor for vaginal dryness?

The main goal of staying informed about dryness in the vagina is to know when to talk to your doctor. So, consider talking to your doctor if:

• You have been noticing a dry vagina for a few weeks. 
• At-home tips are not working.
• It disrupts your daily tasks. 
• You see unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding. 
• You see bleeding after sex or when you are not on your period.
• After sex, there is a noticeable irritability or swelling in that area.

How Will My Doctor Diagnose Vaginal Dryness?

To properly diagnose a dry vagina and help you treat it, your doctor may:

• Takes your medical history
• Ask about the symptoms that you’re feeling.
• Conduct a physical examination of the vaginal area.
• Examine the inside of your vagina and notice the dryness and thinness of tissues
• Perform blood tests to check hormone levels or any other underlying health conditions. 
• Analyse your vaginal discharge to look for the presence of any infections. 

Conclusion

Vaginal dryness is a common condition that affects women of all ages. While it is often associated with menopause, there are many causes, like breastfeeding, medication response, autoimmune disorders or using scented products. 

Symptoms of vaginal dryness include itching and burning sensations, especially during sex. You may need to pee more often and get bacterial infections easily due to a dry vagina. Remember, you’re not alone. By talking to your doctor and exploring your treatment options, you can find relief from a dry vagina and improve your overall well-being. You can also go for Vaginal Dryness Natural Remedies.

FAQs about Vaginal Dryness: