Understanding Vaginal Dryness: Causes and Solutions
Vaginal dryness can cause significant discomfort for women. Even a brief intimate encounter lasting just five minutes can result in intense pain. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this condition falls under the category of "vaginal dampness and heat." When vaginal dryness occurs, forcing intercourse can lead to congestion, swelling, and even damage to the vaginal mucosa, potentially leading to infections and various other health issues. So, what are the common causes of vaginal dryness in women?
Seven Major Causes of Vaginal Dryness
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Women over the age of 35 who frequently experience irregular menstrual cycles may be facing hormonal imbalances, which can lead to a reduction in vaginal secretions.
2. Vaginitis
Those suffering from vaginitis can experience congestion of the vaginal mucosa during intercourse, which results in decreased secretions.
3. Birth Control Pills
For some women, long-term use of birth control pills can cause vaginal dryness due to the progesterone contained within these medications, negatively impacting sexual enjoyment.
4. Over-Cleansing
Many women mistakenly believe that vaginal discharge is unclean and often engage in deep vaginal washing. However, this over-cleaning can disrupt the natural balance of secretions and beneficial bacteria, leading to dryness.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
If a woman experiences not only vaginal dryness but also symptoms like angular cheilitis or dry skin, it may indicate nutritional imbalances, especially a lack of vitamin B2. This condition can lead to dry vaginal walls, mucosal congestion, and even erosion.
6. Insufficient Sexual Arousal
When women feel arousal but don't reach the necessary level of excitement, or if their partner rushes directly into intercourse, it can result in decreased secretion of bodily fluids, contributing to vaginal dryness.
7. Psychological Stress
Life and work-related stress can reduce libido and delay sexual arousal, resulting in vaginal dryness.
How to Address Vaginal Dryness
Fortunately, there are many strategies to alleviate vaginal dryness. Experts recommend that women experiencing insufficient sexual arousal engage in open communication with their partners. It's important for partners to approach foreplay with tenderness and patience, extending the duration of intimate moments to enhance arousal.
Using water-based lubricants is also an excellent option. Research indicates that 67% of couples in the U.S. utilize these products, which have low irritation potential and help relax partners, enhancing the overall enjoyment of sexual activity.
For menopausal women, hormonal changes after menopause can lead to dryness. Under medical supervision, women might consider suitable estrogen supplementation to mitigate this issue.
Women dealing with infections can expect improvements in dryness once the underlying vaginitis is treated.
If dryness results from poor diet, increasing the intake of whole grains and unrefined cereals can enhance the elasticity and moisture content of the skin and mucosa.
Finally, women who prioritize cleanliness should simply rinse the external genital area with water. It’s vital to avoid frequent vaginal douching to maintain a healthy vaginal environment.