You probably don’t know this yet but there’s a direct link between a happy sex life and the health status of your vagina. In simple words, a happy, healthy vagina translates to a happy, thriving sex life. On the other hand, an unhealthy vagina means an underwhelming sex life. That is exactly where vaginal dryness comes into the picture.
What Is It?
A healthy vagina automatically produces its own thin layer of crystal clear fluid that lubricates the vaginal wall during intercourse. The fluid also keeps vaginal walls thick and elastic. That is why you’re able to enjoy sex. The fluid is in all fairness, a natural lubricant. If for one reason or another the fluid’s production reduces, vaginal dryness becomes imminent. Ultimately, sex becomes boring and painful. Sex at this point also becomes dangerous as it exposes the vagina to yeast and other urinary tract infections.
Causes
Declining estrogen levels stand out as the main cause of vaginal dryness. If you’re aging, this shouldn’t come as a surprise because the older you grow, the more your estrogen levels drop. Eventually, you get to a stage experts refer to as peri-menopause where you don’t menstruate anymore. Notably, it is also at this stage where vaginal dryness announces its onset. Note though, that menopause isn’t the only factor that takes a toll on estrogen production. Other factors include:
• Depression
• Excessive cigarette smoking
• Rigorous exercise
• Breastfeeding
• Cancer treatment like chemotherapy
• Some immune disorders like sjorgen syndrome
Vaginal douches can also take a toll on your estrogen levels which always result in vaginal dryness as already explained. The same can be said of some lotions and creams which women apply to the vaginal area.
Treatment
Vaginal treatment is in so many ways a serious condition. Strangely though, its treatment is simple in the shape of over the counter lubricants and moisturizing creams. Many of the lubricants available can easily change your vagina’s Ph, thus reducing the chances of contracting a UTI.
Be sure to always choose a lubricant specifically manufactured for vaginal use. Be sure to also go for water based lubricants. Your choice of lubricant shouldn’t be scented or contain artificial colours and herbal extracts. Such lubricants are known to cause irritation. On the same note, lubricants like mineral oil and petroleum jelly can easily damage birth control diaphragms and latex condoms, so avoid them by all means.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the aforementioned solutions don’t work. Your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe estrogen therapy in the form of a cream, pill or vaginal ring which gradually releases estrogen.
Other Simple Solutions
You may have noticed by now that there are lifestyle habits that have a direct impact on your sex life. Cigarette smoking is one such habit. It eventually leads to vaginal dryness. Your best bet is to quit smoking altogether or smoke in moderation. Other habits like douching have also been proven to do more harm than good to the vagina. Douching in particular, kills the beneficial bacteria inside the vagina, leaving it susceptible to urinary tract infections. The solution here is simple. Ditch such habits for the sake of a healthier vagina.
Wrap Up
Your vagina is delicate. Treat it with the care it deserves. Fortunately, vaginal care isn’t rocket science. You can always note something abnormal like dryness and take appropriate measures before it’s too late. Note that vaginal dryness is common, so don’t panic the first time you notice it. It may be due to any of the reasons stated above. It could also be that your partner isn’t turning you on in which case you should ask him (or her) to focus more on foreplay before intercourse.