If you are suffering from vaginal dryness, or someone you know is distressed about this medical condition, keep in mind is that you are not alone.The truth is, vaginal dryness is a common medical ailment experienced by women during and/or after their menopausal years.
Yes, suffering from this condition could be very frustrating and uncomfortable, but you should use those negative feelings to guide you towards the correct direction.
The directions that will help you gain the fundamental facts regarding vaginal dryness and lubrication for women will help counter it.
In this article, you will find out more about vaginal dryness. Being unfamiliar with this common problem could cause you to be ignorant with how you could treat it. Learn about the symptoms it comes along with, causes and female lubrication that could help with this condition.
Keep an open mind and absorb as much information as you can. Let us begin with the basics and slowly work our way to what you could do to prevent and care for it.
What is Vaginal Dryness?
This medical condition is a very common problem for women. It is a hallmark indication of vaginal atrophy, which is also called atrophic vaginitis.
This condition occurs when the female’s vaginal walls are inflamed or thinning out for the reason that there is a decrease in the hormone called estrogen. Normally, there is a thin layer of moisture around the vaginal walls.
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When a woman is sexually aroused, there is more blood flow through the pelvic region of the body, which produces vaginal fluids to aids in lubricating the vagina, so that penetration of the penis is easier.
However, since hormones can cause imbalances due to certain factors, the consistency and amount of natural lubrication is often affected.
Six Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness
It is best to be knowledgeable regarding what symptoms to watch out for, so you can be safe and comfortable. It could come with signs and symptoms, such as:
- A burning, stinging or itching sensation around the vagina’s opening and its lower areas
- Vaginal soreness
- Light bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
- Pain after during or after sexual intercourse
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Repeated urinary tract infections
Once you start experiencing these signs and symptoms, it is a good idea to see a health care professional immediately.
If you think that it is embarrassing to bring up with your medical doctor, well you should think again.
Having vaginal dryness could affect a person’s lifestyle, most commonly a woman’s sex life and their relationship with their significant other. It is also an uncomfortable condition to experience, so why deal with it when there are ways to prevent or treat it?
What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
The following are the commonly known factors to cause this condition:
- Decreased levels of estrogen in the body, which is important for the maintenance of vaginal lubrication
- Immune disorders
- Certain medications
- Effects of cancer treatments such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy and radiation
- Cigarette smoking
- Douching
Which Lubrication for Women Works Best?
There are quite a few types of lubricants out in the market today for those women suffering from vaginal dryness.
You may have heard about some, while others could be new to you. Here are the types of lubricants you could consider in trying out:
The 7 Types of Lubricants:
- Water-Based Lubricants – This is best used for women who have sensitive skin.
It prevents irritation caused by other lubricants. Although it is water-based, make sure to read the label carefully. - Warming Lubricants – This kind of female lubrication could add in sensation during sexual intercourse, especially if you use it without a condom. This could be a problem to use for women with sensitive skin.
Oil-Based Lubricants – Doctors believe that oil-based lubricants could provide excellent lubrication. Olive oil has also been recommended but the downside is it could possibly tear latex condoms.- Flavored Lubricants – This is best when it comes to oral sex. There is a wide variety of flavors available out in the market such as strawberry flavor, vanilla flavor and many more.
- Silicon-Based Lubricants – This lubricant is good for use in the shower, because it does not break down in water.
- All-natural Lubricants – The best thing about all-natural lubrication is that it contains fewer additives, which could decrease skin irritation.
- Homemade Lubricants – Some women consider making their own lubrication at home.
Some ingredients that could work are vitamin E oil, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, cocoa butter, shea butter and almond oil.
What to Consider When Choosing a Lubricant for Women
Just like taking in type of medication, you should also be aware to what each type of lubricant contains. Make sure you talk to your health care professional regarding this condition, because they definitely know more about what lubricant you should use.
Feel free to ask questions, so you will know all you need to use lubrication for women safely. Try not to feel embarrassed about vaginal dryness because it is common and a medical doctor who specializes in a woman’s reproductive system has most likely had patients with the same condition.
Do Lubricants Have Side Effects?
Since people have different skin types, some women have more sensitive skin compared to others. Checking the ingredients and talking to your doctor about each one is important, especially if you have skin allergies.
Side effects such as skin rashes, hives, swelling of the tongue, face and throat and difficulty breathing could occur.
If you experience any of these side effects, make sure to discontinue the medication and schedule an appointment with your health care professional immediately.
Vaginal dryness does not have to be a frustration for you and other women suffering from it today. There are all kinds of lubrication for women out in the market to help treat this medical condition. Choose a lubricant wisely and involve your doctor in selecting the best one for you.