Dryness in the intimate area in women: what to do and how to solve the problem

The intimate area in women is normally always slightly moist: there is a thin layer of transparent lubricant on the walls of the vagina. This happens due to special glands located on the cervix. As it is produced, the lubricant flows out, cleaning the walls of the vagina and removing dead cells. Moreover, it creates an environment in which it is convenient for sperm to move. Lack of lubrication leads to severe discomfort and irritation. Dryness in the intimate area brings extremely unpleasant sensations. They not only occur during sex, but sex makes them even better. Symptoms of dryness in the intimate area include:

Why does this happen? By itself, intimate dryness is not a disease, but a manifestation of certain processes occurring in the body. They can be both normal, such as the breastfeeding period, and pathological – any diseases. Most often, dryness is associated with hormonal changes: female sex hormones are responsible for releasing a sufficient amount of moisture. The drop in estrogen causes many changes in the female body, including a decrease in the amount of lubrication, for example, due to the thinning of the walls of the vagina. Thinner walls mean fewer cells that produce lubrication, hence discomfort. It happens quite often: about 17% of women between the ages of 18 and 50 complain of dryness.

Let’s see what can cause the drop in estrogen levels and what else can affect the intensity of lubrication.

The main causes are premenopause and menopause. Dryness during menopause is one of the most common symptoms, according to statistics, it occurs in 20% of women. But in fact, the situation can be more serious, and almost every second woman suffers from dryness during the period of hormonal adjustment.

The list of probable causes is quite long and the number of women concerned about dryness is huge – however, not everyone reaches the doctor. Someone is shy, someone is trying to solve the problem on their own, and it seems to someone that a “simple” burning sensation is not a reason to consult a doctor. But the problem of dryness in the intimate zone in women is solved quite easily, and there is absolutely no need to put up with discomfort if you cannot. Itching, burning, pain, irritation and dryness – a reason to make an appointment with a gynecologist. Also, if left untreated, these conditions can lead to sores or other tissue damage in the vagina. If the irritation is accompanied by heavy bleeding, seek immediate medical attention.

In case of dryness it is necessary to go to the gynecologist-endocrinologist. The doctor will first clarify with you when the symptoms appeared, what they could be associated with, examine the genitals, including checking whether everything is in order with the walls of the vagina, take a smear and possibly send you to pass tests .

Depending on the test results, you may be prescribed:

In addition, there are also folk ways to deal with dryness and other unpleasant sensations in the intimate zone:

Unfortunately, problems with the genitals are not a topic that is usually discussed, and many are embarrassed to go to the doctor with their problems or tell their partner in order to reach a compromise. However, it is quite easy to compensate for dryness in the intimate area, and the absence of itching and irritation will significantly increase the quality of life, so it is always worth consulting a doctor.