Vaginal dryness is a problem that can affect the love life of many women. Although it can happen at any age, it is usually associated with older women who are going or have gone through the menopause. Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy, pregnant or breastfeeding can also experience vaginal dryness.
It can have a serious adverse effect on personal relationships, as women are reluctant to engage in intercourse as they expect to get discomfort and pain. This can lead to a loss of libido and a complete lack of interest in sex.
There are several ways to overcome this difficulty, some natural and others with supplements.
Estrogen
Estrogen is present in both men and women, but women have much greater amounts in their bodies. Its main function is for the development of female characteristics including breasts, and regulation of the menstrual cycle.
It is also involved in the growth and maintenance of the inner lining of the uterus and the lubrication of the vagina, thickening the walls of the vagina and increasing blood flow to this region. As estrogen decreases following the menopause, this leads to the reduction in blood flow and less natural lubrication.
A reduction in Estrogen may happen due to:
Hysterectomy or surgical removal of ovariesrnMenstrual cycle changesrnPregnancyrnChildbirthrnBreastfeedingrnCancer therapy including radiation or hormone therapy and chemotherapyrnHormonal contraceptive
Vaginal Health
The first step in combating this problem is vaginal health. This is a subject few women think about or even discuss but it can play a major part in keeping dryness at bay.
Good vaginal health is maintained by ensuring you are in good general health. This means a healthy diet with a large proportion of fruit and vegetables with little processed foods or sugar. The amount of the right types of fat in the diet is essential to keep the vaginal lubrication active. Good fats include olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil and avocados.
Normal regular exercise helps maintain good vaginal function, with running and walking helping the pelvic floor muscles to keep good tone and strength.
Natural Bacteria
There is an enormous amount of bacteria inside the vagina even more than the bowel, and their main function is to protect it.
The good bacteria inside the vagina:
Outnumber other potential harmful bacteria that might enter the vagina.
The good bacteria produce naturally occurring antibiotics to reduce or kill any harmful bacteria.
Produce a substance that stops invading bacteria sticking to the vagina walls.
The pH of the vagina is key in keeping the balance of bacteria correct. If this is disturbed other bacteria can grow and multiply leading to infection such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, resulting in inflammation, itching, irritation and abnormal discharges.
Daily Washing
Washing the area around the vagina and particularly between the vaginal and the anus every day should be a daily routine. Its best to not use perfumed soaps, antiseptic wipes or gels as they disturb the balance of bacteria and cause infection or irritation.
Douches
Douches flush water up inside the vagina supposedly to clean out unwanted secretions. Most medical professionals do not advise the use of douches as they disturb and disrupt the bacterial balance. There is also no evidence that douching protects against STIs or vaginal infections, and regular use may even increase the risk.
Vaginal deodorants and scented wipes
As with douches, these products disrupt the normal balance of bacteria and should not be used. Washing with water and a plain soap should be all you need to keep your vagina healthy.
Other Causes
Allergy and cold medications plus certain antidepressants, all tend to dry out mucous membranes, including vaginal tissues. Stress can disrupt many processes within the body including vaginal lubrication and this can affect younger women just as well as older ones. The total effect of careers, travel, family, too much coffee and alcohol added to little quality sleep, can all add stress and cause dryness.
Natural Solutions
Whilst every woman is different, there are some natural solutions that can help to ease this problem.
Hydration
Make sure you drink enough. Seems obvious but as little as 5% dehydration can have an enormous effect on the body and apart from affecting mental alertness can reduce lubrication as well. Drink six to ten glasses of good clean water per day. As mentioned previously, a good healthy diet with the right fats form a foundation to overall health and prevents dryness at the same time.
Omega-3 Supplements
Take a supplement of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in the form of krill oil or fish oil. This is critical to supporting cell membranes and hormonal balance.
Vitamin E
Try a vitamin E supplement. This vitamin has strong moisturizing properties and has been known to alleviate vaginal dryness as well as reducing free radicals within the body and supporting the immune system.
HerSolution Gel
An additional solution is to use a specially formulated vaginal lubricating
gel.
HerSolution Gel is an instant arousal gel that has been formulated to mimic your body’s natural lubrication and help overcome vaginal dryness and intensifying your feelings of sexual desire at the same time. It is made from natural botanical ingredients and has no side effects.
The manufacturer claims it is far better than over the counter drugstore lubricants as it actually dilates the blood vessels in your vaginal and clitoral regions to increase blood flow.