Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness: Causes and How to Feel More Comfortable

Vaginal dryness is when the vagina does not stay as moist as usual. It can cause itching, soreness or pain during sex. It is very common during and after menopause, because the body makes less estrogen. It can also happen at other times in life. The good news is that it can be treated.

Please note: This page shares general health information in simple words. It is not medical advice. Every body is different, so talk to a doctor or gynaecologist before you try any treatment.

Key Facts About Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is very common around menopause.
It happens mainly because estrogen levels drop.
It can cause itching, soreness and pain during sex.
Breastfeeding, some medicines and cancer treatments can also cause it.
Moisturisers and lubricants can help.
A doctor can prescribe treatment if self-care is not enough.

What Is Vaginal Dryness?

The vagina is normally kept moist by a thin layer of fluid. This keeps the skin soft and stretchy and helps protect against infection.

With vaginal dryness, there is less of this fluid. The skin of the vagina can become thinner and less stretchy. This can make the area feel dry, sore or uncomfortable.

What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness?

You may notice:

Dryness, soreness or itching in or around the vagina
Pain or discomfort during sex
Light bleeding or spotting after sex
Needing to pass urine more often
Urine infections that keep coming back
Discharge that is different from usual

Why Does Vaginal Dryness Happen in Menopause?

Estrogen helps keep the walls of the vagina thick, moist and stretchy. During and after menopause, estrogen levels drop. The skin of the vagina becomes thinner and drier.

Sometimes dryness comes with other changes in the vagina and bladder area. Doctors call this genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM. These changes often get worse over time without treatment.

What Else Can Cause Vaginal Dryness?

Menopause is the most common cause. Other causes include:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Some medicines, like hormonal birth control and some antidepressants
Surgery to remove the womb or ovaries
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Not feeling aroused enough during sex
Perfumed soaps, washes and douches
Some health conditions, like diabetes

How Can You Relieve Vaginal Dryness at Home?

Simple steps can make a big difference. Try these:

Use a vaginal moisturiser regularly. It keeps the area moist for longer. Read more about vaginal moisturisers.
Use a water-based lubricant before sex. It makes sex more comfortable.
Wash the outside area with plain water or a mild, unperfumed wash.
Do not use perfumed soaps, bubble baths or douches.
Do not use creams or lotions that are not made for the intimate area.
Wear cotton underwear.
Take more time for foreplay before sex.

A moisturiser and a lubricant are not the same. A moisturiser is used every few days to keep the area moist. A lubricant is used just before sex. Read more about the types of lubricant.

Sirona Menopause Intimate Cream

The Sirona Menopause Intimate Cream is a hormone-free cream for the skin around the vagina, called the vulva. It is made for dryness, itching and irritation. It has Tasmanian berry, flaxseed and olive extracts. It is fragrance-free and not greasy. Follow the directions on the pack.

This cream is for the outside area only. It does not replace hormones or treat GSM. If dryness inside the vagina continues, see a doctor.

Sirona also has a range of lubricants for more comfortable sex.

What Treatments Can a Doctor Suggest?

If self-care does not help, a doctor may suggest a low-dose estrogen treatment used in the vagina. It comes as a cream, a small tablet, a gel or a ring. It puts estrogen right where it is needed.

Vaginal estrogen is very low-dose. It does not carry the same risks as other hormone replacement therapy. So it can usually be used for a long time. It can take a few weeks to work.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor or gynaecologist if:

Dryness lasts more than a few weeks and self-care does not help.
It affects your daily life or your sex life.
You have discharge that looks or smells different.
You bleed after sex or between periods.
You have any bleeding after menopause.
You get urine infections again and again.

Related Terms

Shop menopause care: Sirona Menopause Collection

Sources

NHS. Vaginal dryness. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
NHS. When to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/when-to-take-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/
Cleveland Clinic. Estrogen. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22353-estrogen
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Common problem, effective treatments. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 2018. https://www.ccjm.org/content/85/5/390
Sirona Menopause Intimate Cream product page. https://thesirona.com/products/intimate-cream

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified doctor. It was written by the Sirona Content Team using the trusted medical sources listed above. Always talk to your doctor or gynaecologist about your symptoms and before starting any medicine, supplement or product. If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe pain, get medical help right away.