Common Vaginal Problems: Vaginal Dryness

Ever tried having sex and it feels like someone is using a grater on you or do you regularly need to break your sex session to reapply lubricant because it’s a desert down there? Well join the club.

This is a condition known as vaginal dryness. It is mostly common after menopause but you can experience it before menopause and it is not only uncomfortable but also very irritating.

What causes it?

There are a number of causes

·        Menopause – the decreased level of oestrogen can cause persistent dryness

·        Breastfeeding or childbirth – oestrogen level temporarily decreases causing dryness but returns to normal after sometime.

·        Not being aroused – so the vagina is not encouraged to produce lubrication making it ready for sex.

·        Contraception – the combined pill i.e. pills that contain both progesterone and oestrogen

·        Some forms of treatment -  such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

·        Diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes.

How do I get rid of it without meds?

·        Spend more time on foreplay. Spend more time exploring each other's bodies before diving into the main business.

·        Try using vaginal moisturiser such as Sylk, Replens, Yes and Vagisil vaginal moisturiser.

Some leading brands of vaginal moisturiser.

·        Use lots of lubricant during sex such as the water based Ky jelly or  Durex lube and Durex Real Feel lube which is silicone based.

 

Tried without meds but its still there!!

·        You could try taking evening primrose oil capsules to help balance your hormones. It could take a few months to build up so be patient.

·        If you are experiencing other symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats then see your doctor as you might going through the menopause and he could prescribe you HRT, hormone replacement therapy and/or oestrogen creams.