Treating vaginal dryness

MOST of us have felt dry down there at some point in our lives. The condition, according to internist Dr Samantha Nicholson, is noted among the most common gynaecological-related problems affecting women across all age groups.

“Vaginal dryness can be described as reduced moisture noted particularly during intercourse manifested by burning, painful, uncomfortable intercourse and difficulty becoming aroused. However, others may experience symptoms of vaginal dryness all the time,” Dr Nicholson said.

She noted that some other common symptoms of vaginal dryness include a desire to urinate more often than usual, getting urinary tract infections often, your sex drive takes a big hit, the vagina may narrow or shorten, and in some women the appearance of the vagina also changes — it takes on a thin, pale appearance. The most noted and usually more persistent and constant complaints among women are itching, burning, and an irritated and/or dry feeling.

“The causes of vaginal dryness may vary, but among the more common are menopause since the levels of oestrogen declines significantly, and which is why some people often believe that it affects older women more. Also, it can happen following childbirth and during breastfeeding, then there are instances where the foreplay was not long enough and another very common culprit is medications — a common one used by many women of the childbearing age group is the contraceptive pill,” Dr Nicholson explained.

She underscored that for many women, especially those who suffer from the problem long-term, the root cause is often found to be psychological. This happens in the case of women who have experienced some kind of trauma especially sexual, such as previous rape or abuse; guilt issues such as if she is with someone else’s partner knowingly; promiscuity; if she is using the man (he is nothing but a meal ticket); when there is conflict in the relationship; and in cases of adultery.

“In cases where vaginal dryness is psychologically related, it can also be associated with vaginismus. This is basically when the vagina just clamps down and won’t allow penetration or just makes it difficult. Also, vaginismus can occur if sex is painful in the first place,” Dr Nicholson explained.

Whenever a woman is experiencing vaginal dryness, Dr Nicholson said it is important to seek treatment because not only will she expose herself to unnecessary discomfort, but it may cause erosions, tears, bleeding in severe cases, as well as it may compromise the integrity of the condom which will expose both the woman and her partner to sexually transmitted diseases.

“The treatment options available for vaginal dryness include lubricants and topical oestrogen cream. The oestrogen creams are for dryness related to low hormone levels, which are usually related to menopause, and then there are lubricants which are water-based and are much safer since they won’t interfere with the integrity of condoms. One called Replens can be inserted pre-intercourse and so doesn’t interrupt the flow. It uses an applicator like tampons,” Dr Nicholson advised.

She said for women who are menopausal, hormonal therapy will help stabilise the flow of oestrogen in the body, and this way they will also be able to reduce the possibility of vaginal dryness.