Vaginal Dryness, Explained by a Gynecologist

Think again: When’s the final time you had a roundtable about, um, vaginal dryness? Okay, it’s in all probability not the go-to subject blowing up your group textual content—however (PSA) it’s formally time to speak about it.

Why? As a result of vaginal dryness is severely widespread in perimenopause, menopause, and past (like, for those who’re taking oral contraceptives or breastfeeding or experiencing stress)—and there’s a serious information hole across the situation. That’s why board-certified OB-GYN Lucky Sekhon, MD, desires to make clear the problem—from the causes to probably the most generally occurring signs—and encourage some vagina dialogues.

When you’ve eased into the concept that vaginal dryness is not only a *you* drawback, be aware of Dr. Sekhon’s easy, holistic suggestions for a little bit of aid—like small weight-reduction plan shifts, extra frequent sexual exercise (yep, actually), and physique care with high-quality, efficient components akin to hyaluronic acid (which, FYI, yow will discover in Revaree, a hyaluronic-acid-packed vaginal insert that’s clinically proven to enhance dryness, relieve painful intercourse, and ease basic discomfort, it doesn’t matter what stage of life you’re in).

Preserve studying to get the low-down on vaginal dryness and study extra about the advantages of hydrating inserts. Vaginal well being has entered the chat.

What causes vaginal dryness?

In case your vagina feels dry, irritated, or painful, decreased estrogen ranges could also be accountable. “Estrogen is a hormone that helps [support] vaginal well being [by] sustaining the thickness and elasticity of vaginal tissues and lubrication,” Dr. Sekhon says, “and its decline can result in varied modifications, together with dryness.” This occurs mostly throughout perimenopause—the transition interval earlier than menopause—and menopause, when your ovaries start producing much less estrogen, however it may possibly happen at any age.

“In youthful ladies, vaginal dryness is commonly linked to elements akin to hormonal imbalances, sure medicines (like antihistamines and antidepressants), stress, extreme train, smoking, breastfeeding, [and] lack of arousal earlier than sexual exercise,” she says.

In perimenopause and menopause, decreased estrogen ranges trigger vaginal tissue to turn into thinner, much less elastic, and extra inclined to dryness and irritation—a situation referred to as vaginal atrophy. What’s extra, “a decrease estrogen stage can result in the next vaginal pH, which reduces the vagina’s skill to beat back dangerous micro organism and fungi, contributing to dryness and discomfort.”

For postmenopausal ladies, vaginal dryness can turn into a power situation that is usually accompanied by thinning and irritation of the vaginal partitions, Dr. Sekhon says. “Along with the long-term results of decreased estrogen, different elements like medical situations, medicines for power illnesses, and total well being standing can contribute to or exacerbate vaginal dryness in older ladies.”

The underside line? As you age, an entire host of things can have an effect on your vaginal well being, so getting knowledgeable about (and just a little aid for) what’s happening is crucial.

A information to vaginal-dryness aid

Earlier than you resign to an always-dry actuality, be aware of the straightforward methods Dr. Sekhon suggests supporting your vaginal well being daily: Attempt to keep hydrated, keep away from topical irritants like scented soaps and douches, and incorporate phytoestrogen-rich meals like soy and flaxseed into your weight-reduction plan. Oh, and don’t hand over on pleasure time. “Common sexual exercise, with or with no companion, may help keep vaginal well being by enhancing blood stream to the world,” she says.

Alongside the following pointers and methods, Dr. Sekhon recommends vaginal inserts as an efficient resolution for managing dryness. “Inserts ship lively components on to the vaginal tissues [to] present focused aid proper the place it is wanted,” she says. “By assuaging dryness and discomfort, vaginal inserts can drastically enhance sexual consolation and delight [and] may help keep vaginal well being, stopping atrophy and irritation.”

For the very best stage of hydration, she opts for inserts that include moisturizers like hyaluronic acid. “[Hyaluronic acid] can maintain as much as 1,000 occasions its weight in water, making it a superb hydrating agent for the vaginal tissues,” she says. Plus, “it helps tissue restore and regeneration, which is helpful for thinning and fragile vaginal [walls].”

You possibly can ship a stable dose of hyaluronic acid straight to the supply with Revaree—an easy-to-use, hormone-free vaginal insert from Bonafide Well being that’s really useful by over 7,500 docs and formulated to ease dryness and enhance consolation for all of the day’s actions (intimate ones included). In line with Bonafide Well being’s chief medical officer and gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, MD, FACOG, “Revaree is a superb choice as a first-line administration device, along with estrogen or in its place. It really works by binding water, and sure by means of angiogenesis, [or] enhancing blood stream to the vaginal tissue.” Simply attain for the applicator-free, no-mess insert as soon as each two to 3 nights, and sleep soundly realizing you’re supporting your vaginal well being.

Prepared to interrupt the silence round vaginal dryness and eventually reclaim some consolation (and possibly just a little pleasure, please)? Use code WELL20 for 20 % off your first month’s subscription of Revaree. Go forward, textual content it to the group thread.