Picture this. You’re getting ready and as you slide on your underwear, you feel some irritation on your vulva - a symptom that could be the result of vaginal dryness. A common occurrence for women throughout moments in their life.
To be frank, vaginal dryness discomfort could also result in a burning sensation and pain in intercourse - all due to the tissues in the vagina becoming drier, thin and lack moisture.
When does vaginal dryness occur?
When estrogen dips or declines, it impacts your body’s ability to moisturize your vaginal lining creating healthy lubrication. When estrogen levels are low, the vaginal walls become thin, dry and inflammed causing your vaginal discomfort.
Vaginal dryness occurs at any age for women or those assigned female at birth, including during or after menopause when estrogen declines. The condition during menopause is referred to as vaginal atrophy.
Did you know? Non-hormonal factors can cause vaginal dryness like cold and allergy medications, some antidepressants and scented or perfumed washes, sprays or soaps.
How many experience vaginal dryness?
Research indicates of people ages 18 to 50 and assigned female at birth (AFAB) around 17%. This number increases during menopause with over half reporting vaginal dryness. Estrogen can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and life stages resulting in unexpected vaginal dryness.
Moments that could impact your vaginal dryness include:
- Birth control pills or any form of hormonal birth control
- Cancer treatments such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- Lack of sexual arrousal
- Anti-estrogen medications (treating endometriosis or uterine fibroids), certain antidepressants and antihistamines such as the ones that are used for itchy eyes and runny noses
- Oophorectomy, the procedure of removing your ovaries
- Scented or perfumed soaps, sprays and washes for around or in the vagina
Did you know? Your vagina is made of similar tissue that is located inside your nose and mouth. All are comprised of mucosal tissue.
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants help
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, vaginal moisturizers can help relieve symptoms. Vaginal moisturizers are available for external vulva use or internal use where they help build up vaginal tissue.
If your vaginal dryness is resulting in discomfort during sex, lubricants are your friend. Recommended lubricants include water-based, silicone-based or hybrid (the best of both worlds). The benefits of hybrid and water based is the inability to stain fabrics or materials compared to silicone.
Did you know? Private Packs vulva pack can help with vulva dryness and vaginal discomfort.
Feeling immediate relief
Private Packs vulva pack is reusable to help provide immediate comfort for vaginal dryness whenever it arises. The vulva packs warm usage can help enhance a lubricant’s application to the vulva’s epidermis (the top layer of your skin).
When applied warm, the vulva pack can help enhance vasodilation allowing the vulva’s epidermis to become more malleable and flexible. As a result, topical application of moisturizers will better penetrate the epidermis enhancing your feeling of relief.
In conclusion
Vaginal dryness is common and can occur unexpectedly as your body’s estrogen or the surround environment changes. If consistent pain and discomfort persists, it’s best to consult your medical care provider. While navigating your health journey, Private Packs vulva pack wearable design can help soothe your vaginal dryness symptoms and discomfort.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a physician or medical advice. Private Packs recommends making healthcare decisions based in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
