Vaginal Dryness

What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a common and natural occurrence that affects women of all ages. A healthy vagina normally has soft and elastic vaginal walls due to a balanced system of hydration in the vaginal tissues. This system, however, can be disturbed causing dryness to the vaginal walls; known as vaginal dryness. 

What causes vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness often occurs when levels of estrogen hormone decrease considerably in the body affecting the moisture in the vaginal tissues. Most women experience vaginal dryness during childbirth, breast-feeding and menopause, which are natural events where estrogen levels fluctuate in the body.   
In addition to these natural events, vaginal dryness is also caused by: stress, frequent douching and side effects of certain medications such as antihistamines (allergy medication), cold/cough medications and antidepressants.
 
For more information on vaginal dryness during menopause go to the section “Menopause and Vaginal Health”.

What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?

The symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

·         Discomfort
·         Burning sensation
·         Itching
·         Bleeding
·         Infections
·         Pain during sexual intercourse

Burning sensation and itching are symptoms caused by tiny lesions in the vaginal walls appearing when there is lack of moisture. Pain during sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness can consequently affect a woman’s sexual life by making intercourse uncomfortable, painful and less pleasurable. However, these symptoms are easily controlled if the appropriate treatments are used to restore your vaginal moisture and lubrication.

What are my treatment options?

In order to treat vaginal dryness there are moisturizers and lubricants available in Canada that do not need a prescription.

Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants are useful treatments that relieve dryness and pain during sexual intercourse. However, lubricants only provide a temporary effect of lubrication to the vagina, while moisturizers on the other hand adhere to the vaginal walls to moisturize and lubricate the vaginal tissues for a longer time.  

There are certain moisturizers, like HYALFEM^TM, available in Canada that in addition to restoring the vaginal moisture and lubrication can also regulate and maintain the normal levels of the vaginal pH.

Maintaining the normal levels of the vaginal pH will protect the vagina from infections. If there is an infection such as vaginitis or urinary tract infections, please contact your doctor as this should be treated with appropriate medication. 

For more information about HYALFEM^TM vaginal moisturizing gel click here.

How can I improve my vaginal health?[1]

In addition to using treatments to relieve vaginal dryness, there are other things you can do to minimize possible irritations:

• Wash clothing with non-perfumed or low-allergenic products and avoid the use of fabric softeners.
• Gently wash the skin of the genital area with plain water or with a gentle soap. Always pat dry your genital area (do not rub). 
• Avoid the use of feminine hygiene sprays and douches; as well as pads, tampons and toilet paper that are scented.
• Wear underpants made of natural fibres such as cotton or consider using no undergarments when possible (ex. when going to bed).