Vaginal dryness is a common problem that can affect all women, regardless of age. During arousal, the vagina produces natural lubrication to make sexual intercourse comfortable and enjoyable. However, sometimes a variety of different factors can disrupt this process, leading to vaginal dryness and a lack of natural lubricant. 

Let’s find out more about vaginal dryness; the symptoms behind it, causes of vaginal dryness, how it affects your sex-life and how to treat it.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can cause a wide variety of symptoms. If you experience vaginal dryness, you might notice; 

• Persistent lack of natural lubrication or moisture in the vagina when sexually aroused
• Needing to use additional lubricant every time you have sexual intercourse
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse
• Light bleeding after intercourse
• Itching or irritation of the vagina
• Changes in vaginal dryness
• Needing to pee more often than normal
• Loss of interest in sex

Causes of vaginal dryness

There could be a number of factors that can cause vaginal dryness or a decrease in vaginal lubrication, from psychological, physical or physiological changes - let’s explore a few of these.

Psychological: 

Stress and anxiety: Psychological stress can cause the body to produce less lubrication, leading to vaginal dryness.

Lack of sexual arousal or desire: Having reduced sexual arousal or desire can cause a decrease of blood flow to the vaginal area, resulting in less lubrication.

Negative body image or self-esteem: Having a negative body image or low self-esteem can affect your sexual confidence, causing a reduction in the body responding to sexual stimulation. 

Physical causes: 

Hormonal changes: Fluctuations between the menstrual cycle or pregnancy can cause temporary vaginal dryness.

Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can affect any stage of our life; whether it’s through pregnancy, breastfeeding or early menopause contributing to a loss of natural lubricant. 

Medication: Side effects of medication, for instance, certain antihistamines or contraceptives can interfere with the body’s ability to produce vaginal lubrication.

Smoking: Smoking can affect blood circulation and vaginal health - which may result in vaginal dryness.

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can also disrupt the normal hormonal balance, impacting on vaginal moisture levels.

Physiological causes: 

Estrogen levels: Estrogen helps to ensure good vaginal health and lubrication, so a decrease in estrogen levels can impact on our ability to self-lubricate.

Age-related changes: Age-related changes in vaginal tissues and moisture levels can impact on vaginal lubrication, due to the vaginal tissue becoming thinner and less elastic. 

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders can also impact the body’s ability to produce vaginal moisture.

How vaginal dryness affects your sex-life

Vaginal dryness can significantly affect your sex-life. Without sufficient lubrication, sexual intercourse may feel uncomfortable or cause physical discomfort. This is due to a reduction in natural lubricant causing friction between the vaginal walls and the penis (or sex-toys) which can often lead to irritation and soreness. This discomfort can then make sexual activities, including intercourse less enjoyable. 

In addition, the pain and discomfort associated with vaginal dryness can lead to a decreased interest in sexual desire or libido and overall well-being. The fear of experiencing discomfort during sex may make you anxious or hesitant about engaging in sexual activities. This may create tension or strain in your relationship, impacting on emotional connection and intimacy.

How to treat vaginal dryness 

Addressing and managing vaginal dryness is key to achieving a satisfying sex-life. One way of doing this is to use a medical lubricant every time you have sexual intercourse or during any sexual activity. Lubricants provide additional moisture and help to increase vaginal lubricant in order to alleviate discomfort and help to reduce friction. Lubricants come in different flavours or sensations; from strawberry, fresh mint, gentle light lube or if you’re feeling really adventurous; cookies and cream and banana. 

Remember you’re not alone in experiencing vaginal dryness - it’s a really common condition that can affect any woman at any age and there are treatments and lubricants available to help you maintain a satisfying sex-life.