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Vaginal Dryness: Some Remedies
by Tara Galles, MS, OTR
Vaginal dryness is not just a menopause thing. Women as young as 18 report vaginal dryness! It’s estimated to affect 19.4% of women in their 40s, and over one-third of women in their 50s and 60s [source].
There are many causes of vaginal dryness including allergies, autoimmune disorders, douching (stop that!), vaginal atrophy, and menopause. It may seem like a minor irritation, but the lack of vaginal moisture is a painful rub (pun intended) on a woman’s sex life, not to mention vaginal dryness can become very, very painful.
We all want awesome sex lives, so here are four remedies which just might help you Take CONTROL! of vaginal dryness.
INCREASE CIRCULATION
Vaginal lubrication is produced by glands at the neck of the cervix, keeping the vagina supple and moist. When these glands have adequate circulation, they produce more moisture.
Vaginal dryness is not just a menopause thing. Women as young as 18 report vaginal dryness! It’s estimated to affect 19.4% of women in their 40s, and over one-third of women in their 50s and 60s [source].
There are many causes of vaginal dryness including allergies, autoimmune disorders, douching (stop that!), vaginal atrophy, and menopause. It may seem like a minor irritation, but the lack of vaginal moisture is a painful rub (pun intended) on a woman’s sex life, not to mention vaginal dryness can become very, very painful.
We all want awesome sex lives, so here are four remedies which just might help you Take CONTROL! of vaginal dryness.
INCREASE CIRCULATION
Vaginal lubrication is produced by glands at the neck of the cervix, keeping the vagina supple and moist. When these glands have adequate circulation, they produce more moisture.
General cardiovascular exercise and attention to heart health will increase circulation throughout the body. In regard to regional circulation, a recent study measured blood flow to the vulvovaginal tissues after pelvic floor muscle therapy. The study showed that the manual therapy to increase blood flow to the vulvovaginal arteries and produces increase vaginal gland stimulation or moisture [source].
SUFFICIENT AROUSAL
Many women may experience vaginal dryness during sex because they are not sexually aroused. While this of course can be because of a physical dysfunction impairing vulvovaginal circulation (also known as female erectile dysfunction), a woman must determine if her insufficient arousal is because her partner is not providing adequate stimulation. Partner performance is influenced by communication, so make sure to sufficiently communicate with your partner about what you need to become moist. Periodic renegotiation of sexpectations is imperative for sexual relationship to grow.
ESTROGEN THERAPY
The hormone estrogen helps maintain vaginal fluid and keeps the lining of your vagina healthy, thick, and elastic. A drop in estrogen levels reduces the amount of moisture available. It can happen at any age from a number of different causes including birth control, breast feeding, or hysterectomy. Estrogen therapy can be topical with creams or even a ring that fits just under the cervix. Talk with your medical provider about estrogen therapy to see if it is right for you.
PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISE
Vaginal atrophy, the loss of muscle mass, is often a comorbidity of severe vaginal dryness. Women with vaginal atrophy often report a burning sensation and are susceptible to vulvar tearing. Studies have found pelvic floor exercise to increase pelvic floor muscle elasticity and turgor, increasing vaginal mucosa thickness as well as significantly improving the introitus width [source]. Pelvic floor exercise is more than “Kegels.”
You deserve to have sexpectations! Vaginal dryness shouldn’t be causing you pain. It’s estimated only 50% of women with vaginal dryness report this to their provider [source]. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, decide to Take CONTROL! Talk to your doctor about therapy and call us at 765.319.8420 to make your appointment today!
Tara Galles, MS, OTR
Tara Galles, MS, OTR, is owner of You’re in CONTROL! With over 20 years of clinical experience she compassionately moves each woman to take CONTROL! of their body and rehabilitates them to feel like a natural woman again. As a mother of four children she also understands what it’s like to be a pelvic rehab patient. You may contact Tara about your pelvic issue at (765) 319-8420, or make an appointment using the button at the top of the page.