Symptom Spotlight: Vaginal Dryness
Guest Blog from Femme Pharma
Vaginal dryness is a common concern for a lot of women. It’s estimated that about half of post menopausal women and about 30% of women going through peri-menopause experience vaginal dryness.
Vaginal dryness can also be a side effect of breast cancer treatment, severe endometriosis, autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, or from antidepressants and other medications.
Even though vaginal dryness is common, disrupts daily life, and can impact intimacy, many women ‘just deal with it’ and a lot of women don’t really understand the symptoms of vaginal dryness also referred to as vaginal atrophy.
What causes vaginal dryness?
When estrogen levels drop during peri-menopause and after menopause, so do moisture levels in the skin — including the skin of your vulva (that’s the area outside your vagina). When the skin is dry, it can become sensitive or even irritating. You may also notice itching, burning, and discomfort on a regular basis. Some women experience the frequent need to urinate (urinary frequency) or the need to “go, go, go” (urinary urgency). These symptoms are also referred to as the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
Can I avoid vaginal dryness?
Avoiding vaginal dryness is a little tricky. Hormones play a large part in vaginal health; however, there are things you can do to help ease the severity.
Never wash your vulva or vagina with soap. Soap — including body wash and bubble bath — can be drying and irritating, especially to sensitive skin. Soaps and cleansers may also change the pH of your vagina making it more susceptible to bacteria and infection. The vagina is self-cleaning, warm water will suffice.
Do not use perfumes and lotions. We are not supposed to smell like roses and vanilla down there. Regularly using scented soaps and lotions, or even using perfume to spray your intimate skin will cause irritation, infection, and dryness. If you detect an unusual vaginal odor that concerns you, please consult your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
How to relieve vaginal dryness
Much like the skin on our face, our intimate skin needs daily moisturizing as well to maintain optimal health. If your face feels tight and itchy, you reach for a hydrating moisturizer and apply it as often as you need to alleviate the dryness. That is exactly what an intimate skin moisturizer does.
The Mia Vita Intimate Skin Care Line is made without hormones. Instead, it’s made with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Hyaluronic acid is a substance your body makes naturally, though it tends to make less as you age. Because it attracts water, it’s naturally hydrating and plumping, which is why it’s become a powerhouse ingredient in the beauty world. Vitamin E has long been used to nourish and protect skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that is effective in reducing irritation and strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.
Regular sexual activity – with or without a partner may also help relieve some dryness by increasing blood flow to the vaginal tissue. Always include a personal lubricant before using toys or penetration with a partner to aid in natural lubrication.
FemmePharma has been helping women navigate menopause for over two decades. No matter where you are in your journey, you deserve to have knowledgeable, intimate healthcare partners to help you feel your best. Explore articles, listen to the Love Mia Vita podcast with women’s health experts, and shop products to ease your transition into menopause.