Its symptoms include; inflammatory feeling in the vagina during sex, constant itching, and soreness of vagina.

Its causes can be –

• Low estrogen (Estrogen is a hormone that helps keep the vaginal tissue lubricated and healthy) the

Factors that lead to low level of estrogen include; Perimenopause, Menopause, birth of a child, breastfeeding, medical surgery, smoking, cancer treatments, anti-estrogen medicines.

• Douching and other chemical irritants like soaps, lotions, perfumes, can disrupt the natural balance of chemicals, eventually leading to vaginal dryness.

• Antidepressants may also affect in vaginal secretions.

• Increase in stress and anxiety would lead to a varied sexual desire which causes vaginal dryness.

• Low libido levels might make way to dryness, and conversely, the dryness may result in low libido.

Diagnosing Vaginal Dryness

• Consult your physician for a pelvic examination to check the cause of the walls of the vagina followed by a test of the vaginal discharge.
• Get a hormone test done to check if you are undergoing menopause.

Ensure these precautions to avoid vaginal dryness:

• Avoid deodorants and perfumes around the intimate area.
• During intercourse give some time for foreplay and let the body produce lubrication naturally.
• Use lubricant during sex.
• Consult your doctor about treating the lack of estrogen secreted for substitute measures.
• Use intimate moisturizer or gel to soothe vaginal dryness.

How to increase the lubrication?

Vaginal dryness is a serious issue can need to be addressed with high importance. Its treatment varies depending on cause and severity of the condition. Some of the common suggestions are mentioned below.

• Lubes and creams can help the vagina stay moist for several hours or a whole day. Make sure to use water-soluble lube during intercourse to minimize vaginal dryness.

Natural treatment options for curing vaginal dryness.

Be sure to consult a physician prior to taking any decisions w.r.t. use of natural treatment options. Do not attempt to treat yourself without formal expert advice. None of the below-mentioned remedies are backed by scientifically proven data. 

• Wild yam – Creams containing wild yam which is a natural source of estrogen can help with vaginal dryness.
• Black cohosh – Is a common dietary supplement to relieve menopausal symptoms. Some women also take black cohosh to help relieve vaginal dryness.
• Soybeans – Soy contains an important substance called isoflavones, that functions as estrogen in the body and prevents dryness. Consumption of food rich in soy (soy milk, tofu, and soybeans) can help cure vaginal dryness.