In this case, it’s necessary to take steps to restore the balance of these hormones. This will protect you from a number of side effects.
Most women have had to deal with such an intimate problem as vaginal dryness at least once in their life.
It’s important to keep in mind that this problem can be exacerbated by declining estrogen levels. This can make these unpleasant symptoms even more bothersome. Medical professionals define vaginal dryness as an atrophic process that results in inflammation in the intimate area.
Although at first glance this problem may not seem like a serious threat to a woman’s health, it’s important to remember that vaginal dryness can significantly complicate our lives. It can cause difficulties in our daily lives and sexual performance, which negatively impacts our relationships with our partners.
What are the reasons for this problem?
Vaginal dryness develops due to insufficient lubrication of the female genital organs, as a result of which the woman begins to experience pain, burning, and itching.
Most often, these symptoms intensify during intercourse. The vagina becomes more sensitive, the woman begins to experience a burning sensation, and the genitals become irritated and inflamed.
The factors causing this problem can be divided into three groups: organic, physical and psychological.
Vaginal Dryness: Natural Causes
Low estrogen levels
The amount and type of vaginal lubrication a woman produces varies depending on the phase of her menstrual cycle.
As soon as the egg begins to mature, the body produces estrogen. This keeps the vagina moist. Once the egg is released, the amount of discharge begins to decrease, reaching its minimum by the time menstruation begins.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy and lactation disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the female body, resulting in changes in the amount of estrogen produced by the woman’s body.
During lactation, the female body secretes the hormone prolactin. This hormone stimulates milk production but reduces estrogen levels.
With the return of menstruation, the previous hormonal balance is restored, and the problem of vaginal dryness disappears on its own.
Menopause
As we age, the number of eggs produced decreases, and estrogen levels also decrease.
The vaginal walls begin to thin and lose elasticity, which causes pH imbalances. The glands that produce lubrication slow down, resulting in vaginal dryness.
In this case, a woman may be bothered by a feeling of heaviness and pressure, as well as burning and itching in the intimate area.
Physical causes
Inflammation of the vaginal tissues
Quite often, vaginal dryness is a symptom of some kind of infection.
Consumption of certain foods and medications, as well as certain diseases and personal hygiene habits, can increase the risk of infections:
- Intrauterine contraceptives can cause inflammation of the vaginal walls.
- The diaphragm size is often too large and can cause vaginitis.
- The use of spermicides and latex often irritate the intimate area.
- Vaginal infections such as candidiasis and vaginitis also lead to vaginal irritation and dryness.
Taking medications
Regarding medications that increase the risk of vaginal dryness, the following should be noted:
- Contraceptive pills and medications intended for the treatment of ovarian diseases.
- Medicines for the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines.
- Antidepressants.
- Antihistamines for the treatment of allergies and colds.
Diabetes
Patients with diabetes often experience dry skin, a symptom caused by a lack of glucose in the blood.
On the one hand, such people experience decreased sexual desire. On the other hand, the small capillaries surrounding the vagina are often damaged and impede lubrication.
Poor hygiene
Keeping yourself clean doesn’t mean overusing hygiene products.
So, it is important to remember that too frequent use of soaps, lotions, gels and deodorants for the vagina can also lead to vaginal dryness.
Psychological reasons
Stress
When a person experiences stress, their body begins to overproduce the hormone cortisol. As a result, its blood levels rise, causing an imbalance of sex hormones.
All these leaves mark on vaginal lubrication.
Fear
Some women have emotional problems related to their sexual life.
This could be fear or indifference to sexual intercourse. Such emotions prevent the nervous system from sending the appropriate signals to the genitals and stimulating vaginal lubrication.
Recommendations
- Remember that regular water and soap with a neutral pH are sufficient to maintain intimate hygiene.
- You can also use commercially available internal and external humidifiers to combat the problem.
- To prevent and combat vaginal dryness, it is recommended to limit alcohol and tobacco consumption.
- Try to drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
- Lead an active lifestyle and exercise.
- If you consume soy products, remember that they contain isoflavones, which have an effect on our body similar to that of estrogen.
Although there are many recommendations available to help alleviate vaginal dryness, it’s crucial to consult a gynecologist if this problem arises. Only a doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment based on the individual needs of the patient.
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