Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisWhen to Seek a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
Diagnosis
When to Seek a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Pain, burning, and itching are just a few symptoms ofvaginal dryness. Often an embarrassing topic to discuss, vaginal dryness will affect most people with a vagina at some point in their lifetime.
Lowestrogenlevels typically cause vaginal dryness, which leads to painful sex and pelvic discomfort. Although most common inpostmenopausalpeople, vaginal dryness also affects nearly 20% of people between 17 and 50.
This article will discuss the symptoms of vaginal dryness, its causes, and treatment options.
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Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness
Beforemenopause, the vagina can produce up to one teaspoon offluiddaily, causing it to be naturally moist.The fluid helps prevent vaginal andurinary tract infectionsand keeps the vagina lubricated. However, the vagina can become inflamed and irritated when less fluid is produced. Here are common signs of vaginal dryness:
Vaginal dryness can happen at any age, be sure to see your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms.
Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Althoughpremenopausalpeople can have hormonal fluctuations causing vaginal dryness, other reasons for the symptoms include:
Most people with a vagina over 50 commonly experience vaginal dryness.This is because decreasingestrogenlevels causes the vaginal tissue to shrink and become thin, resulting in dryness, inflammation, and irritation. Other medical conditions, such asSjögren’s disease(autoimmune disease), can cause vaginal dryness.
Why Does It Burn When I Pee After Sex? Potential Causes and Solutions
Medications That Cause Vaginal Dryness
Medications with a drying effect, such asdecongestantsandallergy medications, can also lead to vaginal dryness. Estrogen-lowering drugs used forbreast cancerreduce the amount of fluid the vagina produces. Other drugs that have been linked to vaginal dryness include:
Unfortunately, many people stop taking prescribed medications due to unwanted sexual side effects. Discuss any symptoms of vaginal dryness with your healthcare provider before eliminating any medications.
How to Treat Vaginal Dryness
Increasing estrogen can improve the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, prescription medications, and energy-based devices may help restore the ability to produce vaginal fluid andtreat vaginal dryness.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Vaginal lubricantscan help reduce pain during sex. There are water-based, oil-based, and silicone lubricants available. Oil-based lubricants can damage condoms and diaphragms, making them less effective againstpregnancy; this includes natural products such as olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
Vaginal moisturizers are also helpful in decreasing dryness. Applying the gel or suppository into the vagina up to three times weekly helps the vaginal tissue retain moisture.
Prescription Medications
Vaginal and oral medications that contain estrogen (prasterone) or mimic estrogen, such as Osphena (ospemifene), require a prescription. Vaginal estrogen is available in creams, pills, suppositories, or a flexible plastic ring.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
How to End Painful Sex and Dryness During Menopause
Complications and Risk Factors of Vaginal Dryness
Left untreated vaginal dryness can cause vaginal sores, cracks, or tears, leading toyeastand bacterial infections. Increased risk of urinary tract infection is also linked to untreated vaginal dryness. Althoughvaginal atrophydoes not develop from vaginal dryness, it is a chronic and progressive condition that can worsen the symptoms of vaginal dryness.
Risk factors for vaginal dryness include being postmenopausal, having no uterus or ovaries, being on medications that cause vaginal dryness, and smoking.
How to Diagnose Vaginal Dryness
Although there isn’t a specific test to diagnose vaginal dryness, here is what you can expect from your healthcare provider:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing recurrent UTIs, yeast infections, and have symptoms of vaginal dryness that do not improve with home remedies, you should see your healthcare provider.
Summary
The symptoms of vaginal dryness include itching, burning, pain during sex, and pelvic discomfort. Although low estrogen levels are the leading cause of vaginal dryness, other factors such as medications, hygiene products, and medical conditions can also be a source. Fortunately, treatment is available to improve the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Left untreated, however, infection and chronic pain can result.
A Word From Verywell
Talking to your healthcare provider about vaginal dryness may feel embarrassing and uncomfortable. Many people suffer in silence because they are unsure how to approach the subject. Making a list of questions before your appointment can help break the ice. Write down what you’re being told so you can review the information in the comfort of your home. Then, if you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
Itching, burning, and painful sex are common symptoms of vaginal dryness.
Low estrogen levels are the leading cause of vaginal dryness. However, certain medications and hygiene products can also lead to vaginal dryness.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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