No one wants to talk about it, but at some point, it happens all women: personal dryness. It can be frustrating, itchy and can make intercourse painful, and many women do not even realize it is happening to them until they describe their symptoms to their doctor.
What Is It?
This condition occurs when the tissues of the vagina stop being lubricated by the body’s natural secretions. Prolonged or untreated vaginal dryness can negatively affect the tissues of the vagina, making them thinner and less elastic.
What Causes It?
Nearly 30 percent of vaginal dryness cases can be attributed to changes in estrogen levels brought on by menopause. Childbirth and breastfeeding also impact estrogen levels and can lead to vaginal dryness. The autoimmune condition Sjogren’s syndrome can also cause vaginal dryness because it triggers the body to attack the cells that produce the moisture that lubricates the vagina and other membranes.
Estrogen levels can also be affected by some medications, such as antidepressants, allergy and cold medicines, anti-estrogen medications used to treat uterine fibroids, and radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
Using douches can also negatively impact the vagina’s moisture levels.
How Can I Treat It?
If you’re experiencing uncomfortable vaginal dryness, the first thing you should do is call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Christy Walker, a dual-board-certified gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She can provide insight and medical treatment for vaginal dryness, which may involve a combination of therapies.
Low-dose vaginal estrogen creams, rings or tablets are potential therapies for vaginal dryness. These medications are inserted into the vagina and help balance hormones and increase vaginal moisture.
The hormone DHEA is also a treatment option for women experiencing vaginal dryness. DHEA can help heal damaged tissue and facilitate an increase in vaginal moisture.
Some individuals find that their vaginal dryness improves by increasing their consumption of foods high in phytoestrogens, such as flaxseed and soybeans. Increasing your vitamin E and vitamin D intake can also help to improve vaginal moisture levels by improving blood supply to the vaginal wall and promoting cell health.
Over-the-counter lubricants can help to improve vaginal moisture and make intercourse more comfortable.
Are you experiencing vaginal dryness? Call 469-238-8084 to schedule a consultation today.
