SMSNA receives magazines and publishes the visitor’s editorial. The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, an independent author and researcher specializing in women’s health, well -being and healthy living. He is his founder and editor -in -chief Body+Mind Magazine.
Although vaginal dryness is a natural part of aging, many misconceptions surround it, causing unnecessary concerns and ineffective self-treatment strategies. Today, we will deny six widespread myths about this common issue and explain what you can do if it affects your quality of life.
Myth 1 – Vaginal dryness means lack of sexual arousal
While it is true that dryness can happen when you are not available, this is not the only reason. Physical, psychological, psychosocial, emotional and sexual factors also play a role, including moisturizing levels, stress, activity, month of the month and age.
In addition, vaginal humidity is not the only factor that shows levels of stimulation. Sometimes women may feel irritated, but they still face dryness due to the underlying health. Although painful sex due to drought should be a cause of concern, it can still happen for a variety of reasons and affect people of all ages. Consult your doctor about treatment options.
Myth 2 – not serious concern about health
Vaginal dryness occurs when estrogen levels decrease, resulting in a thinner, dryer and less elastic vaginal lining. It is common during menopause, pregnancy, or when taking drugs to treat endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Sometimes dryness indicates health problems such as ovarian cancer, which can cause several hormonal changes. While there is no specific way to avoid this disease, childbirth, breastfeeding and oral contraceptives for more than five years can reduce your risk.
Myth 3 – Douching can relieve dryness
Douching is the act of washing your vagina with various substances such as water, vinegar, iodine or baking soda. In the US, almost one in five women between 15 and 44 douches. However, many do not know that this habit can disrupt the flora and acidity of the vagina, which can cause bacterial vaginal or dough infections.
In addition, it washs natural lubricants, making it build and maintain moisture more provocative. Instead of douching, doctors recommend that you leave your vagina self -cleansing, which of course mucosal.
Myth 4 – only affects older women
Many people believe that vaginal dryness only occurs during menopause. However, it can occur at any age due to underlying health conditions, drugs and hormonal changes. The use of aromatic soaps and sprays around your vagina can also reduce your natural lubrication.
Lubricants as they can also be useful for women after menopause.
- Water -based: These work quickly to reduce dryness, making them an excellent choice. However, frequent review may be necessary.
- Silicone -based: Silicone lubricants combine long -term lubrication with a smooth, silky feeling that many find pleasant. Like water -based options, this type is also ideal for after menopause.
- Based on oil: Coconut oil and oil jelly fall below this category. They provide additional comfort, but may increase the risk of fracture for latex condoms.
- Hybrid: A mixture of water and silicone provides long -term lubrication and promises easy clearance.
Myth 5 – Vaginal dryness is impossible to address
While vaginal dryness may be frustrating, you have enough options to relieve your physical and emotional discomfort.
- Using lubricants: Reduce dryness from Using a quality lubricant during sex. Choose a product without chemicals and additives.
- Application of vaginal moisturizers: Use these products around your vulva to promote the best health of vaginal tissue.
- Avoiding irritatingly: Aromatic women’s hygiene products, such as douching and flavored toilet paper, can further dryness and irritation. Choose mild, non -central soaps and wear cotton underwear to minimize irritation.
- Contact your partner: Open communication can relieve your anxiety about vaginal dryness. Ask your partner to participate in more erotic games to increase your stimulation and natural lubrication during sex.
Sometimes, lubricants and moisturizers only provide temporary relief. Your doctor may suggest local vaginal estrogen – a hormone replacement therapy that facilitates hassle and dryness. They often come in forms of gel or spray – talk to your doctor about the product that best suits your needs.
Myth 6 – It’s an annoying situation
Do not be ashamed to share your concerns with a professional. Consult your gynecologist or urogenologist for a comprehensive evaluation, which may include laboratory tests and genital inspection. While it may initially feel embarrassed, it is a test worth having. Based on your results, your doctor may suggest options to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Visit your doctor immediately if:
- You experience vaginal dryness for weeks
- Lubricants and moisturizers no longer provide sufficient relief
- Dryness makes sex painful
- Bleed after sex
- You have an unusual discharge or bleeding
Stay up to date
Start taking control of your vaginal health today. If you face vaginal dryness, do not hesitate to tell your doctor, especially if you have treated it for a while.
Reports:
Healthline. (2021, August 30). Read this if you ask yourself “why can’t I get wet?” https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/why-cant-i-get-Wet
WebMD. (2023, May 19). Copic dryness: Causes and moisturizing treatments. https://www.webmd.com/women/vaginal-dryness-causes-moisturizing-treatments
The Hope & Innovation Institute of Oncology. (2021, September 29). 5 Fast events: ovarian cancer. https://theoncologyinstitute.com/ovarian-cancer/
Medical news today. (2023, May 30). What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321615
Women’s Health Office (Oash). (2022, December 29). Douching. https://womenshealth.gov/az-topics/douching
Advanced health care of women. (2022, October 15). A driver for lubricants. https://www.awhcare.com/storage/app/media/guide-to-lubricants.pdf
Medline Plus. (2024, November 15). Local estradiol. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/A605041.html
The National Health Service (NHS). (2021, December 30). Vaginal dryness. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
