It’s important to note that there’s a difference between arousal and desire. Arousal, which causes lubrication, is physiological and the desire to have sex is psychological.
Normally, the walls of the vagina stay lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. The hormone estrogen helps maintain that fluid and keeps the lining of the vagina healthy, thick, and elastic.
Once in a lifetime of every woman they experience with attempts at intercourse, vaginal dryness which may cause sexual discomfort, sensations of burning, tightness, pain or inability to penetrate known as Dyspareunia(painful sexual intercourse due to medical or psychological causes) but for some women is almost a never ending experience.
Read on for these signs of vaginal dryness and potential treatments.
What causes dryness?
Reduced estrogen levels
Medical conditions like pregnancy, lactation, menopause, sexually transmitted infections, douching, aging, chemotherapy, smoking, certain medications.
Signs and symptoms:
- Itching or stinging around the vaginal opening
- Burning
- Soreness
- Pain with intercourse
- Light bleeding with intercourse
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles
Avoid
- Vinegar, yogurt or other douches
- Hand lotions
- Antibacterial or fragrant soaps
- Bubble baths or bath oils
- Scented or perfumed products
- Flavored lubricants are not generally recommended because they can cause a yeast infection.
- Oil-based lubricants are not meant for vagina use
What you can do?
- Pay attention to your sexual needs: Occasional vaginal dryness during intercourse may mean that you aren’t sufficiently aroused. Make time for foreplay and allow your body to become adequately aroused and lubricated. Communicate with your beloved about your sexual needs and what turns you on.
- Having intercourse regularly can also help promote better vaginal lubrication.
- Listen to your body: vaginal dryness may be an indication that something is going on with your body and you need to go to the physician.
- Boost your water intake: Drinking at least ten 8-oz glasses of water a day may help to relieve vaginal dryness.
- Follow a hormone-balancing diet: Your body needs the right nutritional support to make and balance your hormones.