If you are suffering from vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, you are not alone.
Here are some common causes and solutions:
- Swimming—Spending too much time in the pool may lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort in the vulva area due to the chlorine used to keep the water clean.
- Solution—Apply vitamin E or coconut oil to vulva before swimming. Rinse the private area thoroughly with water only (no soap) after swimming.
- Medications—Do you have a cold or the flu? Some cold and allergy medicines can dry up mucus, causing vaginal dryness.
- Solution—Drink plenty of (caffeine-free) fluids, avoid antihistamines (such as Benadryl/Diphenhydramine) if possible. Run a humidifier in the bedroom.
- Chemicals—Perfumes and dyes in soaps and feminine hygiene products may cause vaginal dryness.
- Solution—As tempting as it may be to want the good smelling products, stick with dye-free and perfume-free products for your private area.
- Anxiety and Stress—Your emotions definitely can interfere with your libido or sexual desire and may lead to vaginal dryness.
- Solution—De-stress regularly. Download a relaxation app into your smartphone, listen and relax a couple of times a day. Avoid energy drinks or sodas, which are loaded with caffeine. Caffeine may make you more anxious and jittery, while dehydrating you, too.
- Smoking—Studies suggest smokers suffer more frequently from vaginal dryness. Also, women who smoke typically reach menopause a year earlier than non-smokers.
- Solution—You know it’s a bad habit. There are so many options to help you quit. Gums, patches, acupuncture, hypnosis and prescription medications (inhalers and pills) are some of the most common choices. Try a different option if you fail at first. Don’t give up.
As discussed in my previous article, there are many different ways to address vaginal dryness, including hormones, lubricants, oils and natural vaginal moisturizers, such as FabuVag. According to the results of a scientific study published in November 2015, the natural herb used in FabuVag vaginal moisturizer is an effective means to manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. For more information on FabuVag, or to place an order, please visit naturalvaginalsolutions.com.
Dr. Sharzad Green is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and specializes in bio-identical hormone therapy and natural alternatives. You may contact her directly at (480) 264-7600 or via email at azhormonehelpers@hotmail.com. You can read about vaginal dryness and other health-related issues on her blog at greenbalancerx.wordpress.com.