MamasHealth.com Home Women's Health Adenomyosis Atrophic vaginitis Bartholin's abscess Cervical dysplasia Cervical polyps Cervictis Depo provera Domestic violence Endometrial hyperplasia Endometrial polyps Endometriosis Escape an attacker Folic acid Finding time for sex Hormone therapy Alternatives How to be a better mom HPV scare Important health tests Labial reduction surgery Menorrhagia Menopause Menstrual cramps Midlife checklist Mittelschmerz Moms need friends too Ovarian cysts Painful sex Pelvic exams PID PMS Polycystic ovarian Preeclampsia Pregnancy Salpingitis Toxic shock syndrome 1 Toxic shock syndrome 2 Urinary incontinence Urinary tract infection Uterine bleeding Uterine fibroids Vaginal cysts Vaginal dryness Vaginal rejuvenation Vaginal warts Vaginismus Vaginitis Vulvar dystrophy Vulvitis Vulvodynia Women & calcium Women & medicine Women & heart Disease Yeast infections Links Email Mama Tips to get him in the mood Why women should care about prostate cancer Donating your eggs Help for rape victims Stay at home moms Women and calcium 9 things women should know about men Shy girls guide to flirting	What is Vaginal Dryness? Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs when the vagina isn't properly lubricated. Vaginal dryness can make daily activities uncomfortable and sexual intercourse less pleasurable. During menopause, vaginal dryness is most common cause of painful sex. Vaginal dryness is very common and affects women of all ages. Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness Some of the symptoms of vaginal dryness include: Dryness Itching Burning Irritation A feeling of pressure Pain or light bleeding with sex What Causes Vaginal Dryness? A variety of conditions can cause vaginal dryness. Determining the cause is key to helping you find an appropriate solution. Some common causes include: Decreased estrogen levels usually occurs during menopause Chronic yeast infection Douching The process of cleansing your vagina with a liquid preparation (douching) disrupts the normal chemical balance in your vagina and can cause inflammation (vaginitis). This may cause your vagina to feel dry. Vaginal bacterial infection Sjogren's syndrome Medications Cancer treatment medications. Allergy medications. Ulcer medications. Antidepressant medications. High blood pressure medications. Sexually transmitted diseases Vaginal trauma Benign or malignant tumor Can Vaginal Dryness be Treated? Yes. The treatment will depend on the cause. If vaginal dryness is caused by low levels of estrogen, estrogen therapy may help. Estrogen therapy can be administered via a skin patch, vaginal cream, and oral supplements. Lubricants and moisturizers may help sexual enjoyment. What not to do Do not use Vinegar, yogurt, hand lotions, soaps, or bubble baths to relieve your discomfort. These products may irritate your vagina or cause infection.
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