How to Treat Vaginal Dryness
Ok ladies the last thing that you want to discuss especially with your partner is problems regarding vaginal dryness.
It is something that many women are faced with on a regular basis. You are not alone and there are many possible causes affecting you right now. It could be hormonal changes, anxiety, stress, even changes to your detergent could be an irritant.
Obviously, this is an issue that you would like to take care of as quickly and discretely as possible. You do not want to have this condition linger longer than it already has and you also do not want to have a lack of vaginal lubrication affect your sex life by making it uncomfortable or even painful.
To eliminate vaginal dryness the first step is to determine what is causing the vaginal dryness. As there are many reasons this could be happening the cause will alter the solution. As stated earlier everything from hormonal changes (post-menopausal for instance), medication side effects, psychological issues to even lack desire.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for a lack of natural lubrication to help you determine the best course of action to take.
Changes in Hormones
This is the most common cause of vaginal dryness. It stems from a decrease in estrogen levels during menopause, perimenopause, after childbirth, and during breastfeeding. Another cause of decreased estrogen levels is treatments for diseases such as cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation to the pelvis can decrease these levels of hormones and lead to vaginal dryness. “The vagina depends on estrogen for health,” says Irwin Goldstein, MD, director of Sexual Medicine San Diego, part of Alvarado Hospital in San Diego, California.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications taken for colds and allergies can affect natural lubrication. These medications contain antihistamines. Antihistamines are taken as they have a drying effect on our bodies. The same drying effect that helps to clear our sinuses also can lead to reduced vaginal lubrication.
Insufficient Arousal
Possibly the biggest reason for a dry vagina is lack of arousal, which can be caused by two reasons. The first is low libido or sex drive. Your libido is your sex drive and similar to vaginal dryness can be affected by hormonal changes, psychological factors such as stress and even social factors.
The second reason for insufficient arousal is sexual problems with your partner. How your partner gets you aroused is almost as important if not more important than actually having sex. Without proper arousal vaginal dryness occurs. In addition to this who your partner performs can subconsciously affect you prior to even having sex. “If a partner has poor performance and early ejaculation, it can contribute to vaginal dryness,” says Dr. Goldstein.
Vaginal Irritants
Your vagina is very sensitive to change and external factors that may not affect other parts of your body will affect your lady parts. Many women are allergic to chemicals found in detergents, soaps, hygiene products, and even dyes found in clothing. “Many women have allergies to detergents and soaps,” says Goldstein. “There can be irritants on things like underwear or towels.”
Other sources of allergens for your vagina can come from lubricants and objects used during sex. For instance, a change in condoms may cause irritation which then leads to vaginal dryness. Remembering when you changed your routines can help to determine if an irritant is causing your vaginal dryness.
Anxiety and Stress
Psychological and emotional factors such as stress and anxiety can also wreak havoc on sexual desire and lead to vaginal dryness when normal vaginal lubrication does not occur. “When a woman is anxious there is insufficient blood flow,” says Goldstein, “so she will have dryness.”
Preventing and Treating Vaginal Dryness
As we have seen there are varied reasons causing vaginal dryness. These differences lead us to two forms of treatment. Women who are experiencing vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes or insufficiencies can benefit from estrogen therapy.
Estrogen therapies vary based on the severity of and symptoms. In some cases, doctors will prescribe a vaginal estrogen insert. For women who are also experiencing hot flashes in addition to vaginal dryness, possible women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause, an oral medication or skin patch can be used. This option releases estrogen into the body throughout the day.
For women who are not experiencing hormonal changes causing vaginal dryness, there is a solution that was developed specifically for vaginal dryness. Dr. Ronald Thompson, a gynecologist of more than 30 years, caring for patients with these exact conditions, created Alura Lux.
Alura Lux is much more than just a lubricant to temporarily relieve vaginal dryness. Alura Lux helps to resolve the condition long-term as well as helping with other feminine concerns, such as low libido, inability to orgasm, and chronic infections such as yeast infections.
A topical cream that is applied directly to the clitoris, Alura Lux is used in two forms. Used on a daily basis, Alura Lux increases the blood flow in the vagina as well as acts as a natural antibiotic. The additional blood flow keeps the tissues and nerves within the vagina healthy. As an antibiotic, it helps to keep the proper pH within the vagina further improving overall health.
The second form in which Alura Lux is used is prior to sex. Again Alura Lux is applied directly to the clitoris where stimulation is intensified. The increase in blood flow increases sensitivity through the vagina, increasing natural lubrication and improving overall sexual performance and enjoyment.
When we started this discussion, having a dry vagina is not something any woman wants. While uncomfortable and irritating there are solutions that you can follow to eliminate and improve not only your sex life but also your overall health and wellbeing.
As always we appreciate all your comment and emails. Don’t forget to share this information with your friends so they too can be pain-free and properly and naturally lubricated.
