Effective Home Remedies For Vaginal Dryness

Introduction

Vaginal dryness is more common than you might think, but it’s often overlooked because many women feel reluctant to talk about it. While it may seem like a minor issue, it can significantly impact daily life. Addressing it can help restore comfort and improve overall well-being.

To simplify, think about how our oral cavity contains salivary glands that produce saliva to aid chewing. Similarly, the intimate area has Skene’s and Bartholin’s glands, which create natural lubrication. These secretions are mildly acidic, helping to maintain healthy vaginal flora, reduce the risk of infections, and keep the vagina moist.

Several factors can disrupt this natural process, including hormonal imbalances, certain medications, issues with the lubricating glands, or improper hygiene practices. When vaginal dryness occurs, it may lead to symptoms like itching, burning, irritation, and discomfort during intercourse.

While it can happen at any age, vaginal dryness is more common during menopause and perimenopause due to significant hormonal changes.

If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, know that you’re not alone. There’s no need to feel shy—seeking medical help can improve this condition.

Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

Most of the time, vaginal dryness results from decreased levels of the female hormone called estrogen. Vaginal dryness can also develop in people undergoing treatment for some other condition. Some common causes of vaginal dryness are: 

• Hormonal pills 
• Stress
• Smoking
• Post-partum changes
• Menopause  
• Having your ovaries or uterus removed  
• Swelling or infection leads to dysfunction of Skene’s or Bartholin’s gland
• Thyroid disorder
• Chemotherapy
• Anti-estrogen medication (used to treat endometriosis or uterine fibroids) 
• Medicines like antihistamines (anti-allergic used for itchy eyes or runny nose treatment) or antidepressants  
• An autoimmune disorder called Sjogren’s syndrome can cause dryness in the whole body.
• Using scented soaps, douches, or intimate washes in the vaginal area.
• Engaging in sexual activity without adequate arousal.

Symptoms Associated with Vaginal Dryness

Other symptoms can accompany vaginal dryness:  

• Soreness or itching in and around the vagina  
• Feeling the urge to pee more often  
• Frequent urinary tract infections  
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
• Sometimes vaginal abrasions may lead to vaginal ulcers/raw areas

Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Let’s explore some popular home remedies that may help with vaginal dryness. Please note that these remedies may not work for everyone. Before using any herbal remedies, it is advisable to consult with your doctor and follow their advice. 

1. Coconut Oil 

You can use a natural oil such as coconut oil to help relieve vaginal dryness. Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is the purest form. It has many health benefits, and it may be used to relieve dry skin. Coconut oil is a natural emollient (skin soothing) and might help moisturise the skin. You can apply coconut oil evenly on the outer surface of the vagina (pubis, labia majora) by massaging slowly. Make sure to clean your hands first before you touch your intimate parts. Caution to take here is not to use oil on mucosa – inner surface intimate area or to apply oil inside of the vagina as it could be potential to develop fungal infection. 

2. Moisturisers

You can try non-fragrant moisturisers for dry, sensitive skin to help with vaginal dryness. Using moisturisers can help you lock in moisture in the skin around the vagina and aid in dealing with vaginal dryness. Applying a small quantity of moisturiser on the outer surface of the vagina helps to relieve itching due to dryness of the skin. 

3. Water-Based Lubricants 

You may use any water-based lubricant before intercourse to get rid of problems due to vaginal dryness. These lubricants might provide short-term moisturisation. Lubricants can be applied in and around the vagina or on your partner’s penis to avoid any discomfort during sex and help get rid of discomfort due to vaginal dryness. Make sure you or your partner is not allergic to any lubricant content. Do a patch test before using a new product on your intimate area.

4. Try Foreplay Before Intercourse 

Vaginal lubrication during intercourse depends on arousal. Before indulging in sexual intercourse, try more extended foreplay. Enjoying more foreplay could help you get more aroused during sex which leads the secretory glands to secret natural lubrication and helps in preventing problems due to vaginal dryness. Bartholin’s gland, present at the entrance of the vagina, produces moisture during sexual arousal.  

5. Use Safe and Fragrance-Free Products 

Avoid using heavily perfumed soap, cleanser or lotion in and around your vagina. These chemicals can irritate and lead to dryness in your vagina. Always use perfumes-free soaps and lotions for your vagina. Using perfumed soaps or cleansers or practising vaginal douching is one of the factors responsible for causing vaginal dryness. Even using intimate area cleaning solutions frequently or washing the area with soap every time after using the washroom can lead to dryness and irritation. Patting it dry is sufficient in case of any foul-smelling secretion. Or any coloured discharge from the vagina, better to consult a dermatologist rather than wait for the infection to flourish.

Though there are studies that show the benefits of the given home remedies in dealing with vaginal dryness, these are insufficient. There is a need for large-scale human studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these home remedies on human health. Thus, these should only be taken cautiously and never as a substitute for medical treatment. 

When to Seek Medical Help?

Some women might feel embarrassed to talk to their doctors about vaginal dryness. Still, vaginal dryness is a pretty common condition, and many treatment options are available. You can contact your healthcare provider if:  

• You notice bleeding or any unusual discharge from your vagina. 
• You experience constant vaginal dryness with itching/burning, and the home remedies are not working out.
• The vaginal dryness is affecting your daily activities.
• You notice any sores or ulcers or any raw areas in or around the vagina.
• If your partner is also developing any irritation, burning, pain, or unusual discharge from their intimate area.
• Any swollen glands in or around the pubis.
• Having fever or fatigue.

You must not rely on home remedies alone for the management of vaginal dryness and should consult a doctor before trying home remedies.   

Conclusion

Vaginal dryness is a common concern that can affect any woman, but it’s more prevalent in menopausal women in their 50s. If it’s impacting your daily activities, please seek professional help.

While hormonal changes and ageing are common culprits, factors like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and even stress can also contribute to vaginal dryness. If you’re facing this issue, getting evaluated by a certified dermatologist or gynecologist before trying any home remedies is essential.

Don’t let embarrassment hold you back from seeking the help you deserve. Take charge of your well-being and enjoy a more comfortable, happier life. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References: 

1. Women’s Health Concern. Vaginal dryness – Women’s Health Concern [Internet]. [Cited 2022 Jun 7]. Available from: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/vaginal-dryness/ 

2. NHS. Vaginal dryness [Internet]. [Cited 2022 Jun 6]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/ 

3. Mota AH, Silva CO, Nicolai M, Baby A, Palma L, Rijo P, et al. Design and evaluation of novel topical formulation with olive oil as natural functional active. Pharm Dev Technol [Internet]. 2018 Sep 14 [cited 2022 Jun 6];23(8):794–805. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28598234/ 

4. Franco OH, Chowdhury R, Troup J, Voortman T, Kunutsor S, Kavousi M, et al. Use of Plant-Based Therapies and Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA [Internet]. 2016 Jun 21 [cited 2022 Jun 7];315(23):2554–63. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27327802/ 

5. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need to Know. [Internet]. [Cited 2022 Jun 7]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/experiencing-vaginal-dryness-heres-what-you-need-to-know 

6. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Vaginal dryness [Internet]. [Cited 2022 Jun 7]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000892.htm 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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