Vaginal dryness: symptoms, causes and remedies

Vaginal dryness is something many women experience, often during sensitive times like menopause, but it can also occur at other stages of life.

This condition can leave you feeling vulnerable, affecting both your daily comfort and intimacy. Vaginal health relies on a delicate balance of hormones, natural lubrication, and microflora, and when this balance is disrupted, the discomfort of dryness can become quite noticeable.

However, it’s important to know you are not the only one who is facing this kind of discomfort; moreover, understanding the causes is the first step toward restoring comfort and peace of mind. In this article you can find what you need to know about the causes and remedies for vaginal dryness.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness

Understanding how to identify vaginal dryness is essential, though it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other issues.

The symptoms of vaginal dryness can vary in intensity and may manifest in different ways, depending on the causes and the individual’s overall health. One of the most common symptoms is a noticeable feeling of dryness or lack of lubrication, often experienced as constant irritation in the vaginal area. This feeling can be accompanied by itching, burning, or even slight swelling, which can make even simple daily activities like walking, exercising, or sitting for long periods uncomfortable.

This discomfort inevitably affects a person’s sexual life as well: during intercourse, vaginal dryness can cause pain (dyspareunia), often described as a feeling of abrasion or intense burning during penetration. Sexual pain can not only diminish intimate pleasure but also create tension in relationships, leading to discomfort and anticipatory anxiety.

In some cases, vaginal dryness can lead to frequent urinary tract infections or vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. This occurs because the lack of lubrication reduces the vagina’s natural protective barrier, making it easier for bacteria and other pathogens to enter. Some women also report symptoms related to urinary problems, such as cystitis: increased urgency to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, or frequent urination.

Vaginal dryness symptoms are not limited to menopause (though they are more common during this time). Younger women can also experience this condition, especially during hormonal changes, such as postpartum or while breastfeeding. Some women notice worsening symptoms during certain phases of their menstrual cycle, particularly during the luteal phase when estrogen levels are lower.

Unfortunately, vaginal dryness can significantly affect quality of life, causing considerable physical and emotional discomfort, and impacting sexual, social, and psychological well-being.

Causes of vaginal dryness

The causes of vaginal dryness span a wide range of physical, hormonal, psychological, and environmental factors.

One of the primary causes, as mentioned, is the reduction in estrogen levels, a hormone essential for maintaining the elasticity, tone, and lubrication of vaginal tissues. This occurs naturally during menopause, as the ovaries gradually decrease estrogen production. However, this is not the only time when hormone levels can drop: during the postpartum period and breastfeeding, the body also produces less estrogen to maintain high levels of prolactin, a hormone essential for milk production.

Consequently, women experience a decrease in lubrication and so vaginal dryness.

Various medical conditions can contribute to this issue, including premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can disrupt hormonal production and lead to vaginal dryness. Additionally, anti-estrogen therapies, commonly used in breast cancer treatment, significantly lower estrogen levels and may trigger this symptom.

Less commonly recognized causes include certain medications. Some antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications can affect the central nervous system or the body’s hydration balance, potentially leading to dryness. Furthermore, prolonged use of oral contraceptives can alter estrogen levels and negatively impact lubrication.

Environmental and behavioral factors also play a significant role. Using harsh intimate cleansers, deodorant sprays, or vaginal douches can irritate and dry out vaginal tissues, disrupting the delicate pH balance. Frequent tampon use or wearing tight, synthetic clothing may increase the risk of dryness and irritation.

General body dehydration, from inadequate water intake or excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, can also diminish vaginal lubrication.

Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and personal concerns can profoundly impact hormonal balance and vaginal health, leading to reduced sexual desire and lower levels of natural lubrication.

Lastly, changes in the vaginal microbiome due to bacterial or fungal infections can disrupt the balance of vaginal flora, negatively affecting lubrication. Chronic infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, can damage vaginal tissues, resulting in persistent dryness even after the infection has been treated.

Remedies for vaginal dryness: the most common ones

Fortunately, there are several solutions for vaginal dryness.

In many cases, using specific products such as lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can provide immediate relief. Water-based lubricants are recommended during sexual intercourse, while vaginal moisturizers can be used regularly to improve tissue hydration.

For those in menopause or with low estrogen levels, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or estrogen-based creams can be effective treatments, but these should be recommended by a specialist.

Additionally, to address vaginal dryness, there are also other natural remedies that are extremely effective in both the short and long term, allowing for a more definitive approach to managing this condition.

How to take care of vaginal dryness?

Lovidra is indeed an efficient solution that addresses vaginal dryness from multiple angles due to its unique formulation.

Its key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, available in three different molecular weights, which provides comprehensive action: it repairs and nourishes vaginal tissues by attracting and retaining water for intense and long-lasting hydration. This deep action promotes cellular regeneration, improving natural lubrication and reducing discomfort.

Vitamin E further enhances tissue health, improving the trophism of both the vulvar skin and vaginal epithelium. This means the tissues become not only more hydrated but also healthier and protected, preventing dryness and irritation.

Finally, rice bran oil, known for its emollient, moisturizing, and lubricating properties, enriches the formula, making the tissues even softer and smoother for immediate and prolonged comfort.

To enhance the benefits of Lovidra, Osidra comes into play. This sublingual hyaluronic acid is designed to work from the inside. Its sublingual delivery method allows for rapid and effective absorption, improving the hydration of vaginal tissues internally.

Lovidra and Osidra, together, work in perfect harmony, employing a holistic approach that tackles vaginal dryness from both local and systemic levels. This integrated solution effectively revitalizes intimate well-being and comfort.

The importance of prevention

Understanding how to treat vaginal dryness and prevent its worsening is essential.

Maintaining good hydration, avoiding harsh cleansers, and choosing for breathable clothing can help alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, seeking medical advice is crucial to evaluate a personalized therapy, whether hormonal or not.

Our approach is proactive and informed, enabling you to choose the remedies for vaginal dryness that are best suited to your needs, enhancing both your quality of life and your intimate well-being.